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'Towards a Barrier Free Singapore Public Transit System'
Ms Judy Wee,
President, Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA); and
Ms Rahmah M Talib,
Design Manager, Land Transport Authority.
10th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for the Elderly and Disabled
(TRANSED 2004), Act City Hamamatsu, Japan.
May, 23 to 26, 2004.
Introduction
In our society today, an accessible transport system plays an integral role in the lives of people with disabilities. As the percentage of people of 60 years old in Singapore is expected to increase over the next 10 years, the transportation needs of this user-group would also grow in demand.
The findings of a survey conducted by the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) among its members in the year 2000, revealed that more than 60% faced difficulties in using public transportation. 50% also cited an inaccessible transport system people as the main reason why they were unable to find employment.
One of the crucial needs for the elderly and people with disabilities to lead independent and meaningful lives is to have an effective transport system. This is especially crucial for their lifeline to ensure greater participation in the mainstream of the society they live in.
Hence, provision for barrier-free access in transit infrastructure will no doubt enhanced their lives and also meet the needs of other user-groups such as families with young children or babies in strollers/prams, those with shopping bags or temporary immobilised due to injuries.
Barrier-Free Transport System
People often use varying modes of transportation to travel between locations or point to point. An inter-modal transport system involves the movement of people, using different types of transportation during a single journey to their individual destination. In addition to providing movement from origin to destination, inter-modal transportation is also concerned with the smooth transfer between modes during the journey, which include public and private buses, rail, cars and taxis.
Thus, by seamless journey, we mean the inter-connectivity and close relationship between people and linkages, infrastructure and vehicle in order to reach their final destination. It is also the desire for comfort, safety with reliable transitions between modes and to ensure that these occur smoothly and with minimal delay.
The Code on Barrier Free Accessibility in Buildings was published in 1990 to articulate the Singapore Government's commitment to cater to the needs of people with disabilities and the future ageing population. Since 1995, all transit infrastructure systems in Singapore were built in compliance with the existing Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility in Buildings. The Code that was last revised in 2002, sets out the provisions for requirements of building facilities and fixtures. Land Transport Authority (LTA), is the Government agency responsible for the design and construction of Singapore transit infrastrutures, has since tried to adopt an inclusive or holistic design approach for a barrier-free transit system to achieve its aims for an efficient and affordable transit system.
In establishing it's policy to develop a comprehensive, reliable and affordable public transport system for the benefit of its people, the Singapore Government produced a Land Transport White Paper in 1996. The paper outlined its vision to develop a World Class Land Transport system for Singapore in the years to come. The White Paper sets out four initiatives:
i. Improving public transport
ii. Development of a comprehensive road network
iii. Demand management measures on cars
iv. Integrated transport and land use planning
In the process of implementing this plan over the years, it has achieved several important milestones. These include implementation of the 20 km fully automated North-East Mass Rapid Transit Line (NEL), the Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems and the realignment of the public bus system for seamless transfers for commuters. We will discuss the various transportation networks that have been established.
1. Rail network
When the White Paper was launched, the rail network (also referred to as the Rapid Transit System, RTS) was only 67km long. The RTS network has since expanded to 128km and the aim is to extend further to 240km in 10 to 15years's time. The rail network is the backbone of the public transport systems in land scarce Singapore with total land area of 647 sq km.
In Singapore, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) was first introduced in 1987. Since then, the MRT has become an indispensable means of transportation. Over 60% of all passenger trips are made on the MRT/LRT, public busses and taxis every day. Over time, it is hoped that the rider-ship will increase to more than 75% modal split and to achieve this percentage, the RTS network will be expanded to achieve this goal.
In 2002, the NEL stations was completed and sets the first in public transport system with its extensive features to enable the persons with disabilities to commute conveniently by train.
Inclusive design features of NEL
The NEL stations are designed to integrate with commuter facilities at grade (road level) to provide a seamless journey for all. Understanding the needs of the user-groups was the main focus in the provision for accessibility. Thus, close collaboration with various user-groups was established. The facilities to enhance accessibility and quality of service included in the station designs includes:
1.1 Designated drop-off point
There is at least one designated drop-off point near entrance with lift provision for each station. A drop-off point is also provided with a ramp and handrail to assist people with disabilities to move from the road to pavement level. Directional signs are provided to lead them to station entrance.
1.2 Ramp and Lifts at entrance
The code of barrier free accessibility (1995) requires that at least one entrance to be accessible. In NEL stations at least one entrance is equipped with a lift to ensure accessibility is achieved. These lifts are also sufficiently sized to cater for wheelchair users. Station entrances have to also comply with Ministry of Environment flood level requirement. Thus, apart from steps, ramps with handrails are also provided at entrance to ensure that the station entrance accessibility for all is maintained.
1.3 Wide-fare gates
To facilitate commuters with various disabilities, a two-way directional at fare gate of additional width is provided in all stations. The fare gate with a clear width of 900mm is located next to Passenger Service Centre where the operator's staff can be of assistance should there be any need to enter the paid or unpaid areas of the station.
1.4 Seats with armrest at platform
Seats have been provided as part of the station's platform furniture for commuters to sit for short period whilst waiting for the train arrival. Seats are now further enhanced with secure armrests to assist commuters who suffer from limited dexterity and who have difficulty in getting up. A minimum 10% of seat provided in the station has to be with armrests.
1.5 Colour-Contrast
Establishment of a minimum degree of contrast ensures that colour is used to benefit everybody especially those commuters with partial vision impairment. At least a 30% difference in tonal value of colour is required for this standard. Background colour needs to be contrasted against fittings, protrusions, between floor and wall and signage and other surrounding elements. These guide and assist the vision-impaired commuters to form an impression of space, shape and proximity of objects when moving around in the station.
1.6 Tactile Guidance System
Another special facility that has been installed in NEL stations is the tactile guidance system for commuters with vision impairment. This system is the first to be installed in Singapore. The tactile tiles are laid to form a simple and direct route within station that will assist the commuter from the time they arrive at a designated station's entrance to a point at the platform where they can wait for the train to arrive. Commuters with vision impairment can recognise these indicators of decision and direction by tapping with their white cane or by feeling the studs with their feet.
1.7 Dissemination of information
Good, clear, reliable, up-to-date information is also essential not only to people with visual and hearing impairments, but also to elderly or people with disabilities who may need advance warning and preparation time to act, for example, prior to arriving at their destination station or when a change of platform is announced. It should also be noted that this applies to many other groups of rail passengers such parents with small children and/or strollers and people with heavy bags or luggage.
Accurate and reliable information is also key to relieving stress for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities as well as tourists and other passengers travelling on an unfamiliar route.
1.8 Inclusive Design Approach
The Land Transport Authority of Singapore which undertook the construction of the NEL had at the outset, adopted an inclusive design approach to make the transit infrastructure accessible to everyone. This approach and experiences in have guided the authority to design NEL barrier-free transport facilities for all new transit projects.
1.9 Upgrading of the existing stations
The Singapore Government has also committed to spend more than $80 million to retrofit the rest of the nationwide MRT and LRT network to ensure smooth and seamless journey for all commuters. The retrofitting works are being carried out in two phases. Phase 1 (Pilot Phase) covering 4 stations was completed in December 2002. Phase 2 (Main Phase) covering all other stations would be completed in 2005.
The upgrading works were done during off operation hours so as not to disrupt operations. The provision installed includes lift, designated drop-off points, ramps, disabled-friendly toilets, directional signs, wider fare gates and the tactile guidance system. The Rail Transit System will be seamless and accessible to all commuters of all abilities on completion of this retrofitting programme.
2 Public Buses Network
On the case of public buses, LTA has worked closely with the two public bus operators to introduce public buses with low floorboards so as to facilitate easier boarding by the elderly. The operators will gradually replace their current fleet of buses with the low-step height buses as and when they are due for replacement. In addition, they have taken initiatives such as allocating seats near the exit doors and designated green seats for those who need the seats, such as the senior citizens and the disabled.
The public buses system is catered for the mass movement of commuters in an efficient manner. However, there are room for more collaboration between the user groups and the relevant authorities with regards to improving the public buses network. More awareness and training for the public bus drivers in handling commuters with different needs boarding and lighting the public busses would also need to be addressed. The relevant agencies are working together with the Government Authorities to reach this objective.
3 Taxis (cabs)
Taxi as a form of transportation by people with disabilities provides an alternative accessible means of transport. The Comfort Handicare Cab Scheme launched in November 1999 has opened up another avenue for the people with disabilities to ease their transportation needs, especially those who have to rely on taxis to commute for work or to go to school. Under this scheme, passengers would need call to book a taxi each time they wish to make a journey. They can enjoy the convenience of a taxi service at their doorstep without incurring additional booking fees or the need to compete with mainstream commuters for a taxi during peak hours or bad weather conditions.
HWA collaborated with Comfort Transportation to conduct an orientation session for its taxi drivers to equip them in handling the wheelchair users and assisting the disabled commuters.
4 Other modes of transport
The Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) a Non-Governmental Organisation, runs a transport service that provides a door-to-door transport for its members and the public who find it impossible or difficult to use public transport to go to work, school or seek medical consultation. Launched in 1980, HWA now has a fleet of 11 vehicles, comprising of 4 mini-buses and 7 passenger vans. The vehicles are all equipped with special hydraulic tail-lifts to facilitate boarding and alighting, especially for those on wheelchairs.
In 2003, HWA rendered a total of 13,328 rides for transport, compared to 15,916 in 2002 and 14921 in 2001. The decrease in number of rides provided in 2003 as compared to the corresponding period for previous year was because of the SARS outbreak when many disabled people curtailed their travel or hospital visits.
As the population in Singapore ages and our society advances, it becomes viable for us to make our public transport system more accessible to people with disabilities. With a fleet of 11 vehicles, the HWA had incurred an operating expenditure of over S$300,000 in year 2003 for the provision of a dedicated transport service. If our public buses were made accessible, then the cost of providing an integrated transport system will be infinitesimal since it constituted part of the overall transport network.
Admittedly, there will be some who, due to their disabilities, would not be able to use the public transport. For them, the option is still a dedicated transport service catering exclusively to their transport needs. However, the current system is too restrictive because of the limited hours of operations during the day and none available during weekends and holidays. Further studies to ensure that this group of people have equal opportunities in society are being addressed by both the user groups and the authorities concern.
Conclusion
The growing number of an ageing population living longer, wanting to lead an independent life and higher mobility aspirations have prompted the government to have a barrier-free transit system that is accessible to all. Without it, this group of commuters will be prisoners in their own homes, isolated from society within their social and cultural environment. Barrier-free transport system is also a crucial lifeline in integrating people into a whole spectrum of needs and activities necessary for leading normal, independent and useful lives.
While we still are on our way towards a barrier-free transit system, the elderly and people with disabilities are confident that these challenges can be overcome with the collaboration of the authorities, society and the user-groups.
References:
i. The Singapore Government Land Transport White Paper, 1996.
ii. Getting There - the story of North East Line, publisher: Land Transport Authority, Singapore.
iii. Code on barrier-free accessibility in buildings 1995
iv. 2nd Edition by Public Works Department, Building Control Division, Singapore.
v. Code on barrier-free accessibility in buildings 2002
vi. By Building and Construction Authority, Singapore
vii. Ageing Society - Challenges for Transport Integration
viii. By Piotr Olszewski, UITP Asia Pacific Division Workshop on Transport Integration Singapore.
ix. Non-Handicapping Environment Guidelines for Transport Facilities
x. Project and Engineering Division Procedure by NHE working group, Architecture Department, Land Transport Authority, Singapore.
xi. Literature/Brochures from Handicaps Welfare Association - an organisation for the disabled, for the disabled and by the disabled.
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