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.

　

 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.