When a breakdown occurs, the frontline staff are the ones most hit by it.
They’re the ones facing the angst of commuters despite it not being their fault. And they have tons of things to carry out in this situation. Including making sure that commuters exit their premises safely.
Not an easy task when the crowd is angry, bloodthirsty and raring to go at any unfortunate soul.
Which is probably why the National Trade Workers Union (NTWU) is suggesting a new proposal.
NTWU’s Proposal
Their idea is to enlist the help of the public in times of emergencies or breakdowns.
During a major service disruption or security incident, the frontline staff at train stations have multiple things to do, including ensuring the safe evacuation of commuters out of the area.
They float the idea of training a group of people into commuter volunteers, able to act as first responders in any situation.
Other Countries Are Already Doing It
So, there lies the question: is such a thing possible?
According to NTWU’s executive secretary Melvin Yong, it is. After all, this is already happening in other countries.
Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation has a learning and training centre that is open to both staff and the public.
The centre will provide them with training on how to perform first aid, how to manage fires and crowd movement.
In fact, they’ve even got migrant workers to volunteer on New Year’s Eve because of the large number of people from their home countries and they can help break the language barrier.
The volunteers were not paid but were more than happy to help out.
Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) 2040
But putting breakdowns aside, there’s one more reason why you should be happy with the proposal, if you’re in the transport industry.
It’s aimed at bettering the lives and careers of transport workers.
Besides having the public to help out in times of emergencies, the following were proposed as well:
- Full-Day bus lanes
- Dedicated cycling lanes
- More parking spaces at bus interchanges to accommodate a bigger fleet
- Roadworks restricted to off-peak hours
And in order to upskill workers, they’re suggesting that training by the vendors is part of the package when companies purchase new software.
“It is important that we consider the needs of the workers who keep the system running. A first-class transport system needs a first-class transport workforce.”
What Commuters Can Do To Help Out During Breakdowns
I get it. You’re annoyed.
You’re running late for work and the SMRT decided to pull a Steven Lim on you.
But before you start cursing and swearing at the frazzled staff in front of you, count to ten and remember that they’re not the ones running the operation.
They’re just at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Just follow their instructions and say thank you courteously because nobody wants it to happen.
It just did.
Cool.
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