A commuter who tried to take an unoccupied MRT seat was allegedly turned away by a woman who had placed her hand on it.
The account appeared in MS News on 11 October 2026. An MS News reader said the encounter happened on 9 October, during a journey from Yishun towards Raffles Place.
Passenger Allegedly Told To Sit Elsewhere
According to the reader’s account, passengers were standing in the crowded carriage while the woman kept the adjacent seat unoccupied.
When a man approached to sit, she allegedly directed him elsewhere.
Older Man Later Invited To Take The Seat
The reader claimed the woman subsequently beckoned an older man over after he boarded at another station.
The reader believed he was the woman’s husband.
Encouraging Passengers To Ask For A Seat
Separately, seating needs were discussed in Parliament on 4 March 2026.
Speaking then as Minister of State for Transport, Baey Yam Keng encouraged passengers to offer seats to people who needed them, and those needing a seat to ask.
He also highlighted the “Helping Hand” card, available at passenger service centres in train stations and bus interchanges. It helps indicate a need for a seat, including for passengers whose health conditions are not apparent to others.
