We refer to the letters “Fuss-free ideas for prams on buses” (Jan 20) and “Passengers with children should adapt to transport system, not vice versa” (Jan 17).
Public transport is important in enabling community living and should be made accessible to everyone.
We are encouraged by the efforts — from priority queues, to care stickers and dedicated “care zones” at selected train stations and platforms, to ensuring that all buses will be wheelchair-accessible by 2020 — to make public transport more accessible for people with disabilities.
However, there is room to do even better. As our population grows, we can expect greater diversity in the services needed by different communities. Besides wheelchair users and families with prams, the elderly will benefit from an easier boarding system.
Adopting universal designs, i.e. designing products and the built environment to be usable by everyone, regardless of one’s ability, age or situation, to the greatest extent possible, could help remove physical barriers and create a more inclusive environment.
This would, in turn, enable the different users such as the elderly and persons with limited mobility to lead active, independent lives.
That said, graciousness has its place in every society. We have heard many examples of individuals assisting persons with disabilities in public transport. Such kindness could make someone’s day, and if everyone makes a small effort, it makes a difference.
We hope there will be more understanding among commuters for diverse public transport users.
Greater graciousness in giving space and dignity to various users within the common space is important in creating an inclusive society, where people are respectful of one another and their needs.
Public transport is important in enabling community living and should be made accessible to everyone.
We are encouraged by the efforts — from priority queues, to care stickers and dedicated “care zones” at selected train stations and platforms, to ensuring that all buses will be wheelchair-accessible by 2020 — to make public transport more accessible for people with disabilities.
However, there is room to do even better. As our population grows, we can expect greater diversity in the services needed by different communities. Besides wheelchair users and families with prams, the elderly will benefit from an easier boarding system.
Adopting universal designs, i.e. designing products and the built environment to be usable by everyone, regardless of one’s ability, age or situation, to the greatest extent possible, could help remove physical barriers and create a more inclusive environment.
This would, in turn, enable the different users such as the elderly and persons with limited mobility to lead active, independent lives.
That said, graciousness has its place in every society. We have heard many examples of individuals assisting persons with disabilities in public transport. Such kindness could make someone’s day, and if everyone makes a small effort, it makes a difference.
We hope there will be more understanding among commuters for diverse public transport users.
Greater graciousness in giving space and dignity to various users within the common space is important in creating an inclusive society, where people are respectful of one another and their needs.
