One Stomp contributor has suggested a paradigm shift in public transport campaigns, aiming to transform the entire train carriage into a 'space of communal care.' He believes that by removing priority stickers, commuters can be encouraged to think about whether they can, rather than should, give up their seats to others.
Stomp contributor Henry advocates for a "universal priority seating " arrangement to encourage care and compassion. Following a pregnant commuter's disappointment at not being offered a seat on the train, one man has suggested a more "fundamental shift" in public transport campaigns.
While he agrees that the current system of fixed priority seats are well-intentioned, Stomp contributor Henry believes this "inadvertently creates a psychological bystander effect". Citing the pregnant commuter's experience, Henry said what bothered him was not just younger, able-bodied commuters refusing to give up priority seats, but passengers on other "non-priority" seats also not doing the same.
"By labelling specific seats, we signal that all other seats are exempt from the expectations of basic civic courtesy," said Henry, who is in his 50s. In his view, this leads to able-bodied passengers remaining glued to their devices, "secure in the knowledge that they are not seated beneath a priority sticker".
The Stomp contributor recalled an incident in which a seemingly able-bodied man on a priority seat was engrossed with his phone and did not give up his seat to an elderly commuter in front of him.
"I'm not sure why he was not offered a seat by those who were closer to him. Perhaps he looked too 'strong' to qualify as a person who needed the seat more?
" questioned the Stomp contributor. Henry suggested a paradigm shift: Treating every seat as a priority seat. This would transform the entire train carriage into a "space of communal care", where every commuter can proactively assess the needs of those around them, including those who may have invisible disabilities.
"It shifts the internal dialogue from 'I am entitled to this seat' to 'Does someone else require this more than I do? '"With his proposal for universal priority seating, Henry believes this mindset will change. "We should simply offer our seat to any elderly person just because we respect our seniors, or to a pregnant woman because we are concerned for her safety," he explained.
"If we remove the priority stickers, we are now getting everyone on the other non-priority seats to think of whether they can — and not should — give up their seats to others," he added. "At the end of the day, we cannot compel those who still want to keep their seats to give them up for others. Only compassion for others can move them to do so," noted Henry.
Henry believes there is a need to review the success of current public transport campaigns, namely the Land Transport Authority's The Thoughtful Bunch initiative. The Thoughtful Bunch is a group of five mascots calling for more gracious behaviour on public transport: Hush-Hush Hannah, Move-In Martin, Stand-Up Stacey, Bag-Down Benny and Give-Way Glenda. Henry suggested: "I think there should be just one Gracious Mascot to make it a more focused campaign. Like PUB''s Water Wally.
" Building a more caring and inclusive commuting culture, said Henry, should be a whole-of-society effort involving schools, organisations that work with people with physical and mental health conditions, and the media. While a shift in public mentality requires time, Henry ultimately remains optimistic that such a transition is eventually possible — if we begin now.
Please follow us on Google to support us Henry Priority Seating Transformation LTA The Thoughtful Bunch
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Amos Yee Appeals for Donations for Attacker's Medical ExpensesSingapore's controversial YouTuber, Amos Yee, has called for compassion towards his attacker and has appealed for donations to help cover his medical expenses after an assault incident. The attacker has been arrested and will be in court on June 2.
Read more »
Michael Aw Condemns NParks' Handling of Sentosa Crocodile CaseProminent wildlife photographer and conservation activist Michael Aw has strongly criticized the National Parks Board’s (NParks) decision to euthanize a crocodile spotted in the waters off Sentosa. Aw questioned humanity’s treatment of wildlife and demanded greater accountability and compassion in wildlife management.
Read more »
Homeowner in Malaysia rents apartment out of compassion, later discovers harsh reality and faces renovationsA homeowner in Malaysia experiences a nightmare rental situation and shares his experience for others to learn from.
Read more »
Family court grants care and control of three children to father, mother ordered to payA Singapore family court granted care and control of three children to their father, deciding that his strict supervision and structure would be in the children's best interest. The mother was ordered to pay her ex-husband.
Read more »
Starbucks Outdoor Seating Zones Transform into Pet-Friendly Areas Due to Halal Certification at Parkland Green OutletDue to Starbucks' transition towards halal-certified operations at the Parkland Green outlet, outdoor seating areas will once again be pet-friendly.
Read more »
Homebound Senior Ordered to Remain in Nursing Home for Two More YearsA 63-year-old man with multiple medical conditions who is unmarried and has no children faced a difficult situation when he was evicted from his rented HDB flat and was later admitted to a nursing home. Due to disputes with service personnel, the man, who received financial assistance and home care services before the move, began to struggle with daily living and required constant care.
Read more »