SINGAPORE: In a jaw-dropping incident, a man was recently filmed sprawled across multiple seats on the Thomson-East Coast MRT (TEL) Line, igniting frustration among passengers and raising questions about etiquette on public transport.

The video, shared on TikTok by user @o0_.kirbz._0o, depicts the casual misconduct that has become all too familiar in Singapore's crowded transit systems.

"SMRT, your staff should perform random checks to prevent such behaviour," the user remarked, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of rules onboard trains, and shared their disgust with a green vomit emoji. This assertion highlights a growing concern among the public regarding common disrespectful actions that disrupt the commuting experience.

Incident Details

The video, recorded on November 2, showcases a heavyset man in an orange shirt and black shorts nonchalantly lying flat while browsing on his phone. His posture, with legs crossed, and a foot resting on the seat, not only encroached on the personal space of others but also portrayed a lack of consideration for fellow commuters. Despite the train not being fully packed, some passengers were left standing, leading many to feel that this behaviour was unacceptable.

Public Reaction

Since its upload on November 9, the footage has sparked considerable outrage online, amassing over 143,000 views. A wave of comments flooded in, with many urging SMRT to take action against such unacceptable behaviours. One user criticized the SMRT staff for being oblivious to these incidents, stating, "I've seen staff walk past numerous times without saying anything... it's only occasionally that they intervene."

Further suggestions were made for improvements in the train system, including the installation of an alert button for passengers to report misconduct. Such a feature could enable staff to respond more quickly to violations visible via the cameras, possibly even issuing fines for repeat offenders. Another suggestion was to report the train number, time, and station to the Passenger Services counter, reinforcing the community's desire for collective accountability.

Mixed Opinions

However, not all reactions were negative towards the man in the orange shirt. One commenter argued that if airplane passengers can occupy spare seats, the same concession should extend to train travel, a controversial opinion met with mixed responses.

Conclusion

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about civility and respect in Singapore's public transportation. As the city-state continues to adapt its transport systems to accommodate a growing population, striking a balance between comfort, etiquette, and community standards will be vital moving forward. Will SMRT take action to ensure a more respectful commuting environment? Stay tuned as this story develops!