SINGAPORE:

A concerned citizen has taken to social media to voice his frustrations over the recent design of Singapore's new three-door electric buses, highlighting concerns about their lack of comfort and accessibility, particularly for elderly passengers in an increasingly ageing society.

In a post shared on the popular Facebook page "COMPLAINT SINGAPORE" on January 17, the individual cited his first experience on the new bus model, stating, “Short distances already feel uncomfortable, and the layout is designed in such an unfriendly way. High curb all the way. Seeing those elderly need to ‘climb up’ to sit, or is this design prepared for future floods?”

This revelation has resonated with many other riders. Commenters chimed in, sharing their own discomfort and questioning the practicality of the bus's design. On the flip side, a number of defenders argued that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) may have had valid reasons for the current design, suggesting that further information is needed before passing judgment.

In November 2023, the LTA announced an ambitious plan to electrify Singapore’s public bus fleet, unveiling 240 electric three-door single-deck buses alongside an additional 120 models. The electrification initiative aims to transition the city-state towards a greener future, with all electric buses expected to be operational by December 2024. These buses will replace older diesel models nearing the end of their operational lifespan.

To facilitate this transition, charging systems will be systematically installed in bus depots starting in December 2024. By October 2024, the LTA projected that the total number of electric buses in Singapore would reach 70, marking significant strides in efforts to cut carbon emissions and modernize public transport systems in the bustling city.

The new electric buses are touted to enhance safety and accessibility, featuring cutting-edge technology such as high-definition cameras and digital displays, replacing conventional rear-view mirrors. The LTA has committed to achieving a 100% cleaner energy public bus fleet by 2040, with plans to procure over 2,000 electric buses within the next five years to reach half of the public bus fleet electrified by 2030.

With the increasing scrutiny surrounding the design of these buses, it’s imperative that public feedback is taken seriously to ensure they meet the needs of all passengers, especially the elderly. The Independent Singapore has since reached out to the post author for further insights and updates on this growing discussion among commuters.