More commuters queuing for trains

Public transport commuters have become more gracious- if an emerging trend spotted by the Land Transport Authority is anything to go by. 

Speaking at the National Kindness Award (Transport Gold) ceremony this morning, 

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew says more commuters have been queuing for trains - without being told. 

"I thought it was only at Bishan, but apparently they tell me it's spread slightly beyond Bishan. There's no big sign, there's nobody telling them - "you all line up two by two, like you are going to the classroom", but because some people set the example, others are urged to follow suit just because they see this is indeed the right thing to do. We did not have a part to play it in- the operators, LTA and the government, but certainly we will like to see more of this. LTA took advantage of it and made a video to spread the queuing culture."

Mr Lui said authorities can only do so much to encourage good habits. 

He cited a complaint he received about commuters playing loud music onboard trains. 

Commuters he said, could try and be more considerate toward one another. 

"Why can't LTA do something about it, or why can't our public operator do something about it? We will reply of course that we certainly don't turn a deaf ear to this particular problem, but there is only so much that the authorities and the regulators can do but if we as commuters bear consideration for the comfort of those around us, both ways, then it will make the commuting experience a more pleasant one."

Transport staff such as bus drivers, customer service officers and taxi drivers too, play a part. 

About 400 were recognised for their courteous acts today. 

Three received top honours as "kindness champions." 

One of them is cabbie Thomas Charles. 

He'd helped an elderly woman who had fallen off her wheelchair, in the rain. 

"When you go the extra mile, as a taxi driver you feel very glad. It is not the income or the earnings you received, it is the pleasant smile that you received when they get out from your cab that's important."