The MRT experience in Singapore hasn't changed much in the last two decades.

Apart from the safety doors at open platforms, colourful reserved seats and the electronic signboards inside the MRT indicating which side to disembark, that is.

If it ain't broken why fix it right?

But the daily commute is still a stressful experience for many Singaporeans. The lack of predictability (Will I be able to board the next train? Will I miss my connecting bus?) and crushing-crowds are big contributors to the stress.

Actually, there are several small improvements that don't require an Land Transport Authority (LTA) bail-out but would make our lives so much better. Here are eight of them: 

1. Overhead compartments for bags

People travelling with bulky items take up a lot of space. There is a lot of space on the train above commuters' heads wasted as well. Put two and two together and more space will be created for commuters, especially those who are averse to putting their bags on the floor.

2. Have countdown-timers indicating when the train doors will close

How useful is the announcement: 'Train doors are closing. *toot toot toot toot toot*'?

Train drivers sometimes use it early but will leave the door open. How many times have you stood outside the door worried that you'll be mercilessly clamped?

The high-pitched tooting and the threat of the door suddenly closing on you adds stress. It may be the reason why commuters love to rush onto the train before letting people out of the train.

Why do you think people run across the platform when they change trains at interchanges? They probably have no idea when the doors will close on them.

A countdown-timer that indicates when the doors will be closing will help commuters manage some of their expectations.

3. Indicate which carriage is not as crowded

It is always the case where passengers are unevenly distributed on the train. One solution is to install a weighing mechanism in each carriage and its weight can be a rough indicator of how many passengers are onboard.

Passengers at the next platform can then start queuing for the carriage that is least packed by looking at the weight indicators on the platform.

4. Indicators for queue lengths at platforms

Another variation of the suggestion above is to have indicators of queue lengths at each section of the platform. This will allow a more even distribution of people across the platform can be achieved.

Shorter people will also appreciate indicators especially on a crowded platform.

5. Foldable seats

Foldable seats can be lifted up when space needs to be created for wheelchair users or baby strollers. If Singaporeans are feeling truly generous in spirit, they may even keep the seats lifted up during peak hours to allow more people onto the train.

6. Let people know which carriage is for standing only

Unless we missed the memo, catching the carriage that only has standing room is like winning the lottery. It seems as though it is a game of chance.

SMRT can let commuters know which part of the train would be without the seats.

People who prefer to get onto a carriage for a chance for seats would then queue up at other parts of the platform; while people who are taking shorter trips can opt for the standing room only carriages.

7. Display bus departure timings within MRT stations adjoining bus interchanges

Yet another small improvement that will help insert a little more predictability into commuters' daily travels. That way commuters will know whether they have some time for a toilet break or a quick trip to run some errands.

8. Have proper queue lines or railings to manage queues

Singaporeans are beginning to queue up to get into the trains over the last two years. That's great progress!

But there are still some chaos towards the tail end of the queues because the guide lines painted on the floors are a tad too short. We can emulate Taipei City when it comes to this aspect. The lines on the floor are much longer and helps direct human traffic. They also have platform wardens who are more vocal and assertive when directing commuters on the platform.

Articles you may like:

The quintessential Singapore MRT experience in 16 gifs

Local trained musicians pop out of nowhere on the Circle Line MRT, become train musicians

8 violations, accompanying fines SMRT stipulates that are completely justified

Top photo from here. 

If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest updates.