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Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     how many commuters have been issued with the Caring SG Commuters lanyard and card that identifies them as commuters with invisible medical conditions or disabilities; 

b.     whether LTA has received any feedback since the launch of this initiative; and 

c.     whether there are any plans to further improve the initiative.

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Transport whether the number of public transport commuters with special needs has increased over the years.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     Ensuring that our public transport is inclusive and accessible for all commuters, including those with special needs, is a key priority. To this end, we have enhanced our infrastructure to facilitate accessibility. Today, all public buses and trains are wheelchair accessible, and all MRT and LRT stations and bus interchanges have at least one barrier-free access route. Such enhancements are important given the increase in number of commuters with disabilities. Since the launch of the Persons with Disabilities Concession Card, the number of commuters with the card has increased from 8,375 in 2014 to 14,152 in 2022.

2.     Besides infrastructural enhancements, public transport staff and commuters can play a part to promote a more inclusive commuting experience by showing care to commuters in need. We recognise that apart from commuters with permanent disabilities, some commuters may have special needs which are not visible. Hence, all public transport operators have training programmes to equip staff with the skills to communicate with and assist commuters with special needs. In addition, the Caring SG Commuters Committee launched the "May I have a seat please" lanyard and card identifier on 26 April 2021. The identifier serves as a discreet way to inform other commuters that the wearer of the card would appreciate a seat on public transport due to their health condition or hidden disability. Commuters can obtain the identifier from Passenger Service Centres at MRT stations and bus interchanges, or selected TransitLink Ticket Offices. As of 30 September 2022, more than 3,200 lanyards and cards have been distributed, and feedback has been positive. LTA, as part of the Caring SG Commuters Committee, will continue to work with the public transport operators to improve the initiative.