SMRT traffic lights – What a bright idea!

‘SMRT will be throwing money at another ‘solution’ with the installation of “traffic lights” inside an MRT station. (even if they are outside, it still doesn’t make sense) link The reason to cow pei cow bu again is because the SMRT did not consult the public and stupid ideas will eventually translate into fare hikes for me.
What the lights mean for ordinary Singaporean commuters:
 
$MRT: Green (platform not crowded)
 
Commuter: Is this supposed to make my day?
 
$MRT: Amber (platform slightly crowded)
 
Commuter: Pointless to tell me this as I will still have to take the train. Am I expected to be happier knowing this in advance?
 
$MRT: Red (platform crowded, expect to wait longer. Consider taking the train at a later time)
 
Commuter: You stupid or what? Why don’t you inform all our employers that we will be late for work, admit it’s your bloody fault so they will not tell us to be at the station earlier in future? Even if it means waiting for 10 trains, do we have any choice when taking a taxi will cost tens of dollars? Don’t assume we always have a choice.
 
$MRT: Flashing Red (seek alternative transport and refer to station announcements for updates)….’
The above is part of an article posted by Phillip Ang and appearing in TRS. Though Phillip Ang did not quite agree with SMRT throwing money away for such a ‘silly idea’ and with the commuters likely to pay for it later, I think it is really innovative. I really like the Red light explanation.
 
I would even suggest having electronic boards indicating how many empty seats are available and in the cabins of the next train, like electronic car park signs. Information could also be available on the noise level of the cabins, the temperature and whatever that one desires as well. Oh, this one very important, how many reserves seats is available and in which cabin.
 
We are now in an electronic age and technology is good. So let’s put technology to good use. I am going to sell a satellite global positioning system for the rich so that the owners would not be lost in their homes. They will know exactly where they are inside their palatial houses, or how to find the nearest toilet.
 
Come to think of it this gadget can also be installed in MRT stations so that commuters would not be lost in the station. I am still looking forward to enjoy my 5 seconds of busking in the station but so far don’t have any luck. It is something I am looking forward to.
 
Please give more feedbacks to SMRT to improve their services with more suggestions. Oh, with the Ebola or future disease epidemic, another traffic light sign to indicate the risk level of infection will be good, to make the commuters feel safe while travelling in the trains.

Kopi Level - Green