1 week Ago By The Straits Times
In Singapore, the “stand on one side, walk on the other” rule has been a longstanding practice. The recent initiative by Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to encourage standing on both sides of escalators is a sensible move that Singapore could consider adopting. In Singapore, the “stand on one side, walk on the other” rule has been a longstanding practice, but it may no longer be the most practical or safest approach for our bustling MRT stations and other high-traffic areas.
Standing on both sides would significantly enhance safety on our escalators. Walking or rushing up escalators can lead to falls or accidents, especially during peak hours when people are often in a hurry. Allowing people to stand on both sides would reduce the risk of such accidents, as it discourages the urge to rush up and potentially lose one’s balance.
Moreover, it would improve efficiency. Often, we see long queues forming at the bottom of escalators, with half of the escalator steps unused because everyone is crowding on the left. By allowing people to stand on both sides, we could reduce waiting times for those entering the escalator, moving more people through these transit points smoothly, without bottlenecks.
Additionally, adopting this approach could potentially reduce maintenance costs. Heavy usage of only one side of the escalator leads to uneven wear and tear of the machinery. Distributing weight more evenly by standing on both sides would reduce strain and maintenance frequency, translating to better resource management and lower costs over time.
In the light of these benefits, it may be time for Singapore to consider a similar approach to Hong Kong which could help create a safer, more efficient and more sustainable experience for everyone. Martin Lee Ming Han Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now.
