On September 26, the Land Transport Authority announced a whole lot of improvements that it is planning to implement to make the lives of Singaporeans easier. But the people who would benefit most from these are mums who have young children! Breastfeeding in public in Singapore just became simpler.
In a Facebook update, the Land Transport Authority has announced improvements that would increase the convenience of parents with children as well as people with special needs. The improvements are planned keeping in mind the geriatric population as well as the needs of the mums.
Breastfeeding in public in Singapore is now easier
Here is a broad list of changes proposed.
1# More feeding rooms and changing rooms
Image courtesy, Land Transport Authority, Singapore
LTA has announced plans to include feeding rooms and diaper changing stations, as well as family restrooms at the upcoming bus interchanges and MRT stations. The Interchanges that would get additional facilities are Bukit Panjang, Outram, Sengkang, Shenton Way and Tampines. Those developed after 2014 already have these facilities.
Most of the stations on the new Thompson East Coast Line and Circle line 6 would have these facilities.
2# Considerations for those with special needs
Image courtesy, Land Transport Authority, Singapore
Soon, there would be a priority queue for tickets and for using the lifts at most of the MRT stations. There would also be dual speed escalators: fast ones that run during the peak hours and slower ones that run during the non-peak hours. These would be particularly helpful for elderly and children, who may find the current escalators a bit too fast.
3# Prams in buses
Image courtesy, Land Transport Authority, Singapore
This, if it works, would be lauded by all the parents! Who does not face the inconvenience of removing the child from the pram, folding and carrying it in one hand and the child in another, and then tapping in?
LTA is trying out new restraints for the safety of the children in these prams as well as other commuters. Once the prototype is ready, the testing phase would start.
4# More tech-friendly
The app, mytransport.sg has come up with a new feature since Sept, 2016. The Find-my-way feature informs the user about exits, taxi stands and bus stands as well as shuttle buses! That is useful!
A USB charging facility would also be available soon on most of the bus routes! This is a step towards easing the lives of the commuters!
I, for one, am happy with the addition of more feeding rooms! Breastfeeding or even bottle feeding becomes a challenge when commuting and these additions would be a boon to those working mums who would want to feed or even pump during the commute!
Kudos LTA for supporting breastfeeding in public in Singapore!