You probably won’t mind fare hikes for these.
Have you ever thought about some features you wished our MRTs had? Or could improve on? You probably have had some ideas running through your mind during the 15-minute (or maybe even longer) train delay.
Here’s our wishlist for our MRTs:
1.Shorter Waiting Times
Japanese are known for their efficiency, so it’s no surprise that during peak hours, the Tokyo Metro runs at a one minute and fifty seconds interval.
While the waiting time in Singapore is considerably decent, no one will complain about a shorter waiting time.
The difference a minute makes during the rush hour madness makes a lot of difference.
2. Orderly Queues
If you think ours is considered a queue, let me show you something.
The queues in Japan are incredibly orderly and you won’t have anyone pushing past you to get on the train.
We’re not sure if this will ever happen in Singapore, especially with our kiasu culture.
3. Express Trains – From The East To The West
Imagine zipping from the West to the East for some Bedok 85 goodness, without having to spend half a day travelling there and back.
There are express trains in various countries such as China and Japan that make few or no stops at all from one destination to another.
Of course, we know it’s economically not feasible. But that’s why a dream is a dream right?
4. Beautiful train stations
We’re not saying we don’t have Instagram worthy train stations but some of these train stations are simply a majestic sight to behold.
Moscow
Stockholm
United States
Spain
Truly, truly beautiful. Some of the countries such as Stockholm even have themed train stations – too cute.
5. Punctual Trains
We don’t mean that the train takes around six minutes to arrive if the board says six minutes.
In Japan, the trains are incredibly punctual and run like clockwork because being on time is counted down the centisecond – which is a hundredth of a second.
Being punctual also means no more “additional 15 minutes of travelling time” please…
6. Foot Baths
Yes, foot baths.
There is a luxury bullet train in Japan that offers a foot bath during your journey. Imagine kicking off your heels or leather shoes after a long day and soaking them. Ahh……
For now, getting a seat on the train during peak hours is the dream.
7. Women-only Carriages
There’s been a recent spate of news about ladies being molested on trains and even one trying to take an “up skirt” video.
Of course, this is not the solution with regards to the unacceptable behaviours, but it is something that could be an option for women to choose from.
Currently, some countries such as India, Japan and Mexico offer these options for women.
8. Train Pushers
We’re all too familiar with trains being so packed during peak hours that no one can get on.
Sometimes there’s that bit of a tiny space but you’re too embarrassed to stuff yourself there even though you’re already running late.
Japan has train pushers to yes – you’ve guessed it.To push you on the train.
This could potentially be useful especially because of all the inconsiderate people who refuse to move to the middle of the carriage to make way for others.
However, it will probably be a really comfortable ride being squished up another for the duration of the ride.
9. Passenger Etiquette
No talking on your cell phones, turn the volume of your music down and no body odour.
Doesn’t that sound like a dream? But in Japan, these are basic passenger etiquette on trains.
Bid goodbye to obnoxiously loud chattering away on the phones or learning your fellow passenger’s taste in music.
Best of all, counting how long you can hold your breath because your fellow commuter could use some deodorant.
10. Faster Train Speeds
The world’s fastest train is the Shanghai Maglev that operates at a maximum 430km/h or 251km/h on average.
Singapore’s MRT trains operate at an average of 45km/h and its maximum speed is 80km/h.
Imagine how fast your journey from Khatib to Yio Chu Kang would be.
What are some of the other features that you wish for our MRT to have? Let us know!
