What are they for? Stubs on MRT station floor make life difficult for wheelchair users, seniors: Stomper
Welcome to Stomping Ground - a space where Stompers share reflections, personal essays and social commentaries that spark conversation and insight.
What are the yellow stubs all over our roads for?
Stomper William wanted to know.
"You could find them even at Kent Ridge MRT station. It seems like they are used for decoration," said the Stomper.
The "stubs" are actually part of a tactile guiding system installed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to improve the accessibility for the visually-impaired since 2003.
According to LTA, these detectable warning surfaces were adopted to help smoothen commuters' journey.
"Acting as physical cues, detectable by foot or a white cane so those who need them can move around independently," said LTA on its website.
"The tactile guiding system leads the way to essential services in the station such as the Passenger Service Centre and the platform screen door designated for priority boarding."
But the "stubs" are a hindrance for some users, said the Stomper.
"Those are not suitable for wheelchair users and seniors on the way home after their trolleys are filled with purchases," he pointed out.
"In fact, my observations show that many avoid those patches."
The Stomper highlighted Kent Ridge MRT station because it is next to National University Hospital (NUH), where there are more likely to be wheelchair users and elderly people.
He ventured: "I think LTA did not put its staff in wheelchairs to manoeuvre going up and down the slope to and from the foodcourt in NUH.
"Its staff didn't know that seniors find it difficult moving about with their loaded trolleys going through those big patches of metal stubs.
The Stomper added that LTA should strike a balance between the needs of the visually impaired and others with mobility issues.
Have your say on Stomping Ground! Write to us at stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp 9384 3761.
See something interesting? Contribute your story to us.
Explore more on these topics
