Commuters think SMRT should improve on new initiative
By 938LIVE | Posted: 18 August 2008 1809 hrs

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SINGAPORE: A new SMRT initiative to get city-bound travellers to board the trains before the morning rush hours was off to a slow start on Monday, despite the transport operator handing out flyers a week before to inform commuters at nine MRT stations of the new promotion.

The nine MRT stations are Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall and Raffles Place on the North-South Line, and Lavender, Bugis, Tanjong Pagar and Outram Park on the East-West Line.

From Monday until October 31, commuters who exit any of the nine MRT stations before 7.30am will enjoy discounted breakfasts and a 10-cent discount on their fares.

But some commuters said the incentives are not good enough to get them out of the house earlier.

Teo Cher How said: "I'm always early so I fit into the timing anyway. I think it's not as tangible as having direct discount on travel cost. I guess (a) greater discount on travel cost (may help)."

However, Shannon Koh, who boarded the train from Yishun, welcomed the gesture and even claimed her discounted breakfast at one participating outlet – all without having to change her travel schedule.

"If you can save 10 cents, I think it still helps a little. I prefer to come to work early, on time and have time for breakfast before work. I usually have it outside, so I think this (incentive) benefits me," she said.

Another commuter, Ms Deva, said it is a good idea, but it really depends on whether she has to be in the office earlier than 7.30am or not. As for the 10-cent fare discount, she feels the amount is not significant enough.

Participating F&B outlets at the Raffles Place MRT station such as Mr Bean, Spinellis, and Polar Puffs and Cakes said less than 20 commuters redeemed their discounted breakfast.

Nonetheless, SMRT is hopeful that its latest move to help ease the surge in ridership during peak travel hours will get a better response.


- CNA/so