Facilities for the disabled in Singapore

On the MRT

For those in wheelchairs

There is at least one barrier-free entrance in every train station and wider fare gates.

All stations have an accessible elevator service to all levels.

Each wheelchair-accessible train has two wheelchair spaces.

For the blind

Train stations have tactile surface indicators - which can be detected with a cane or foot - to guide people who are visually impaired.

All lift buttons at MRT stations have Braille plates.

Station names are announced as the train pulls into the station. As the train departs, the name of the next station is also announced.

For the deaf

Prominent red lights will flash to warn passengers when train doors are about to close.

Platforms indicate the arrival time and destination of approaching trains .

Trains on the North-South and East-West lines indicate which station the train is approaching, and the side of the train door that will open.

Transcripts of audio announcements are displayed in multiple languages on electronic signboards in carriages.

On buses

For those in wheelchairs

SMRT offers 27 wheelchair-accessible bus (WAB) services.

Bus drivers are trained to operate the ramps on these buses for the wheelchair-bound to board and alight.

SBS Transit has 139 wheelchair-accessible bus services, and over 2,000 buses that are wheelchair-friendly.

Some interchanges - such as Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Woodlands and Yishun - have special WAB boarding berths with ramps, guard rails, directional and indicative signs, and staff assistance call buttons for commuters in wheelchairs.

Housing estates

For those in wheelchairs

All HDB estates have been barrier-free since last July.

Since 2006, about 7,800 older blocks have been given ramps, handrails and better links to facilities such as markets, bus stops and MRT stations.

Newer HDB estates came with such facilities already incorporated in the design.

Overhead bridges

For those in wheelchairs

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is installing lifts at existing pedestrian bridges next to six MRT stations - Aljunied, Bishan, Khatib, Kranji, Sengkang and Yew Tee.

These lifts will be completed by the fourth quarter of this year, to enhance accessibility to the public transport network.

LTA will also be installing lifts at another 40 pedestrian overhead bridges, starting from next year.

Traffic Lights

Senior citizens and pedestrians with disabilities have an extra crossing time of three to 12 seconds under the Green Man Plus Scheme.

They just need to tap an electronic card against a reader located above the button on the traffic light pole to extend the crossing time.

ATMs

For the blind

Standard Chartered Bank has a talking ATM at its Upper Thomson branch.

This ATM has an audio function that allows visually impaired customers to perform banking transactions, including withdrawing cash and checking bank balances.

Hotels

For the deaf

W Singapore Sentosa Cove has installed a visual alarm in case of fire, which consists of flashing lights and strobes, to alert its guests who are hard of hearing.

It is believed to be one of two buildings - the other is The Singapore Association for the Deaf - to install such an alarm.

Get The New Paper for more stories.