PUBLISHED ONJuly 29, 2026 11:30 PMUPDATEDJuly 31, 2026 3:06 AMBYEsther LamThe conversation over the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) "First to Board, First to Use" trial has evolved beyond strollers and prams, with wheelchair users and disability advocates weighing in their concerns on accessibility needs and wants.
The Disabled People's Association (DPA) said in an Instagram post on Sunday (July 26): "A wheelchair doesn't fold. A stroller usually does."
"For wheelchair users, that bay isn't a preference — it's often the only way to travel accessibly and affordably.
"Better bus designs can serve wheelchair users and parents with strollers. Removing an access need shouldn't be the trade-off," it added.
The "First to Board, First to Use" trial is part of an initiative to make public transport more inclusive for commuters.
From April to September, 10 bus services will have their priority bays become shared for wheelchair users, mobility aid users and parents travelling with children in strollers.
The DPA stressed that the priority bay is not a seat preference but rather, "the only accessible and affordable way" for many wheelchair users to travel.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are "scarcer, slower to book and far more expensive", it added.
Nonetheless, the post extended empathy to parents with strollers, suggesting bus designs incorporate flexible spaces for strollers and "not remove an access need to solve a comfort problem".
It also highlighted that many wheelchair users first learned about the trial through social media and called for authorities to "consult before the trial" for policies that affect users with diverse mobility needs.
In response to AsiaOne's queries, the DPA said that it, along with other advocates, has met with LTA to share their concerns.
"Wheelchair users already face various barriers in commuting. Most public buses currently only have one wheelchair bay. Navigating crowded trains and stations during peak periods is a common barrier."
The organisation added that, while not the intent, the current trial compromises wheelchair users' mobility while offering no assurance that parents with strollers will be accommodated.
It added that wheelchair users need to be consulted and also co-designers in accessibility solutions and wider transport policy.
"It is important that LTA seeks to improve the commuting experience for everyone — however, reducing access to core and essential accessibilities such as wheelchair bays for wheelchair users should not be a consideration," said the DPA, adding that LTA should explore solutions that produce win-win outcomes.
@asiaone The Disabled People's Association (DPA) and motorised wheelchair user Sky Shen have criticised the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) trialling of wheelchair bays on some buses as "shared priority" between wheelchair users and parents with strollers. #sgnews #singapore #publictransport #bus #wheelchair ♬ original sound - AsiaOne
The discussion also comes after a Public Transport Council (PTC) survey released on July 20 identified three key areas for improvement in the public transport network: Bus and train crowding, irregular bus waiting times and uneven MRT air-conditioning.
The survey, which polled 5,505 passengers from August to September in 2025, also found that courtesy and consideration shown by other commuters onboard was a concern.
Local singer-songwriter Sky Shen, a wheelchair user with muscular dystrophy, also shared his thoughts about the new policy in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
"Public transport is a huge part of daily living, and is essential for many of us for getting around," said Shen, who also acknowledged LTA's efforts in finding solutions to improve the quality of life for all commuters.
"The new policy will result in wheelchair-users being left behind at bus stops, waiting for extended periods of time, and significantly impacts our ability to participate in normal life — all for (the) 'increased convenience' (of) passengers with strollers, who could have made space so that both parties could take the bus at the same time."
The 32-year-old told AsiaOne that he first found out about LTA's trial from the DPA's social media post and recalled feeling "saddened".
"I felt that it showed a misunderstanding of the importance of wheelchair bays to persons with disabilities, and a lack of understanding of the challenges already being faced by commuters with disabilities as it is," said Shen.
He added that an ideal solution should improve the quality of life for both groups of commuters and not pit one group's comfort against another group's needs.
As a wheelchair user, Shen shared that peak-hour travel remains one of his biggest challenges and as such, he avoids travelling during those periods.
"I think we all understand that there are constraints to the system and space on buses," he said, adding that it has become increasingly common for him to board buses and share the wheelchair bay with other commuters.
Shen shared that sometimes bus captains drive off without picking him up or may appear impatient when deploying the wheelchair ramp, while some passengers are also reluctant to make way for wheelchair users boarding the bus.
"We are also trying to live normal lives governed by work and school schedules that do not make exceptions for us," he added.
"We need to explore specific solutions for those difficulties, not make things even worse for wheelchair users."
Hoping that the quality of life can be improved for all commuters, the 32-year-old suggested safety shelves to park folded strollers, baby baskets or foldable seats to make way for them.
Shen also proposed a digital signalling system at bus stops and interchanges to allow wheelchair users to indicate their intention to board, noting that some people with muscular disabilities may struggle to flag down buses.
Shen revealed that the issue has been causing him "so much worry" that he felt the need to speak up and sincerely hopes "the feedback will be heard and seriously considered when (LTA) review their policies moving forward".
He added: "This conversation is a sensitive and important one, and one that we must engage in if we want to build a more inclusive home for all."
In response to AsiaOne's queries, an LTA spokesperson said that the purpose of the six-month trial is to better understand these experiences, the challenges commuters face and how different needs can be balanced in a way that is fair and practical.
The trial, said the land authority, was prompted by feedback that mothers or fathers travelling alone with more than one child found it difficult to fold a stroller while carrying and minding their children.
"We recognise that accessibility is deeply important to many commuters, particularly those who rely on the wheelchair bay to travel safely and independently," said LTA.
The agency said they plan to continue gathering views during the trial period from commuters, families, advocates and the disability community, such as the DPA, to better understand their concerns and experiences. It also recognised the concerns raised by wheelchair users, including having access to the wheelchair bay and the difficulties some may face if it is occupied.
"We have also heard feedback from other commuter groups, including families with young children who use strollers, on the challenges they face when travelling by bus. These perspectives are important to us, and we appreciate those who have taken the time to share their experiences," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that they have not encountered conflicts between wheelchair users and families with strollers on the trial services.
"Commuters have exercised graciousness and consideration towards those with greater mobility needs. We will continue to listen carefully to feedback, engage stakeholders, and thoughtfully consider all views received before deciding on the way forward," said the spokesperson.
[[nid:740749]]
esther.lam@asiaone.com
