SINGAPORE - We thank Mr Adam Tan for his letter ("Puzzled by MRT rules"; Wednesday).
The Rapid Transit Systems Act provides for the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and its authorised agents to plan, construct, operate and maintain the rapid transit systems. As such, the provisions of the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations should be read in context to understand their intent.
For example, the regulation on "no entry into a train when it is full" provides for an authorised person to direct passengers not to board a train if he determines that it is not safe for it to carry more people, and penalises non-compliance.
In this context, the regulation empowers the staff of public transport operators to regulate passenger activities, and ensure that the MRT continues to operate in a safe and efficient manner for the commuting public.
This is used only when the situation warrants it, and no commuter has been fined for entering a crowded train.
Similarly, the regulation stating that items should not be passed between the paid and unpaid areas is intended to prevent the MRT from being used for trade or business purposes.
As the primary purpose of the MRT is that of a people mover, it is important to minimise the use of the system for the delivery of goods, which would impede commuter movement and add to crowding.
As part of regular reviews, the LTA is currently working with the public transport operators to review our approach towards violations under the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations, so as to better take into account the severity of the breach in relation to the impact it could have on the safe and reliable operation of the rail system.
Helen Lim (Ms)
Director, Media Relations
Land Transport Authority
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.