logo
A helping hand for those with hidden conditions on Singapore's public transport

A helping hand for those with hidden conditions on Singapore's public transport

New Paper20-07-2025
For 34-year-old university administrative employee Vivien Shiw, getting off a train at the next stop just to rest on a bench on the platform is routine.
Though she looks young and healthy, she lives with autoimmune diseases Sjogren's and vasculitis, as well as arthritis, which make standing for long painful.
When the pain in her legs worsens, she sometimes squats in the MRT train.
Another passenger like her, Ms Ratnah Hafizah, has multiple sclerosis, which is also an autoimmune disease. She used to take Grab rides to pick up her son from kindergarten, even though his pre-school was only one bus stop away from her home.
Ms Ratnah, who is 33 and self-employed in branding and content writing, said carrying a May I Have a Seat Please card, which she ties to her bag, has since given her the confidence to take a priority seat on buses without the fear of being judged by others.
The card was first piloted as a sticker by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 2019 to help passengers be aware of those with hidden or invisible medical conditions who need a seat during public commutes.
It is part of the Helping Hand scheme, an initiative by the Caring SG Commuters Committee - comprising several ministries, agencies and public transport operators - to foster a more inclusive public transport system.
The May I Have a Seat Please initiative includes a lanyard and card for passengers with long-term conditions, while the sticker version is meant for people with short-term medical conditions.
The card was created for those with hidden conditions such as chronic pain or fatigue, dizziness, heart disease and arthritis.
It is also for commuters recovering from a stroke, those with physical injuries, ongoing cancer treatment or prosthetic limbs, and early-stage expectant mothers.
As at May, LTA said it has distributed about 10,600 stickers for short-term conditions and 20,400 cards for long-term conditions.
Passengers can collect them for free at the passenger service centre at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and at selected SimplyGo ticket offices. They do not need to show proof of their conditions.
Some with invisible conditions are still doubted because of their youthful appearances.
A 21-year-old university student who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim has multiple health conditions that result in leg pain when she stands for longer than 20 minutes. She said she was laughed at by a passenger service employee when she requested a May I Have a Seat Please card.
Diagnosed with endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic congestion syndrome and adenomyosis, she said the staff member did not believe she was unwell, even after seeing her medical records.
"I did receive (the card) in the end, but it left a sour taste," she said.
For some commuters, the card has not really worked.
Ms Shiw, who has been carrying the card for about a year, said she often gets stares from other commuters. No one has offered her a seat on her journey from Sengkang to Kent Ridge for work.
The only visible sign of her condition is the rash she gets when she puts too much pressure on her legs, but people do not associate a rash with the need for a seat, she said.
Her fear is that she will fall down, as she has trouble balancing.
LTA said it will continue to work with public transport operators to improve the Helping Hand initiative.
The authority said all public transport operators have training programmes, developed together with social service agencies, to equip staff with skills to spot and assist commuters with disabilities.
Since 2016, training in commuter inclusivity has been part of the Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme conducted by the Singapore Bus Academy for all bus captains. Over 10,455 bus captains have completed the programme, LTA said.
More than 4,500 of SMRT's front-line staff - including station managers, bus captains and service ambassadors - have completed the operator's inclusive service delivery training, developed with social service agencies and special education (Sped) schools.
The training includes role-play scenarios and hands-on learning to develop skills and sensitivity to help commuters with diverse needs.
Over 7,000 SMRT staff are certified Caring Commuter Champions, trained to support commuters with disabilities.
Madam Aileen Goh, 59, a senior assistant station manager at SMRT Trains, has helped unwell passengers and those with dementia by escorting them to the station's WeCare rooms to rest, and providing them with water and snacks while contacting their family members to pick them up.
She said her training has taught her to look out for those who need help and given her the confidence to assist them, such as by slowly approaching elderly passengers wandering around the station and gently checking in on them.
Mr Dalvinder Singh, a bus captain at Tower Transit Singapore, said the May I Have a Seat Please card has made it easier to identify passengers in need.
In 2024, he noticed a commuter with visual impairment waiting at a bus stop with the card. He approached to offer help, informed him of the bus service number, guided him on board, and later helped him alight at his stop.
"Before the cards were introduced, we would usually rely on visual cues or if the commuter approached us first. Now, with the lanyards and cards, I can take the initiative to offer help more confidently and appropriately," said Mr Singh.
Help for passengers with autism
Passengers with invisible disabilities, such as dementia and autism spectrum disorder, can also get additional help at Changi Airport.
Changi Airport Group worked with Sped schools and organisations to launch in 2022 a customisable step-by-step airport guide and specialised training for staff.
Front-line airport staff are also trained to recognise LTA's May I Have a Seat Please lanyard and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard - a global symbol for hidden disabilities launched by England's Gatwick Airport in 2016 - as part of their induction.
Selected staff, such as those in supervisory roles, are nominated to be care ambassadors and receive specialised training to spot and support passengers with invisible disabilities such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome or dementia.
Since August 2024, over 330 staff members across 15 organisations at Changi Airport, such as Certis Aviation Security and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, have been trained as care ambassadors by Rainbow Centre, identifiable by a pin they wear on their uniform.
Parents of children with autism said the special accommodations made by airport and public transport staff make a world of difference when travelling.
Ms Edwina Fan and her 18-year-old son Wallace Tan fly about twice a year to visit his grandparents in Taiwan.
When Ms Fan explained to airport staff that Wallace was unable to look into the camera to pass through the e-gate, which is more commonly used now, the staff led them to the manual counter.
She said staff also acceded to her request for Wallace to board the plane first with his family, as he is uncomfortable with crowds, and for him to be served his meals earlier.
On public transport, Wallace, who is triggered by sounds such as babies crying, wears headphones and has his family's helper by his side.
On public transport, Wallace Tan, who is triggered by sounds such as babies crying, wears headphones and has his family's helper by his side. PHOTO: EDWINA FAN
Ms Fan recalled how Wallace once had a meltdown, and MRT staff formed a circle around him on the platform to give him space. They also stopped another passenger from filming a video of him.
She hopes for wider recognition of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard in Singapore, and for the symbol to be included on signage for priority seats on trains.
Ms Tiffany Tee took her son Atkins Soong, who has autism, on his first overseas trip in 10 years in May.
She said airport staff did not pressure the 14-year-old to make eye contact when checking his passport, and allowed him to play with his piece of Blu-tack as he passed through the body scanner.
Ms Tiffany Tee took her son Atkins Soong, who has autism, on his first overseas trip in 10 years in May. PHOTO: TIFFANY TEE
Airport staff also let Atkins bring a slime toy - considered a liquid of over 100ml - on board to calm him down if needed.
A flight attendant also showed him and his father to their seats on the plane.
"We are less stressed by no staring or additional unwelcome remarks falling on us," said Ms Tee, 49, who does administrative work.
She said improved awareness of autism has made transport staff more compassionate.
"The experience encouraged us to bring him out more often. We are less afraid to bring him out."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PHV driver/rider guide for Singaporeans: How being behind the wheel is killing you, and what you can do to stay alive and beat fatigue without hitting the brakes
PHV driver/rider guide for Singaporeans: How being behind the wheel is killing you, and what you can do to stay alive and beat fatigue without hitting the brakes

Independent Singapore

time16 hours ago

  • Independent Singapore

PHV driver/rider guide for Singaporeans: How being behind the wheel is killing you, and what you can do to stay alive and beat fatigue without hitting the brakes

SINGAPORE: If you're a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver, delivery rider, or taxi driver in Singapore, you already know: the 9-to-5 life is a distant dream. Your work clock spins on its own terms. One hour you're dropping off someone, and the next hour, you're grabbing food for someone else—all while seated for hours, dodging erratic cars, tolerating demanding passengers, and sitting through the occasional monsoon downpour. It's not just exhausting. It's dangerous. According to a 2022 study by the National University of Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies, platform workers work an average of 59 hours per week, as reported by CNA Lifestyle . That's more than a full-time job and then some. And with roughly 70,000 gig workers in Singapore's ride-hail and delivery sectors (about 3% of the national workforce), that's a lot of folks behind the wheel, pushing through long days with barely a break. These individuals are our unsung heroes, responsible for our food deliveries, midnight rides, and early-morning airport trips. But behind every steering wheel is a platform worker fighting traffic jams, fatigue, dehydration, body aches, and burnout. Sleepless in Singapore Fatigue isn't just about feeling tired. It's a slow fade of your mental reflexes, concentration, and alertness, turning your Grab ride into a potential hazard. 'Drivers experiencing fatigue may show signs such as frequent yawning and blinking, difficulty keeping their eyes open, and decreased concentration and vigilance,' CNA Lifestyle quoted Dr Licia Tan, an associate consultant at Sengkang General Hospital's Department of Occupational Medicine. 'Passengers might also notice the driver becoming fidgety, veering off the lane, or driving erratically,' she added. How long does it take before you hit the sleepy slope? Just one to two hours of non-stop driving, according to Dr. Tan. That's because driving—especially in Singapore's bustling streets—is mentally demanding. 'Driving is a cognitively demanding task that relies on sustained attention, quick reflexes, and decision-making – all of which would decline when a driver is tired,' she explained. And on scorching hot days, it gets worse. 'Intense weather conditions, such as a high environmental temperature, show a positive association with fatigue symptoms and have been linked to poorer decision-making and road traffic accidents,' said Dr. Tan. Translation: Singapore's weather isn't just bad for your hair—it's bad for your brain. Even more worrying: Staying awake for 18 hours is the cognitive equivalent of a 0.05% blood alcohol level. Push that to 24 hours, and it's 0.10%—above the legal limit of 0.08% in Singapore. You may be sober, but your brain thinks you're drunk. It's not just traffic that's draining you Fatigue comes in two nasty flavours, said Dr. Tan: active and passive. Active fatigue happens when you're constantly dodging other bad vehicle drivers, navigating heavy traffic, or trying not to hydroplane during a thunderstorm. You're mentally switched on, but that intensity burns you out fast. Passive fatigue, on the other hand, creeps in during long, boring driving journeys. Think: driving along the expressway on autopilot. It's so monotonous, your brain starts to doze off before your eyes do. And let's not forget the psychological stress, such as dealing with rude customers or being under pressure to meet incentive targets. Add in mobile phone distractions and the occasional sip of alcohol (which you shouldn't be doing at all while driving/riding), and you've got a cocktail of concentration killers. The health toll behind the wheel You'd think mental stress would be the worst of it—but nope, your body takes a massive hit, too. Driving is, at its core, a sedentary job. Hours spent sitting still, missing meals, or wolfing down fast food, and barely moving your limbs is a one-way street to chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Also on the danger list are lower back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and the condition known as whole-body vibration (WVB). If you've ever felt your bones rattle after a long day on rough roads, that's WVB in action—and it's linked to nerve damage, spinal degeneration, and vascular issues. So, what can a road warrior like you do about it? Doctor's orders: 4 easy habits to stay road-ready 1. Fuel your body right (not just your car) Stick to regular meals and stock up on healthy snacks. Think: fruits or unsalted nuts—basically anything that won't leave a grease trail on your steering wheel. 2. Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does) Two litres of water a day is the bare minimum. Keep a reusable bottle in your car and top it up regularly. Dehydration can make you drowsy, dizzy, and cranky—not a great combo for safe driving. 3. Take micro-breaks Even a 5–10-minute pause every hour can work wonders. Stretch your legs after dropping off a passenger. Do quick lunges or shoulder rolls. Park and pace around the car. The more you move, the more your body will thank you. 4. Say no to marathon driving Driving more than 12 hours a day isn't heroic—it's hazardous. Long hours heighten fatigue-related errors and hurt your heart in the long run. If no time to stop, here's a hack If you really can't pull over for a proper break, then micro-stretch at the wheel. Dr. Tan recommends neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and upper body stretches—simple seated exercises you can do while waiting at a red light or in a queue. And don't underestimate your seat. Adjust it for the most ergonomic posture—for comfort, and to prevent strain that creeps in after long shifts. Even the best engines need regular maintenance, and so do you You're not just a driver. You're the engine of the gig economy. But even the best engines need regular maintenance. Similarly, your body, mind, and health deserve pit stops, hydration, and decent fuel. Don't let fatigue take over the wheel. Take control of your health—one break, one stretch, one good habit at a time. Drive safe. Stay sharp. And don't forget to take care of the person behind the steering wheel first before anything else. In other news, a Grab rider's wife opened up about her growing concerns for her husband's safety on the road. She said, 'It's just the risk in riding that concerns me, especially during rain. Even when we're careful, others may be careless.' You can read their full story over here: 'Are you embarrassed or even humiliated to say your husband is a Grab rider?' — Singaporean 'abang Grab' asks his wife, and gets an honest, shocking answer

WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus

Straits Times

time5 days ago

  • Straits Times

WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne chikungunya virus

Find out what's new on ST website and app. GENEVA - The World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action on July 22 to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Dr Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in South-east Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Dr Rojas Alvarez said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya - for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue - and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing. REUTERS

A helping hand for those with hidden conditions on Singapore's public transport
A helping hand for those with hidden conditions on Singapore's public transport

New Paper

time20-07-2025

  • New Paper

A helping hand for those with hidden conditions on Singapore's public transport

For 34-year-old university administrative employee Vivien Shiw, getting off a train at the next stop just to rest on a bench on the platform is routine. Though she looks young and healthy, she lives with autoimmune diseases Sjogren's and vasculitis, as well as arthritis, which make standing for long painful. When the pain in her legs worsens, she sometimes squats in the MRT train. Another passenger like her, Ms Ratnah Hafizah, has multiple sclerosis, which is also an autoimmune disease. She used to take Grab rides to pick up her son from kindergarten, even though his pre-school was only one bus stop away from her home. Ms Ratnah, who is 33 and self-employed in branding and content writing, said carrying a May I Have a Seat Please card, which she ties to her bag, has since given her the confidence to take a priority seat on buses without the fear of being judged by others. The card was first piloted as a sticker by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 2019 to help passengers be aware of those with hidden or invisible medical conditions who need a seat during public commutes. It is part of the Helping Hand scheme, an initiative by the Caring SG Commuters Committee - comprising several ministries, agencies and public transport operators - to foster a more inclusive public transport system. The May I Have a Seat Please initiative includes a lanyard and card for passengers with long-term conditions, while the sticker version is meant for people with short-term medical conditions. The card was created for those with hidden conditions such as chronic pain or fatigue, dizziness, heart disease and arthritis. It is also for commuters recovering from a stroke, those with physical injuries, ongoing cancer treatment or prosthetic limbs, and early-stage expectant mothers. As at May, LTA said it has distributed about 10,600 stickers for short-term conditions and 20,400 cards for long-term conditions. Passengers can collect them for free at the passenger service centre at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and at selected SimplyGo ticket offices. They do not need to show proof of their conditions. Some with invisible conditions are still doubted because of their youthful appearances. A 21-year-old university student who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim has multiple health conditions that result in leg pain when she stands for longer than 20 minutes. She said she was laughed at by a passenger service employee when she requested a May I Have a Seat Please card. Diagnosed with endometriosis, ovarian cysts, pelvic congestion syndrome and adenomyosis, she said the staff member did not believe she was unwell, even after seeing her medical records. "I did receive (the card) in the end, but it left a sour taste," she said. For some commuters, the card has not really worked. Ms Shiw, who has been carrying the card for about a year, said she often gets stares from other commuters. No one has offered her a seat on her journey from Sengkang to Kent Ridge for work. The only visible sign of her condition is the rash she gets when she puts too much pressure on her legs, but people do not associate a rash with the need for a seat, she said. Her fear is that she will fall down, as she has trouble balancing. LTA said it will continue to work with public transport operators to improve the Helping Hand initiative. The authority said all public transport operators have training programmes, developed together with social service agencies, to equip staff with skills to spot and assist commuters with disabilities. Since 2016, training in commuter inclusivity has been part of the Enhanced Vocational Licence Training Programme conducted by the Singapore Bus Academy for all bus captains. Over 10,455 bus captains have completed the programme, LTA said. More than 4,500 of SMRT's front-line staff - including station managers, bus captains and service ambassadors - have completed the operator's inclusive service delivery training, developed with social service agencies and special education (Sped) schools. The training includes role-play scenarios and hands-on learning to develop skills and sensitivity to help commuters with diverse needs. Over 7,000 SMRT staff are certified Caring Commuter Champions, trained to support commuters with disabilities. Madam Aileen Goh, 59, a senior assistant station manager at SMRT Trains, has helped unwell passengers and those with dementia by escorting them to the station's WeCare rooms to rest, and providing them with water and snacks while contacting their family members to pick them up. She said her training has taught her to look out for those who need help and given her the confidence to assist them, such as by slowly approaching elderly passengers wandering around the station and gently checking in on them. Mr Dalvinder Singh, a bus captain at Tower Transit Singapore, said the May I Have a Seat Please card has made it easier to identify passengers in need. In 2024, he noticed a commuter with visual impairment waiting at a bus stop with the card. He approached to offer help, informed him of the bus service number, guided him on board, and later helped him alight at his stop. "Before the cards were introduced, we would usually rely on visual cues or if the commuter approached us first. Now, with the lanyards and cards, I can take the initiative to offer help more confidently and appropriately," said Mr Singh. Help for passengers with autism Passengers with invisible disabilities, such as dementia and autism spectrum disorder, can also get additional help at Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group worked with Sped schools and organisations to launch in 2022 a customisable step-by-step airport guide and specialised training for staff. Front-line airport staff are also trained to recognise LTA's May I Have a Seat Please lanyard and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard - a global symbol for hidden disabilities launched by England's Gatwick Airport in 2016 - as part of their induction. Selected staff, such as those in supervisory roles, are nominated to be care ambassadors and receive specialised training to spot and support passengers with invisible disabilities such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome or dementia. Since August 2024, over 330 staff members across 15 organisations at Changi Airport, such as Certis Aviation Security and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, have been trained as care ambassadors by Rainbow Centre, identifiable by a pin they wear on their uniform. Parents of children with autism said the special accommodations made by airport and public transport staff make a world of difference when travelling. Ms Edwina Fan and her 18-year-old son Wallace Tan fly about twice a year to visit his grandparents in Taiwan. When Ms Fan explained to airport staff that Wallace was unable to look into the camera to pass through the e-gate, which is more commonly used now, the staff led them to the manual counter. She said staff also acceded to her request for Wallace to board the plane first with his family, as he is uncomfortable with crowds, and for him to be served his meals earlier. On public transport, Wallace, who is triggered by sounds such as babies crying, wears headphones and has his family's helper by his side. On public transport, Wallace Tan, who is triggered by sounds such as babies crying, wears headphones and has his family's helper by his side. PHOTO: EDWINA FAN Ms Fan recalled how Wallace once had a meltdown, and MRT staff formed a circle around him on the platform to give him space. They also stopped another passenger from filming a video of him. She hopes for wider recognition of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard in Singapore, and for the symbol to be included on signage for priority seats on trains. Ms Tiffany Tee took her son Atkins Soong, who has autism, on his first overseas trip in 10 years in May. She said airport staff did not pressure the 14-year-old to make eye contact when checking his passport, and allowed him to play with his piece of Blu-tack as he passed through the body scanner. Ms Tiffany Tee took her son Atkins Soong, who has autism, on his first overseas trip in 10 years in May. PHOTO: TIFFANY TEE Airport staff also let Atkins bring a slime toy - considered a liquid of over 100ml - on board to calm him down if needed. A flight attendant also showed him and his father to their seats on the plane. "We are less stressed by no staring or additional unwelcome remarks falling on us," said Ms Tee, 49, who does administrative work. She said improved awareness of autism has made transport staff more compassionate. "The experience encouraged us to bring him out more often. We are less afraid to bring him out."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store