On providing public transport for the disabled

The PAP government has steadfastly to this day refused to introduce laws to require that public transport companies provide free or reduced fares for the physically or intellectually disabled.

The public transport companies, SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Corporation Ltd have also refused to provide free or reduced fares for the disabled on their own initiative.

Now, public transport for the disabled is a matter of recognising that many disabled persons face financial difficulties in day to day living, and that as a society, we have a moral responsibility to look after our less fortunate members.

It is not asking for too much. Please understand that this is only a minority segment of society who deserves our care and concern. There are no substantial profit reductions asked for or floodgates unleashed here.

This sad, heartless state of affairs cannot continue.

The government should make the laws.

The public transport companies should practise corporate social responsibility.

But given that these institutions have failed to do so.. this author would like to make an appeal to all shareholders of SBS Transit Ltd, SMRT Corporation Ltd and even ComfortDelgro Corporation Ltd (which is the holding company of SBS Transit Ltd) to bring up this issue at the next general meeting of each company. As shareholders, you own the company and you have the ability and the right to require that the company do something for the less abled. Alternatively, this author would like to ask those who can and are willing to do so, to purchase the smallest possible portion of shares in any of these companies and make the request at the next general meeting of the relevant company.

If enough caring shareholders vote for it, free/discounted public transport for the disabled can happen.

Please feel free to pass on this message.