St Journal 5 (term 3)

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1a) What was the reason for building the platform doors at the MRT stations?

It was to prevent the passengers to fall off the platforms and being hit by the incoming trains. This type of incidents have gone up over the years. An average of 16 casese a year in 2004 and 2005 to 31 in 2007. Last year, there were 23 cases of commuters straying onto the tracks. Six of that were due to accidental loss of balance.

b) Which other countries already have such doors installed at train stations?

Tapei and Paris.

2) What is your opinion of commuters on trains who disregard the rules (no eating/drinking, give up seats for the elderly/ the disabled/ pregnant women etc.) on the train?

I think that very disgraceful of the commuters act. I think they should follow the rule as the have given it. If they spill their food or drink on the train, they will bring inconvient to the other passengers. They should give up seats for the elderly also. If in the future you are old, you also will hope other passengers will give up sit to you. This goes without saying to the pregnant woman, as they could not stand too long. If everyone follow the rule, there will not be any problem for other passengers.