The opening of Downtown Line 2 (DTL) in December adds to Singapore’s growing public transportation network which makes more places around the island accessible to people with disabilities.

A group of clients and trainees from the SPD Sheltered Workshop and Employment Support Programme went on a familiarisation tour of the new DTL2 that was led by staff from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 29 December. They were introduced to the various barrier-free features of DTL2 and the major interchange stations. The initiative aimed at giving them greater confidence to commute using the public trains for social, employment and other purposes.

The tour included major interchange stations such as Bugis, Little India, Newton and Botanic Gardens. The LTA staff also prepared activities such as using the locality maps and signages in the stations to identify places and correct exits and to find lifts.

Sheltered Workshop trainee and stroke survivor Ho Poh Kee (below, in hat and holding walking stick) was happy to participate in the tour. “Today I learnt about the Downtown Line 2 and its stations. This information is useful for me as I take the train on weekends,” he said.

SPD’s occupational therapist Ms Teng Mei Ling added: “This is the first time our clients rode the Downtown Line 2 and it is definitely beneficial to them as it gives them the confidence to explore new places, improving their independence in community mobility. We are grateful to LTA for organising this familiarisation session for persons with disabilities.”

“We will continue to improve transport accessibility and play a part in building a more inclusive society,” said LTA’s Community Partnership manager, Ms Preiyaa Tharrshini.