Key takeaways:

• The new technology allows person with disabilities to enter and exit the MRT without tapping their fare cards.
• The device can still be detected through their pockets or bags

Taking the MRT during peak hours can be quite an uphill task. A new hands-free ticketing technology is introduced and may soon enhance the commuter experience of those with disabilities. Today, we brought some of our clients to try out the new gates.

Tan Kim Wee was among a handful of trainees from SPD who were invited to participate in a trial launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to allow persons with disabilities to enter and exit MRT stations without tapping their fare cards.

During the six-month trial starting from June 2018, participants are able to access the wide hands-free gantries at Redhill, Tiong Bahru, Kembangan and Bedok MRT stations without tapping in or out. The hands-free fare gates work with Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices with an application or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) test card. The device and the test card do not have to be in close contact with the fare reader, which means commuters with disabilities can have them in their pockets or bags.

“Technology can make things easier for people with disabilities. When taking buses or trains, it can be difficult but we are used to it. This new technology really helps a lot,” said Kim Kee.

Lim Chin Hwa believes that the new hands-free fare gates bring about much added convenience.

Sharing her sentiments was another trial participant, Lim Chin Hwa. “It is really convenient for us,” he said.

Efforts like this to make our public transportation more inclusive is a step towards encouraging greater social integration in the community.