LTA extends trial to allow folding bikes on MRT and Buses

I was delighted to be amongst the first to learnt that the “folding bike trial on MRT /Bus” will be extended beyond the original deadline (yesterday!).

This was announced in a meeting organized by LTA to exchange folding bike users’ experience on public transport. Together with Vivian and Steven from Diginexx (distributor of Strida and Carryme) , we represented the views of 600 folding bike users in Singapore.

Most of the FB users do not bring their folding bike onto public transport, citing the non-peak hour limitation, and road danger the two main reasons.

Thanks to LTA’s effort, those who did bring their bikes into the MRT/ buses were pleasantly surprised: “Bus drivers and MRT personnel are pleasant toward folding bike users”. Said Sun, one of the FB users. “On the roads, I can see SMRT drivers are more cautious toward cyclists.” She said.

Even those who don’t use the public transport regularly find it very handy when it rain- they can skip riding and hide into the comfort of MRT or buses, in addition to the more expensive Taxi.

However, there are short falls. Apart from the time limit and road dangers. Some find getting on a crowded bus is a pain. They have to squeeze through a narrow passage before reaching the open space for wheel chair on the back. They suggest to allow folding bike board the bus from the back, making it easier for everyone.

On the other hand, the MRT can be very crowded even after the peak hours, mainly due to longer intervals between trains.
Some FB users find it difficult to get onto MRT because they don’t want to be a nuisance to the other passengers. I personally had the experience of waiting for a 3rd train although most of the time I can get on to the first.

One improvement suggestion by JZ88 users is to enlarge the share space inside the MRT cabin by remove couple of seats in a desinated cabin and label it “Folding bike and bulky object”. Such arrangement is not difficult to do and can help to resolve the potential conflict before FB gets too popular in public transports.

Like in Europe and Taiwan, folding bikes can play an important and complimentary role to mass public transport. One can travel a long distance on public tansport and then cycle to the exact point he/she wants to go. This is a convenient and money saving combination. It does not produce any pollution, require very little road space yet generate a lot of health for the riders.
A pro-folding bike and bicyle police can help LTA to achieve the goal of increase the ridership of public transport and ultimately reduce private car use. Compare to suttle bus for short distance, bicycle has the avantage of being a personal and door-to-door solution. Within a distance of 2km, you can be there within 7 minutes, no need to wait and no need to walk to the station.
Incorporating bicyle in the transport strategy can increase the “catchment zone” of transport hub by 20~25 times immediately because cycling is about 4 to 5 times faster than walk. This is more powerful than relying on suttle bus entirely and can help to relief the pressure of some bus routes.

In order to get a balanced view LTA mentioned that they need to take into consideration of all stake holders. That’s why they will extend the trial untill all feedback are heard.

I was impressed that the LTA members were interested in my suggestion to calm the traffic and create a “safety zone” near schools and MRT stations. Their attitude indicates that they are working genuinely towards a total solution rather than pushing the ball around.

Moving forward, I am optimistic that LTA is planning ahead for the increased use of folding bike in public transport. Let’s keep our finger crossed. Latest by next February, an official announced will be made by LTA regarding their position for folding bike on public transport.