2010-09-03T23:51:00.000+08:00

As I was jogging past a crowded bus-stop this evening, something ridiculous lit up in my mind.

I was just thinking, if I were the transport minister for a day, what could I do to improve the over-crowding situation.

The following may be what I can and will do:

With immediate effect, commuters who already own a personal transport system will not be able to take the public transport anymore!

Personal Transport here would mean anything motorised device that a person can use to move from point A to Point B. And so it would cover basically all kind of personal transportation like cars, motorcycles, lorries, vans etc.

However, if the commuter is already on a Bus or MRT when this announcement was made, they can continue to ride in the bus or MRT.

The new rules only applies to those trying to get on-board.

So if they decide to switch bus or train midway, the new rules would apply and they have to consider the following "passengers reduction measures" (PRM).

In order to continue relying on public transport, commuters must commit to sell off all their existing personal vehicles within 6 days. (Local and Overseas vehicles applies)

Even if they have a rickshaw which their ancestor left for them in another country, they must decide if they want to keep it and stay away from the public transport system or dispose it and partake in the efficient and low cost public transport system.

Over the last few years, my boss has let in too many immigrants and we have underestimated the number of public transport users.

I have already reacted to this blunder by promising everyone that I will shortened the wait for more new trains and buses from 3yrs to 2 yrs.

Hopefully they will see me as a problem solver and not the one who created that problem.

For the sandwiched class, I will consider giving them a $2 NTUC Fairprice voucher for every taxi rides they take.

I think this might just work as those who cannot afford a personal transport system will get a chance to get onto the MRTs or buses while those who can afford a car should stay away from it.

So to those who already has a car or lorry or motorbike, please do not come and crowd the genuine users out of the public transport system!

They need to get to work and you have your own means and ways to get to work.

Real Blunt