Last week, we took a look at video that now makes it possible for us to see Singapore’s future in our own eyes.
In case you don’t already know, Singapore is gearing up to be the world’s first ‘Smart Nation’. The Infocomm Development Authority (or IDA) released a statement in June this year about their plans to revolutionize the way we use technology in our daily lives, making our future in Singapore as ‘smart’ as possible.
During Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech last week, he also stressed that Singapore can do much more with technology and IT to make the country a Smart Nation. Among one which caught our attention are the various innovations around bus stops.
According to a report by Channel News Asia on the matter, bus stops of the future need not just be functional. One bus stop at Jurong East is also being redesigned for commuters to top up their cash cards and charge their phones while waiting for the bus.
Singapore Focusing On Improving Travel Experience Of Commuters
News of this bus stop improvement came shortly after the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) implemented the free WiFi service at selected Singapore’s MRT station.
Available from 22nd August 2014, City Hall, Orchard and Raffles Place are the first of 28 MRT stations to offer free Wireless@SG connection at the platform level. The rest of the 25 MRT stations will get the free Wireless@SG connection over the next 9 months. The trial is implemented as part of the Land Transport Master Plan initiatives to provide better service on the public transport network.
“The introduction of Wireless@SG at the platforms of all North-East Line stations and 12 other stations with high commuter volume is aimed at enhancing wireless connectivity for commuters. They can now check their emails, surf the Web, or connect to social media platforms on their phones and tablets more speedily while they wait for the train,” said LTA Chief Executive Chew Hock Yong.
The new announcement is timely too as SMRT has recently added new charging points at four MRT stations – City Hall, Orchard, Tanjong Pagar and Kent Ridge. Train commuters in Singapore will be able to charge their mobile devices at these charging points for free. According to SMRT, these charging points, which are under a trial, is one of the new initiatives rolled out by the company to enhance commuters’ travel experiences. The four stations were chosen for the trial due to their high traffic flow.
It seems like Singapore is extending this to bus stops too, starting with one in Jurong East. However, there are official date announced for the roll out yet.
Netizens Reaction Towards The Announcement
While the intention by the Singapore government is good, some netizens seem to view the matter in a different light.
What do you think?