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Go-Ahead Singapore to trial Helping Hand scheme

By 13 August 2020October 15th, 2021No Comments

Go-Ahead Singapore today announced a three-month “Helping Hand” trial designed to enhance the journey experience for commuters with physical and/or invisible mobility impairments.The initiative is based on the user displaying a discreet pocket-sized card, which in turn prompts the bus captain to literally lend a hand to those in need of extra help.

Helping Hand will operate in the Pasir Ris area between November 2020 and January 2021 on local feeder services 354, 358, 359 and 403. It follows a similar pioneer project at Go-Ahead’s award-winning Brighton and Hove bus operation in the United Kingdom (UK), where it has proved to be very popular.

Experience in the UK shows that the card delivers effective and speedy communication between the intending user and driver, based on the most popular commuter requests made, which include:

  • “Alert me when my stop is approaching”
  • “This is a wheelchair”
  • “May I have a seat please”

The company has made applying for a card accessible and easy. They are available through:

  • The company’s website (https://www.go-aheadsingapore.com)
  • Social Service Office @ Pasir Ris (under the Ministry of Social and Family Development)
  • Pasir Ris Family Service Centre (under the Ministry of Social and Family Development)
  • Silver Generation Office @ Pasir Ris (under the Agency for Integrated Care)
  • Senior Activity Centre @ Pasir Ris (under the Agency for Integrated Care)

Publicity is available at all these locations and interested applicants are invited to indicate one challenge faced while commuting on buses so as to provide them with the most relevant card.

Mr Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore said: “Along with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), we are pleased to pilot the new Helping Hand scheme as it makes the bus network even more accessible and inclusive to all Singaporeans, which is a key aim of the 2040 Land Transport Master Plan. Helping Hand also supports the established gracious commuting campaign and we welcome feedback on the trial, which we will share with the LTA.”