Engendering Caring, Inclusive Journeys with Singapore’s First Public Transport Inclusivity Training Centre

10 April 2026 – As she boarded the MRT, the front wheels of her wheelchair became lodged in the gap between the train and the platform. Commuters surged past, and anxiety gripped her as she struggled to free herself. Mr Leslie Yeo, a 48-year-old Senior Customer Service Officer on the Downtown Line, noticed her distress and approached promptly. Meeting her eyes, he asked softly, “May I assist you?” - an approach that conveyed both respect and genuine concern.   

For Leslie, this response is deliberate and empowering. Through inclusivity training, he learned that a mobility aid is an extension of a person’s personal space. Rather than acting on instinct or rushing to resolve the problem, he understood that unannounced assistance even if well intentioned can startle or disorient the person in need. This shift from acting for commuters to supporting them ensures that every interaction preserves dignity and agency. Notably, the training has made a tangible difference for Leslie and benefits the passengers he serves.    

Recognising that an inclusive public transport system requires more than accessible infrastructure, SBS Transit has partnered with the Land Transport Authority’s Singapore Bus Academy and SG Enable to establish the Public Transport Inclusivity Training Centre (PTITC) for the industry.    

The Centre was officially opened today by Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive of the Land Transport Authority and Ms Janet Ang, Chairperson of the Public Transport Council. The PTITC is designed to equip frontline staff not only with the physical skills to assist but also with the knowledge to do so with care, awareness and respect.   

Mr Jeffrey Sim, Group Chief Executive Officer of SBS Transit, said: “At SBS Transit, we believe that making journeys accessible for persons with disabilities extends beyond infrastructure and must be underpinned by a caring and empathetic environment. The establishment of the Public Transport Inclusivity Training Centre marks a significant step forward in this journey.   

“By equipping our frontline public transport workers with both the knowledge and practical skills to better support commuters with disabilities, we can help ensure that every journey is safe, pleasant and empowering, enabling them to travel independently and with confidence,” he added.  

Located at Seletar Bus Depot, the PTITC is a purpose-built facility featuring a simulated train platform gap, ramps and stairways, enabling practical training alongside theoretical instructions. As a shared facility for all public transport operators, it will initially be used to train public transport workers, with plans to extend access to the public at a later stage.