It is clear that people are missing the point - whether the videos are real or not, the deaths DID occur. And all the deaths occured in stations where there were no platform doors to prevent people from falling (accident) or jumping onto the MRT Track (suicide).
SMRT has defended its decision not to install platform doors, despite so many deaths in recent months, by citing cost as the main reason. We would like to remind everyone however that SMRT has been making healthy profits in the last 5 years. Appended is a screenshot of SMRT's P&L Statement for 2002-2006.
Clearly, SMRT can afford to install the platform doors, without the need to pass on the cost to its passengers. Afterall, close to half (just a rough estimation) of the MRT Stations island wide are already equipped with platform doors (aka the underground stations) anyway. The one time investment to upgrade the remaining stations would definitely improve safety and reduce downtime due to unfortunate accidents/suicides.
It is time for SMRT to reconsider the installation of platform doors, to improve the safety of its transportation network.
9 comments:
Bare in mind that by installing doors, you also need to install aircon as well. There is a monthly cost.
The issue here is not regarding the price of a human live. Can installing door prevent people from committing suicide? If yes, then I'm 100% supportive of installing the door. But sadly, it doesn't stop them. They will just choose other methods to die.
So instead using those money to build doors, why not use those money to help them get out of the difficult times?
I think doors are a red herring. People will kill themselves anyway they can, added door just remove them from killing themselves on the MRT. Also I think that we have a mentality here to shield ourselves off everything the poses a danger to us due to our stupidity. Look at the Ubin, its meant to be a rugged place, but its been fenced up and so protected that you cannot swim in the quarries anymore.
If we look at Tokyo, almost NON of their trains or subways have doors, you can jump off anyone of the platform as you wish. Sometimes the gaps between the train and platform can be so big that you can drop a baby through it.
I feel that we need some "risky" environment as it helps us to stay alert and its healthy for us in general
The difference with having the doors up and people not killing themselves there is quite significant.
1) Lesser manpower costs incurred through having staff manning the platforms during peak periods.
2) Time costs significantly lowered - lesser commuters inconvenienced because of one selfish suicider
3) Improved efficiency of service. A downtime is still a downtime statistic. Unless SMRT doesn't declare the downtime in their performance statistics - which should not be the case.
The problem with Public transport in Singapore is the fact that they would rather line their own pockets first.
I find it disturbing that the only concern the SMRT has, and those against safety installations is the money and/or the better use of money.
Like the title of this entry, can or should we really talk about lives in terms of money?
It is equally sad that not talking in terms of money will mean that one is emotional, impractical, unrealistic, etc.
Both you and SMRT are missing the point. If the purpose of the platform doors is to prevent people from committing suicide, it wouldn't work. They can easily find other means to do so. If the platform doors are effective in preventing people from committing suicide at MRTs, it just implies more uptime for train services, not less people killing themselves.
March 1, 2007 1:09 AM
I beg to differ. Those platform doors or any other barriers will reduce the number of suicides, if not eliminate all suicides at MRT stations. At the very least, the others on the platform will gain lead time in spotting and preventing people from climbing over the barriers to kill themselves.
It may not stop them from using other means but it will make it more difficult. This may also give those with suicidal thoughts more time to calm down and come to their senses.
In short, delaying and reducing the chances for them to commit suicide is better than not doing anything at all.
I read the comments here with much interest. I am truly disturbed by some of the comments here that carries very much negative mindset about human lives lost.
Yes, while the doors are not 100% fail-safe. But you cannot also entirely disagree that it definitely serve as a deterrent and a barrier to those who attempts. Even if one tries to, the longer time and effort required to climb over the barriers would have created more time for reaction.
Now that aside, what about that case of the fella who accidentally fell onto the tracks. Yes, you can point your finger to the fella's carelessness. But, would it have happened if there is a barrier?
About the need to install air-cons if platform doors are installed. For goodness sake, dont you have confidence at all in the creativity of those professionals who design sophisticated buildings that beautify our country skyline!!! I am absolutely sure that there will be someone who can design something that meets the need to have ventilation as well as creating a barrier.
Lastly, do you know that one of the ways to calculate economic costs is to calculate the cost of productivity loss/opportunity cosst when employees do not start work on time???
Actually, you don't need to be a professional or rocket scientist to know that there are full height barriers that go right up to the ceiling and those that don't. Also, barriers do not need to be solid. Those who think so must have been living with solid glass/metal gates and window panes more suitable for banks and vaults.
In fact, I am pretty sure the person who raised the issue of airconditioning has been living in comfort all this life since he has no clue whatsoever about natural ventilation. For such a person, it is no wonder that he is not the least sympathetic to the plight of those who commit suicide.
ya, i am pretty puzzled over the need for aircon comment. like what others have said, it is possible to build barriers AND enjoy the breeze as well!
anyway. i think the point of the barriers ought not to be on reducing SUICIDE but on reducing accidental falls leading to unnecessary tragedies. we can't prevent suicide with barriers but we can prevent non-intentional deaths from being wasted in this way.
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