PMD Gone Wild: A Sunday Train Snafu
It was a sunny Sunday on Dec 8, the kind of day where everyone’s looking for an excuse to run a bit faster through the crowded station. At Kallang MRT Station, a commuter named Jacky was ready to hop onto the train heading to Tuas at 4:30 pm when something unexpected caught his eye.
The Unexpected Ride
There, on the train, a man was riding his personal mobility device (PMD) like it was the latest trend. He seemed to have a one‑way ticket: back and forth across the car, causing a chain reaction of people ducking for cover and keeping their distance.
“The train was already packed,” Jacky said. “He kept shuffling, so everyone just steered clear.”
Jacky’s Quick Decision
Instead of trying to squeeze onto that train, Jacky opted to skip it and take the next one. He felt the risk of a possible collision—or at the very least a painfully awkward tap on the body—was worth avoiding it all.
“He’s basically playing with people’s safety,” Jacky continued. “I filed a report with station staff right away.”
The Rules You Should Know
According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), riders are allowed to bring PMDs onto public transport, but there are strict guidelines:
- Keep your PMD folded whenever you’re on a train or bus.
- Don’t block doors or walkways. Hold your device at all times.
- No riding in stations or bus interchanges. It’s a hard no.
- Failure to follow these rules can lead to a fine of up to $500.
More Noggin‑Cleaning Incidents
This isn’t the first time someone’s PMD caused a stir on the East‑West Line. In September, another rider was seen “hogging up” space on the train, and back in May, a rider on the North‑South Line was called out for riding on the platform.
So next time you’re raiding the commuter crowd, remember: fold that PMD, keep it out of the way, and let the train enjoy its synergy—no one wants a slap‑in‑the‑face jam!
