Enhance the work environment, ensure the safety and health of workers, prepare workers for transformation, and build greater community support.
On behalf of public transport workers, the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) submitted these broad recommendations to the Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) 2040 Advisory Panel on 16 January 2019.
According to NTWU Executive Secretary Melvin Yong in a media statement, the recommendations will ensure that workers can do their best to help Singapore achieve its goal of having a first-class transport system.
The union gathered ground feedback and organised a focus group discussion with some 30 union leaders and public transport workers.
“As we plan for a public transport system that caters to commuters’ needs, it is also important that we consider the needs of the workers who keep the system running. NTWU has been working with the authorities and PTOs [public transport operators] to make improvements to the work environment of our public transport workers.
“The union has also been working closely with partners to help bus workers transition through major changes like the Bus Contracting Model. Transformation to the industry will continue, and more can be done,” said Mr Yong.
One of the recommendations proposed was for transport infrastructure to be built with maintenance in mind.
To help bus captains run bus services smoothly and efficiently, NTWU recommended that the Government implement more full-day bus lanes, introduce dedicated lanes for cycling, and ensure roadworks are done only on non-peak hours.
According to feedback from bus captains, they usually wait longer than usual to park their vehicles, which might eat into their break time. To address this, NTWU said that the Government should explore ways to increase the number of Bus parking lots at interchanges and introduce halfway- buses that depart from depots.
For the rail sector, the union recommended that there should be proper parking lots at train stations for maintenance vehicles. Doing so will ensure that maintenance staff do not have to carry equipment over a long distance to the worksites.
Bus shelters at interchanges should also be extended, according to the union. This is to ensure, bus captains, commuters and those on wheelchairs do not get drenched when it rains.
The union recommended that stakeholders consider the impact on the workload, stress and fatigue levels of workers, harmonise safety standards across all bus and rail operators, and ensure ventilation and visibility underground for rail workers.
“The safety and health of workers must always be a priority. NTWU strongly believes that healthier workers are happier workers, who in turn are better workers. With rising service standards, it is important that LTA [Land Transport Authority] and PTOs work closely with NTWU to balance the needs of bus and rail reliability with the safety and health of workers,” said the union.
The union added that the advent of disruptive technology such as on-demand services and autonomous vehicles are a cause for concern for workers.
To prepare workers for the industry’s transformation, NTWU urged tripartite partners work closely to include training as part of tender requirements, establish training committees, and set up a tripartite working committee for the ongoing trials of autonomous buses.
“As the industry transforms, NTWU recognises that current jobs in the industry may change in the years ahead and new jobs would emerge.
“The union stands ready to continue its work with our tripartite partners to ensure that our workers are well prepared for transformation. The end goal is to level up the competency levels of our transport workforce so that we can together, work towards a first-class transport system,” said Mr Yong.
Meanwhile, support from commuters is also an integral part of creating a better travelling environment, said NTWU.
The union proposed that the Government promotes better respect for public transport professionals by enhancing public awareness of the work of public transport workers, as well as commuter graciousness.
NTWU also suggested that a community of commuter volunteers should be built. According to the union, these volunteers can be trained as first responders to assist frontline workers during service disruption or emergencies.
