Okay I need to vent because today really reached my limit already.
This morning I take the North-South Line from Woodlands, super packed as usual lah — nothing new. Train doors open at Bishan, I’m standing right at the yellow line, ready to board. Then ah, this uncle in business casual attire — laptop bag, AirPods, the whole “I work in fintech” look — just storm in from the LEFT side before anyone even step out. Excuse me??? The people inside haven’t exit yet leh. You think the doors open for your personal convenience only is it?
I stare at him. He pretend to look at his phone. Classic. You know how many times I have seen this? Every single peak hour, without fail. SMRT put those arrows on the floor for what? Decoration? We spent how many million dollars building this infrastructure and people can’t follow a simple floor sticker.
And then — I kid you not — he squeeze to the centre of the cabin and just stand there, not moving in. Whole doorway kena blocked. Four people behind me couldn’t board in time, train doors close, they miss the train. I saw the auntie’s face, very pek chek already, but she never say anything. We Singaporeans ah, we silently suffer then go home and post on Reddit one.
This is exactly why I don’t believe in “gracious society” lah. The government spend so much money on campaigns, courtesy lion mascots last time, all those MRT announcement reminders — “please move to the centre of the train”, “give up your seat”, etc. Then what? No effect. Because there is zero consequence. You block the door, so what? Nothing happen. You’re anonymous. You feel shiok. Next day you do again.
Compare with Japan — yes I know everyone say “don’t compare with Japan” but hear me out — their commuters queue properly not because they have some inner virtue. It’s because there is strong social pressure. If you misbehave, people will stare until you feel ashamed enough to correct yourself. Here? You stare at someone, they stare back even harder. Then you’re the crazy one.
My friend who recently relocated back from London said the same thing — she said London’s tube is dirty and unreliable, but at least people queue and board properly. Here our trains are cleaner, more frequent, more technologically advanced — but the basic civic behaviour is somehow worse. Very ironic right.
I know some of you will say “aiyo minor thing la, why so uptight”. But that’s exactly the mentality that allows this to perpetuate. Every small inconsiderate act normalised is how we get a society that only cares about itself. Today is MRT queue-cutting, tomorrow is cutting queue at the hawker centre, then never hold the lift, then never return the tray. It all connects one.
Not asking for perfect people. Just asking everyone to be a little less self-centred during the morning commute. Can or not?
Okay I feel better already. Thanks for reading. Off to get my kopi-o before the next train.