New signs on MRT trains spark debate on how to behave on public transport in Singapore

The Usual Place

Synopsis: Join host and correspondent Natasha Ann Zachariah every Thursday live at noon, as she unpacks the latest current affairs with guests. Podc…

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An ongoing SMRT campaign, meant to inspire a gracious commute culture, has laid down the law on what’s acceptable, or not, on the train.

Two bubble-like characters – named “Dotties” by SMRT – are accompanied by the caption, “Don’t groom in public”. One is shown clipping their toenails and the other, applying make-up.

It got the internet talking about the boundaries of personal grooming in public.

But after decades of public etiquette and courtesy campaigns across Singapore, why is there still a need for this conversation? And if Singapore is a first-world city, why don’t we have a handle on what’s acceptable and what isn’t in public?

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Elysia Tan, a clinical psychologist, and Shila Naidu, a trauma therapist, to work through how to behave on public transport?

Highlights (click/tap above):

4:08 Why have we not learnt from decades of courtesy campaigns?

9:54 Why don’t people realise they are irritating others?

14:29 Are these behaviours a reflection of a stressed society?

18:08 How did we become a “shame-based” society?

21:59 Commuters with mental health issues

24:41 Should we confront people on the train?

28:24 No PDA, no nose picking and distance please!

Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@sph.com.sg)

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