Graciousness on Public Transport

Public Transport is part of every Singaporean’s life!

Most of us grew up taking the Public Bus or Train to school and workplace. Although many of us had positive experiences, some of us have had negative experiences. Many times, it is the people around that add to the experience. To ensure Singapore becomes more gracious, education on Public Thoughtfulness must start with us.

Growing up, I was terribly shy, and when an opportune time came for me to give up my seat to an elderly, I had to muster up all my courage to follow through with my action. Although it was a struggle, (can be very embarrassing if they rejected my offer, or if they can’t understand me!) I have never regretted doing it! Now that I’m a parent, I would really want my kids to have the same courage and consciousness to do the same! However, for children to catch the right attitudes, we would need to effective role models, and educate our children.

In this light, I am glad that LTA is reminding us again, on how we can continue to be kinder and gentler to our fellow citizens. We may love our Korean Movies and listening to our favourite songs, but we can also occasionally “look up” and be attentive to the needs of our fellow commuters. To encourage the kids to grow up with the “Right Attitudes”, LTA may have something right up our alley!

Go online and check out the “Thoughtful Me Creator” application by LTA. Here is a family bonding activity that all of us can do together with the kids

Maximize technology by creating a Virtual Character that demonstrates Positive Commuting Behaviour.

Just access the Application and make a Thoughtful Character with the Thoughtful Me Creator App. Users will be able to customise his/her character’s appearance, as well as his/her name and character traits.

I got the kids together, and we made our own characters. Like one of those games that the kids find on their tablets, the kids can decide on the makeup of their characters. From the hair, eyes, mouth, to the outfit, we can determine the makeup of our Characters.

Next up, I began to teach the kids about how they can be more thoughtful.  The task of education here is made simpler by the fact that LTA has already suggested some Characters for us. Introducing, Stand-up Stacey, Move-in Martin and Give-way Glenda:

• Give-Way Glenda gives way to alighting passengers by queuing up and letting them alight first.
• Stand-up Stacey is the thoughtful you who gives up the seat to those who need it more.
• Move-in Martin moves in so that others can board the bus and train.

You can find out more about these characters, by watching their YouTube videos (Glenda, Stacey and Martin).

We created character like Considerate Casey (Puts on earphones while watching movies) and Thoughtful Thomas (Sits properly and does not take up 2 seats on the bus). It was great fun, as through the application, I began to educate the children about good social graces.

The Good News is that the fun does not stop there! Vote for your character daily, and you can possibly Win some Shopping vouchers for yourself.  Selected Winning Entries can also Win attractive Prizes such as a Brand New Casio Exilim EX-TR35 or a Staycation at Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa.

And if your new created character is selected by the organizers, it may even appear in Publicity Posters and you stand a chance to Win Attractive Prizes.

If you are ready to join in the fun, log in to your Facebook Account, and Start making your character today!