Catch Your Train Without the Drama: A Cautionary Tale from Jurong East MRT
Missing a train can really throw a wrench in your day, especially when you’re in a rush. But what if I told you that one commuter tried to beat the system in a rather risky way?
A “Life Hack” Gone Wrong
At Jurong East MRT station, a user decided to share their so-called “life hack” for catching the train during peak hours. In a video posted on Sgfollowsall, the individual demonstrated how to activate the platform screen by sticking their fingers into it. The video kicks off with the catchy line, “How to catch the train in rush hour.”
To make it work, the person sprinted to the train, wedged their hands between the screen doors, and—surprise!—the doors opened after about 10 seconds. Sounds clever, right? Not quite.
Backlash from the Community
While some might find this trick amusing, the comments section was anything but friendly. Many viewers slammed the individual for being “socially irresponsible” and “selfish.” Some pointed out that this kind of behaviour could delay everyone else, while others suggested simply waiting for the next train instead of risking life and limb.
AsiaOne confirmed that the police received complaints about this incident. They reached out to SMRT for clarification, and the transport authority reminded commuters to avoid leaning on or touching the screen doors. This is crucial to prevent accidents when the doors open and close.
The Dangers of Trespassing
This isn’t the first time someone has put themselves in danger at the MRT. Just last year, a person tried to retrieve their phone from the tracks at Jurong East, which led to an emergency stop by an oncoming train. Such reckless actions can cause significant delays and pose serious risks to everyone on board.
A spokesperson for SMRT emphasised that trespassing on the tracks is dangerous and can endanger lives, especially if emergency brakes are activated.
What Can We Learn?
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and consideration for others in our daily commutes. Acting irresponsibly not only puts your life at risk but also jeopardises the safety of fellow commuters.
Let’s all do our part to make our public transport system safe and efficient. Remember, it’s always better to wait for the next train than to take unnecessary risks.
For more information on MRT safety, check out the SMRT website.
Stay safe, Singapore!