WE THANK readers for their feedback on Wednesday on modifications to SMRT trains to allow more standing room by having some seats removed.

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LTA/SMRT is saying you asked for the seats to be removed - so why complain now?
In the same breath it is commuters' fault for not moving in and hence can't board trains. So they have `deployed service ambassadors to encourage commuters to move to the ends of the platform and the centre of trains'.
How long more have we got to tolerate this incompetency and refusal to improve public transport services?

riding a motorbike seems to be emerging as the best transport option . . .

What did you say? 'Adding more carriages' has been fully exploited? My understanding is that all the stations are constructed with facility to accommodate the current no of carriages. The platform length just matches the current train length. If you add one more carraige where will the door open? Can you throw light when did you increase the number of carraiges?

#4 the writer is a PR person - writing to appease, or writing without understandng. Maybe she meant double decker carriages, maybe they can re-dig the tunnels?

LTA/SMRT's only "surveyed" 700 commuters. Do LTA/SMRT know how many commuters there are in S'pore??

Who conducted the "survey"?
How was the 700 commuters chosen?
Where was the "survey" conducted?
What time was the "survey" conducted?
What dates were the "survey" conducted? During school holdiays?

Also, LTA/SMRT are ignoring feedback from commuters who opposed the removal of train seats. LTA/SMRT only hear what they want to hear!!!!

I don't believe more trains can't be added. If Hong Kong and Tokyo can do it, why can't S'pore???? LTA/SMRT have a lot to learn from HK and Tokyo.

Wonder where did SMRT got its public feedback? Own management? Most of the people travelling by MRT asked for an increase in train frequency and not removing of seats. More like a convenient way to pass the buck.

To squeeze more people into train carriages, we should remove ALL seats as this is the most economically viable solution. For vulnerable passengers, the SMRT can provide foldable seats for them which are to be returned at the destination station. This ensures that the targeted groups receive the benefits directly rather than relying on the sympathy of passengers to give up their seats. Floor markings can be used to demarcate "parking lots" for these seats. Assertive station wardens should be deployed to ensure that these vulnerable groups can be seated properly within a cabin and ensure everyone else are squeezed to the maximum. Bottom line - If you are fit, you stand. Only the weak gets a seat.

If you are fit and you want a seat while traveling around - Get a car.