SMRT has finally decided to plant her staffs on trains to impose fine on commuters who consume on the train. Though late, they have finally implemented such a penalty. Yet such a new regulation has advocaters as well as people who oppose it.

The next question many would ask, “Why are people opposing it?” Well, the reason for SMRT prohibiting commuters to consume their food and drinks could be the potential mess it can cause. For instance, soft drinks spill on the floor/seats and thus affecting other commuters. However, it disregards the minority who are in need of perhaps plain water/sweet to ease their thirst. While there are arguments that it is possible to consume before the ride, how about those unwell? They would not be able to drink (even) plain water (water is important to aid us in recovery). Their journey would be uncomfortable. For those who are coughing, commuters would be affected by the coughing sound and some would be covering their nose and mouth with their hands, creating a painful rather than pleasurable ride.

Well, every issue has 2 sides. SMRT’s action is applauded as well. There are a handful of irresponsible commuters who blatantly ignore the ‘No Eating’ sign on MRT. I have seen commuters spilling their soft drinks, crumbs of the burger and even fillings from their food. The worse and terrifying thing is they (majority) do not attempt to clean the mess they have caused. These commuters ought to be punished. Their ignorance and acts would set a negative impression on foreigners taking our public transports (which Singapore sometimes boasts to be top/world-class).

Unfortunately, my post and others’ views on this issue are unlikely to change the system SMRT has just implemented. Hence, I can only propose the solution - consume before boarding!