Under the pilot scheme, commuters with invisible medical conditions can obtain a sticker to let others know that they need a seat. (PHOTO / IMAGE: Yahoo News Singapore / LTA)

SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has launched a pilot scheme aimed at helping those with “invisible medical conditions” get a seat more easily on trains and buses.

From Tuesday (1 October), those with conditions such as heart disease or arthritis can obtain a special sticker to alert other commuters that they require a seat, said the LTA in a news release. The scheme also covers commuters with conditions such as chronic pain or dizziness; those who are recovering from stroke or physical injuries; prosthetic limb users; and early-stage expectant mothers, among others.

Commuters can approach the passenger information offices at any MRT station, bus Interchange or TransitLink ticket office to get a sticker said the authority, adding that they can also bring along their medical documents to support their request.

“Following consultations with various Voluntary Welfare Organisations, we are embarking on this visual identifier pilot to bridge the gap between commuters with invisible medical conditions and fellow commuters who now will not need to second-guess the needs of these commuters,” said Priscilla Chan, LTA’s deputy group director for public transport.

She added that similar initiatives have been implemented on public transport networks in London and Japan.

LTA said it will review the scheme by mid-2020, adding that it complements other efforts such as priority queues and the Public Transport Council’s Caring SG Commuters movement in trying to foster a “gracious and inclusive land transport system”.

More Singapore stories:

LTA delays awarding licences to PMD and bike-sharing operators for second time

Language and law the key legacies of colonialism, Lee Kuan Yew: DPM Heng