I was listening to Class 95 (for the non-Singaporean readers, this is one of the more popular radio stations in Singapore) on the way to work this morning, and the three morning DJs were talking about public transport in Singapore.
\nWhat happened was that the FD (Flying Dutchman–yeah, that’s his moniker. Quite silly I think) has been taking the public transport for the past couple of days because he has sent his car for servicing. So for the first time in donkey years, he is taking the bus, MRT, and taxi.
\nAnd surprise surprise, he SUDDENLY realises how easy it is to get around Singapore!
\nFD: “I discovered that people no longer use cash to pay for their fares! They swipe this EZ-link card…”
\nGlen: “No, I think they tap.”
\nRod: “What? You mean you were still looking for the bus conductor to collect coins and give you a ticket?”
\n[Guffaws by all three]
\nFD: “It’s SO amazing! You can just leave the card in your wallet and the machine senses it. For ladies, they just tap their handbags against the sensor! Isn’t that just great???”
\nRod: “Wah, high tech ah!”
\nGlen: “Yah, not bad huh?”
\nFD: “And you can use this card for the trains and buses! AND when taking the MRT, you just tap it too and don’t have to slot it into the machine and take the ticket again. Just tap and the turnstile will open!”<\/b><\/i>
\nAnd then they carry on about how this system is so good ‘cos it calculates the fare such that people are prevented from cheating. Yahdahyahdahyahdah.
\nI was incredulous to hear them ooohhing and aaahhhing about the EZ-link card system. Like hello??? Where have you been in the last three years? Mars? More likely in their ivory towers in Mars.
\nIt’s like the discovery of the year for them. And if they were some scientists, we would have to award the Nobel Prize to them. I don’t have anything against them not having taken public transport in donkey years since these DJs can all afford the luxury of owning their own cars. But come on, that doesn’t mean you should be ignorant of what’s going on. I mean, all these developments are reported in the newspapers, and these DJs say they read the papers and scour it for topics to talk about on their shows.
\nI thought the talk today was just ridiculous. All that oohhhing and aaahhing. Like good for you, you’ve stepped out of your ivory tower! Welcome to the real world! But oh, I forgot, you’re only paying a visit! I hope you enjoy your stay!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I was listening to Class 95 (for the non-Singaporean readers, this is one of the more popular radio stations in Singapore) on the way to work this morning, and the three morning DJs were talking about public transport in Singapore. … Continue reading