Has any of you noticed that there are no longer trash bins on the train platforms, and some MRT stations do not even have trash bins? I remember the time when there used to be rubbish bins at regular distances on the platforms, so as to allow easy access for passengers. Now if there is any trash to get rid of, one has to hold it in the hands or put it in the bag and carry it all the way in the train until one gets off and out the station before one can come across a dustbin. That is, if you are civic-minded like me. Some people I know would not even bother; they would just throw on the ground rather than disposing the trash in a proper manner. I wonder what happened to all the trash bins in the train stations?
One reason could be the high cost of maintenance. Having so many trash bins would result in more workers being rotated to clear the trash, which resulted in higher cost of maintaining the bins and workers, which would result in fare hikes. (Not like the fares are that low now either.) But, in a country where employability is valued, wouldn't it make more sense to continue with the trash bins and maintain the workers so that they can remain suitably employed and cut down on unemployment rates?
Another reason could be to discourage people from snacking in the train platforms and the trains. I agree that eating and drinking may lead to problems like spillage, ants and rats, but surely, it does not matter if one eats a tiny chocolate bar or candy? What if a person is having a sore throat and badly needs lozenges? If he pops the last lozenge into his mouth, what should he do with the wrapper if there is no trash can around? Chances are, he may just dispose it on the ground. (I'm not saying that people are all uncivilised, but I admit at times I feel very tempted to just dispose things anywhere rather than incurring the trouble to hold on to rubbish and go a long way just to throw away. This is human nature.) And what about those people who are having a cough? They may need to drink water at frequent intervals. What if the mineral water bottle they are carrying becomes empty and they like to dispose of it so that they can buy another one? So in order to discourage snacking, more littering problems may be created. What an irony.
SMRT, please bring the trash cans back into the platforms. I am not asking for many trash cans at intervals like what used to be, but at least put one where the escalators are. It makes everything more convenient for everyone. And while you are at it, please put one bin for recycling as well, where people can throw unwanted brochures or flyers in.
One reason could be the high cost of maintenance. Having so many trash bins would result in more workers being rotated to clear the trash, which resulted in higher cost of maintaining the bins and workers, which would result in fare hikes. (Not like the fares are that low now either.) But, in a country where employability is valued, wouldn't it make more sense to continue with the trash bins and maintain the workers so that they can remain suitably employed and cut down on unemployment rates?
Another reason could be to discourage people from snacking in the train platforms and the trains. I agree that eating and drinking may lead to problems like spillage, ants and rats, but surely, it does not matter if one eats a tiny chocolate bar or candy? What if a person is having a sore throat and badly needs lozenges? If he pops the last lozenge into his mouth, what should he do with the wrapper if there is no trash can around? Chances are, he may just dispose it on the ground. (I'm not saying that people are all uncivilised, but I admit at times I feel very tempted to just dispose things anywhere rather than incurring the trouble to hold on to rubbish and go a long way just to throw away. This is human nature.) And what about those people who are having a cough? They may need to drink water at frequent intervals. What if the mineral water bottle they are carrying becomes empty and they like to dispose of it so that they can buy another one? So in order to discourage snacking, more littering problems may be created. What an irony.
SMRT, please bring the trash cans back into the platforms. I am not asking for many trash cans at intervals like what used to be, but at least put one where the escalators are. It makes everything more convenient for everyone. And while you are at it, please put one bin for recycling as well, where people can throw unwanted brochures or flyers in.
2 comments:
I think a more likely reason is erase the posibility of a bomb threat in a MRT station, in reference to the Yishun scare some time ago.
Hmmm, u may be right. But in that case, what's the use of all those security screens and cameras?
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