‘MRT etiquette needs to be taught in school’: Singaporean content creator advocates for better commuter habits at MRT stations
In Singapore, values such as respect, politeness and courtesy are often instilled from a young age.
For singer-songwriter Dominic Chin, these values should extend beyond homes and schools, and into MRT stations as well.
In a video posted on TikTok on 17 Oct, he asks why there are so many commuters taking their time to exit the trains, creating unnecessary awkwardness for people entering.
This happens far too often
Dominic first opens by saying this is his “unpopular opinion” before asking: “What is worse than those people who barge in without waiting for [others] to come out of the MRT?”
Source: @dominicchin.music on TikTok
He goes on to answer his own question: “People who take their time to come out of the train.”
“What are you doing?” he asks, clapping his hands directly at the camera to drive the point home.
Source: @dominicchin.music on TikTok
In an exclusive with MS News, Dominic shares that the video came from a place of “pent-up frustration” from accidentally running into people who are exiting the train late.
He observed that certain stations had a higher probability of bumping into those types of commuters, such as Jurong East, City Hall and One-North.
Singapore is too hot
In the video, Dominic complains that the “heat” in Singapore is too unbearable to withstand.
“I live in Yew Tee, you know? The MRT station there is not air-conditioned,” he says.
Source: @dominicchin.music on TikTok
“I am waiting with my Jisu fan under the big fan blowing hot air into me.”
He urges commuters to hurry off the train to make room for others.
For him, the worst part is thinking the doors are finally clear, only for one last person to exit and stroll away at a snail’s pace.
“This is unacceptable,” Dominic says in Mandarin.
Source: @dominicchin.music on TikTok
Suggests implementing MRT etiquette lessons in primary school
To resolve this issue, Dominic has a solution in mind.
He suggests implementing MRT etiquette into the primary school syllabus and even into SkillsFuture courses for adult learners.
These rules could cover how to board the train properly, avoiding standing right in front of the doors, and letting passengers exit before rushing inside.
“If it’s your station, get out quickly,” Dominic says. “Is this so much to ask for? No.”
Netizens complain about commuters with lack of spatial awareness and basic manners
While Dominic believes he has an “unpopular” opinion, netizens resonated with his frustrations.
Many in the comments section shared their own MRT pet peeves, such as those who watch K-dramas while walking, play videos loudly and snatch seats.
Source: TikTok
Some claimed that Dominic has a “valid crash out”.
Source: TikTok
In response to Dominic’s suggestion, a few netizens pointed out that “Civics and Moral Education” used to be part of the primary school syllabus.
Source: TikTok
Speaking to MS News, apart from slow walkers, Dominic also suggested being more tactful when approaching women who are possibly pregnant.
He said it needs figuring out, adding that navigating such situations can be “extremely tricky” given the sensitive nature of the topic.
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Featured image adapted from @dominicchin.music on TikTok.