Assessing Accessibility at Farrer Road MRT Station

Farrer Road MRT Station, which lies underground between Holland Village and Botanic Gardens on Singapore's Circle Line, serves Farrer Road’s residential area. Though the station boasts modern, considerate infrastructure, there does exist a minor accessibility inconvenience in the station.

Accessibility Features of the Farrer Road MRT Station

For the most part, the Farrer Road MRT Station is sufficiently accessible. First, the station features elevators connecting the platforms to the ground level and bridge, a vital feature for wheelchair users and passengers that have mobility limitations. Then, tactile paving is included throughout both the ground level and underground level of the station for visually impaired passengers, avoiding accessibility risks and promoting independence. These tactile pavings allow passengers to navigate the station to its fullest. Finally, clear markings, such as stickers and signs, designate certain areas throughout the station as priority zones for people who face physical challenges, such as the physically disabled, the elderly, and the pregnant, ensuring considerate space for passengers with disabilities.

Farrer Road’s Minor Accesibility Inconvenience

The station's accessibility inconvenience is seen in one of its exits. While one exit provides elevator access to the street level, the second exit lacks an elevator. This forces passengers with mobility limitations to take a much longer route to reach exit A’s side of the street as one much exit via the accessible exit, navigate a bridge above ground level, and then descend using another elevator to reach exit A. This detour creates unnecessary inconvenience and can be physically demanding for some.

What Can Be Done?

To improve accessibility at Farrer Road MRT Station, an elevator must be installed at Exit A. Installing an elevator at this exit would provide passengers with a direct and convenient route, eliminating the need for the detour.

Conclusion

This MRT Station has sufficient accessibility features, yet the lack of an elevator for one side of the street at one of its exits does prove inconvenient for the differently abled. Addressing this issue ensures that this station promotes accessibility for passengers from all walks of life. By implementing this recommended improvement, Singapore’s LTA will improve the accessibility of Farrer Road MRT Station and contribute to a more inclusive public transport system in Singapore.