New Heart Zones at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange, Woodlands and Yishun Integrated Transport Hubs

Senior Parliamentary Secretary Baey Yam Keng's Poem at Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (Photo: Public Transport Council)

           Three new Heart Zones at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange, Yishun Integrated Transport Hub and Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub were launched today as part of the inaugural Caring Commuter Week by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Transport. 

2          First implemented at Outram Park MRT Station in August 2017, the Heart Zone serves as a space for commuters to lend assistance to other commuters who require help in their public transport journey. Since then, the Public Transport Council (PTC), in partnership with the Land Transport Authority, public transport operators and other community stakeholders have extended Heart Zone to 11 locations1 across 10 public transport nodes and one hospital. The Heart Zone initiative kick-started the larger Caring SG Commuters culture-building efforts. Commuters are encouraged to keep a lookout for fellow commuters who may require assistance at the various Heart Zones.

Heart Zone at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange

Heart Zone at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Photo: Public Transport Council)

3          PTC’s Heart Zone project at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange is jointly developed by Tower Transit Singapore, the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) and SG Enable. Designed by clients of the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore), the Heart Zone artwork represents their interpretation of what constitutes an inclusive and caring public bus environment. The Heart Zone at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange is situated at the alighting berth near the Passenger Service Office.

Heart Zone at Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub

Heart Zone at Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (Photo: Public Transport Council)

4          The Heart Zone at Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) is a joint effort by SMRT, Republic Polytechnic and PTC. Located opposite berth 13 and 14 of the ITH, the Heart Zone artwork was designed by students from Republic Polytechnic’s School of Hospitality. They also designed a CARE map and various Caring Commuter messages located around the ITH which serve to highlight the many ways in which commuters can show care to fellow commuters. Woodlands Regional Library is also a community partner for the Heart Zone at Woodlands ITH, and their staff will keep a lookout for other commuters and assist those in need. In addition, a poem personally composed by Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Baey Yam Keng to encourage a more caring commuting culture can be found beside the Heart Zone. 

Revamped Heart Zone at Yishun Bus Interchange (Yishun Integrated Transport Hub)

Heart Zone at Yishun Bus Interchange (Photo: Tower Transit Singapore)

5          There are two Heart Zone points within the Yishun Bus Interchange at Yishun ITH. The first Heart Zone located beside the entrance to Yishun Town Square has been refreshed with an artwork by deaf artist Mr Isaac Liang and commissioned by Tower Transit Singapore (TTS). The artwork captures the beauty of passengers from different walks of life coming together, caring for one another in their daily commute. The second Heart Zone located beside TTS’ concierge counter will remain unchanged. 

Caring SG Commuters Culture-building ‘Movement’

6          To find out more about Caring Commuter initiatives and how to be involved, the public can visit the Caring SG Commuters Portal

About Caring SG Commuters Committee

The Caring SG Commuters Committee was set up in January 2020 with the mandate to work with commuters and the community to transform Singapore’s public transport system into one that is more caring, welcoming and inclusive. It is chaired by Mr Richard Magnus, who is concurrently the Chairman of PTC, and comprises key industry players, as well as representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.  

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¹ The 11 locations of the various Heart Zones include 10 public transport nodes and one hospital. The 11 locations (including the three newly launched Heart Zones) are:
1. Bukit Batok Bus Interchange
2. Jurong East Bus Interchange
3. Jurong East MRT Station
4. Kent Ridge MRT Station
5. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
6. Novena MRT Station
7. Outram Park MRT Station
8. Pasir Ris Bus Interchange 
9. Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub 
10. Yishun Bus Interchange at Yishun Integrated Transport Hub
11. Yishun MRT Station