SINGAPORE, March 12: The request has been rejected repeatedly, but Members of Parliament are still trying to get the Government to change its hands-off approach in extending concessions to disabled and elderly people.

For the third year running, Ms Lee Bee Wah (Ang Mo Kio GRC) asked: Can more infrastructure such as lifts or escalators at overhead bridges near MRT stations be set up for the growing number of elderly commuters?

Her request made some headway yesterday as it was revealed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would complete its feasibility study by next month.

"They're also looking at how the operations and maintenance of the lifts can be carried out," said Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Teo Ser Luck.

On the subject of concessionary travel, however, Mr Teo reiterated the Government's non-intervention stand; it will "strongly encourage" public transport operators to consider requests from the disabled and elderly.

Currently, disabled people do not enjoy subsidised travel; the elderly do so during certain hours of the day.

Non-Constituency MP Sylvia Lim urged the Government not to take "a back seat on this issue", as the disabled "have no bargaining power against the big companies".

Both she and Ms Lee suggested making concessionary travel a licensing condition or tender criterion for the operators.

But Transport Minister Raymond Lim said: "I'd be very slow in stipulating (to operators) how best to run the concession policy." Help is available to the needy through schemes such as Workfare and ComCare, said Mr Teo.

Source: http://www.todayonline.com