23 May 2006 – Nine out of every 10 injuries in the North East Line (NEL) train stations are generally caused by the improper use of escalators. The bulk of those injured are, unfortunately, the elderly.
To raise the awareness with the elderly, of riding escalators and lifts safely, SBS Transit, along with Otis Elevator Company will conduct an excursion for 25 elderly patients from Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital on 23 May 2006 from Boon Keng to Chinatown. The elderly will also be treated to a sumptuous lunch at the Mouth Restaurant. NEL’s Safety Ambassador, Ms Quan Yi Feng, will be accompanying the aged guests.
This excursion is the latest in a series of public education programmes on the safe use of escalators in train stations by SBS Transit. A series of posters are currently on display at NEL stations to encourage passengers to either ride escalators safely or to use the lifts. Similar safety messages are also relayed over the PA system at NEL stations. In addition, safety stickers are located next to escalators or on the floor landing platform. Posters featuring key safety messages and NEL’s Safety Ambassador, Ms Quan Yifeng, will also be distributed to community centres in the vicinity of NEL stations.
Mr Wong Wai Keong, Senior Vice President (Rail), SBS Transit highlighted: "The initiative for this awareness programme clearly demonstrates the concern for safe travelling in NEL stations that SBS Transit has for its passengers. Prevention is always better than cure and we want to make sure that accidents are prevented. I urge all users to play their part by practising safe habits when using the lifts and always holding the handrails when riding escalators."
Said Mr Sarvesh Malhotra, Managing Director, Otis Elevator Company, "We are proud to partner with SBS Transit in this safety programme. Endeavouring to educate the riding public, particularly the elderly, in the safe use of lifts and escalators is one of Otis’s key goals globally. "
About SBS Transit NEL …
SBS Transit NEL commenced revenue service in June 2003 and has since achieved a high standard of performance in the rail operations and safety. The average daily ridership has steadily increased to over 200,000.
About Otis Elevator Company
Otis Elevator is the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. With headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut, Otis employs 60,000 people worldwide, offers products and services in more than 200 countries and maintains 1.5 million elevators and escalators worldwide. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.
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