We’ve seen (former) Transport Ministers like Lui Tuck Yew rising up to the challenge and taking the train or bus (when there’s a need for it), and most recently, an IG post of (new) Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on the right track.
Is hopping onto a train every now and then enough to get a real picture of what the public transport system is like? Perhaps not, but hey, it’s a valiant start.
To put the rails on this right track, we’ve put together a list of people Minister Khaw can rub shoulders and share pointers with, and get tips from.
1. Haruka Nishimatsu, Japan Airlines CEO
He’s no stranger to the public eye having been known to slash his own salary rather than get rid of staff or affect theirs. He takes the bus to work and wears inexpensive clothing. A true leader by example who says: “If management is distant, up in the clouds, people just wait for orders. I want my people to think for themselves…”
2. Mr Lim Siong Guan, Group President of GIC
Mr Lim Siong Guan is the group president of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, but he rides the MRT to work. According to a report in The Straits Times, he alights at Raffles Place, then walks about 20 minutes to GIC’s office in Robinson Road for the exercise.
3. Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter
His reason for taking the bus to work on a daily basis is simple and straight to the point – “to get closer to the ground.” Rather than being stuck in a “wonderland bubble”, he wants to see the basic issues and annoyances that people deal with in their lives.
In 2010, UK Prime Minister David Cameron told government ministers to forget the limo and take the Tube. The rule was part of a ministerial code that aimed to rebuild trust in politics and politicians following the ministers’ expenses scandal and excessive public spending. And Cameron walked the talk.
7. Hugh Jackman, Actor (& Superhero)
Hugh Jackman is Wolverine – a superhero can basically grow claws and heal himself – even that doesn’t mean he is above public transport – captured here taking the NYC subway.
8. Rahm Emanuel, Mayor, USA
Mayor Emanuel takes the train to his city hall office about twice a week. He likes the convenience and the “political benefit.” He shares, “A lot of people come up and talk to you, and it’s a great way to have people feel like they can access their mayor.” We agree.