The Green Man pedestrian crossing device is making a buzz in Singapore, not just because of its ingenuity but more likely because of the benefits that it gives to the elderly, at the same time, helping traffic officers regulate the flow of both vehicles and pedestrians.
The app was “introduced” to netizens all over the world following Singapore-based Australian journalist, Stephen Dziedzic, tweet about this latest Singapore-LTA innovation:
At some Singapore intersections you can swipe your Senior’s Card and the crossing light will stay green for a little longer, giving you extra time to reach the other side of the road. I find this very touching. pic.twitter.com/MJB3LGeqVU
— Stephen Dziedzic (@stephendziedzic) September 6, 2019
The photo Dziedzic tweeted has been retweeted nearly 4,000 times.
The App
This contraption requires a simple tap of an approved EZ-Link card to unlock more time for the pedestrian to make his or her way across the road safely without rushing.
It has been rolled out in more than 400 locations in Singapore since 2009.
An LTA initiative, it aims to address the needs of elderly pedestrians and Persons With Disabilities (PWD), who may require more time to cross the road. Elderly pedestrians and PWD can expect up to 13 seconds more of green man time.
To activate the Green Man + function, all that is required is for a CEPAS-compliant senior citizen concession card or PWD concession card to be tapped on the reader mounted above the standard push button on the traffic light pole. Once the card reader verifies it is a valid card, the system will extend green man time, which ranges from 3 to 13 seconds depending on the size of the crossing.
With the extension of the crossing time, elderly pedestrians and PWD will be able to complete the crossing at a more comfortable pace.
Elderly pedestrians aged 60 years and above or PWD, who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents, can apply for the senior citizen concession cards/ PWD concession cards. -/TISG