Giving up seats: Learn from other nations

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May 2, 2011
Giving up seats: Learn from other nations
WHEN my father and I stepped into a crowded train in Taipei, a few people from different areas on the train stood up to offer their seats to my elderly but robust dad.

He was not standing close to the seats, but was nearer the doors and unlikely to be visible to seated commuters. Yet, somehow they sensed his presence. Those who were standing helped to guide him towards a seat. My father was very impressed.
During a trip to Kyrgyzstan, a friend and I took public buses most of the time. We observed that wherever an elderly person, someone with a child or a passenger struggling with bags got up the bus, seated passengers would spring up and offer their seats to them.
Sometimes, people gave up their seats to older-looking people who were not exactly weak or frail. A mother picked up her young child from the seat next to her, put the child onto her lap and offered the empty seat to an older-looking man who looked like he could do with sitting down during the journey.
A man who was standing spotted a woman who could do with a seat and asked if anyone could offer her one.
Giving up our seats to those who need them can be done by anyone.
Ng Sook Wai (Ms)
http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_663573.html
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