The New Paper Dated 25 Feb 09, page 9

[AEnimic]

I think SMRT should be more lenient and come out with an appropriate compromise to suit both parties.

I feel the rule would be best applied during peak hours. That's the timing where such sales would be a hindrance to the flow of passenger traffic. But other than those timings, I suppose there wouldn't be such a big issue in allowing such transactions to be conducted over the fare gates.

I mean who would want to waste close to 2 dollars just by tapping out. Perhaps SMRT would take a more flexible and lenient approach to this.

Exactly what I thought, why must everything be smacked with a fine when the offence is not even life-threatening to anyone?

 

[dudelove]

hold on. the rule is referring to dealing at the fare gate itself? as in that thingy that opens up once u tap the ez link card?

but come to think of it. doing that is stupid. u are really blocking ppl. anyway, if that is true then i dont have anything to worry abt cos i misinterpreted it. i thought that dealing even over the barriers, not the fare gate was illegal.

am i right to say this?

or have i misinterpreted the rule again

 

[vernplum]

Yes, it's a little annoying (I deal across the partition frequently) but I don't think it is going to hinder the 2nd hand market deals - no way. So it's going to cost you an extra buck or two - if you really feel this as a big hit on your wallet then choose another place to deal.

 

[AEnimic]

hold on. the rule is referring to dealing at the fare gate itself? as in that thingy that opens up once u tap the ez link card?

but come to think of it. doing that is stupid. u are really blocking ppl. anyway, if that is true then i dont have anything to worry abt cos i misinterpreted it. i thought that dealing even over the barriers, not the fare gate was illegal.

am i right to say this?

or have i misinterpreted the rule again

It's more of a deal whereby someone is in the paid section of the station and another is in the unpaid section of the station. Not dealing at the fare gates, literally.

 

[jony]

Stiff rule for sure.

That said... I'd just pay a little more. Doesn't climb above $2. Way better deal than dealing with 2nd hand goods in other countries don't you think? When they have to deal with Paypal fees, eBay fees, shipping fees...

 

[dudelove]

It's more of a deal whereby someone is in the paid section of the station and another is in the unpaid section of the station. Not dealing at the fare gates, literally.

okay then how on earth does that hinder human traffic??

 

[bouncy]

From the times which I have dealt across the MRT gates, the other party and I make our transaction not at the place where you tap your cards, but at the side where there is usually this glass/metal barrier.

I don't think that really hinders the traffic right?

Anyway thanks for the heads up.

 

[AEnimic]

^That I don't know bro, that's why I think this rule is kinda trying to suck cash more than maintain business.

 

[Nathaniel]

okay then how on earth does that hinder human traffic??

From SMRT pov, adding to the congestion in the station. Take a look at the crowds at popular trading places like Ang Mo Kio during peak hours. Furthermore, they are afraid if they start to relax the ban, it will open the floodgates and traders everywhere will start crowding out the station.

D'OH!

 

[mel80]

For those who have not read the article:
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,193975,00.html?

 

[dioswkg]

I think for most of us, we deal with one person and NOT at the fare gate itself, is OK.

For this man, I think he deal at the fare gate and deals with a couple of person thus blocking the flow of commuters.

 

[Chaserr]

haha yeap rea,d that, you could be fined up to 2000 just for dealing inb ewteen faregates.

 

[AEnimic]

I just hope they won't enforce this law like smoking in trains and such, cause it's nothing much of an offence. I don't wanna be fined $2,000 when I am just selling a pedal for $100.

 

[guitarsan]

Hinder human traffic? Up till now, I have spotted so many such transactions taking place in MRT stations.....and so far, none has blocked any traffic. Most people usually do it at the extreme side end, away from the entry/exit barriers. All these are irrelevant excuses and justifications. Bottom line - SMRT just wants you to tap your freakin' card and PAY the fare! Period.

Another dumb rule, Singapore style.

 

[eieio]

so that particular deal was done at the fare gate itself, that was not a wise thing to do..

 

[mrforum]

you basically cant do anything right in this country. You at least must pay to do it.

 

[jbarks]

hold on. the rule is referring to dealing at the fare gate itself? as in that thingy that opens up once u tap the ez link card?

SMRT Regulation 31, Paragraph 3:

(3) Without prejudice to paragraph (1), no person shall for the purpose of any trade or business transfer any article or goods between the paid area and unpaid area unless the article or goods is taken by a person through a ticket gate.

As it so happens, it's also cheaper to smoke inside an MRT station or train. Half price $1000 only. Hurhur.

 

[ahkiatt]

If we smoke and deal at the same time, we may be able to get a discount! Shit this rule is one of the dumbest ever! What about people passing stuff to other people, or just waiting for friends. Aren't they blocking the "human flow" as well.

SMRT is making shit loads of money and still want more, especially during this recession when we should be encouraging business transactions, not putting a stop to them. HMMPHHH!!!

I found a loop hole! Just explain that the buyer/seller is your friend, and you're returning stuff you owe each other. I owe the buyer a pedal, the buyer owes me some money.

 

[seekz]

The new ruling sounds so stupid it makes me wana break it every chance I get.

 

[jbarks]

What about people passing stuff to other people, or just waiting for friends. Aren't they blocking the "human flow" as well.

Actually, yes:

18. No person, not being a passenger or having business in or in connection with the Authority or its licensee or its tenant, shall loiter or remain in or upon any part of the railway premises.

So all those people at City Hall should be fined $500...