Feature Articles
Turning Panic into Reassurance on the Public Transport
20 March 2026
An ordinary commute at Caldecott Thomson-East Coast Line Station quickly became a moment of distress for one grandmother.
Xin Xin giving directions on the system map. Source: Public Transport Council
Her 10-year-old granddaughter had boarded the wrong train, leaving her behind on the platform, unsure of what to do next.
Feeling overwhelmed, the grandmother approached Ms Dieh Xin Xin, who was nearby and explained the situation.
Xin Xin stepped in to help immediately. She decided to bring the grandmother to the Passenger Service Centre to seek assistance from station staff.
A Comforting Presence
While staff focused on locating the young girl, Xin Xin remained by the grandmother’s side.
Hoping the granddaughter might return to where she last saw her grandmother, the two made their way back to the platform.
Along the way, Xin Xin continued to reassure the elderly woman not to worry as the station staff will try their best to locate her granddaughter.
Xin Xin holding the lift at Caldecott MRT Station. Source: Public Transport Council
A Heartfelt Reunion
Thankfully, the granddaughter made her way safely back to Caldecott MRT Station on a returning train.
The anxious wait ended with a heartfelt reunion between grandmother and granddaughter.
When fellow commuters step forward to offer comfort during distressing moments, it can ease feelings of anxiety. Xin Xin’s actions remind us that we can all make fellow commuters feel safer and more assured with a little friendliness.
When you bring kindness to others, kindness will one day return to you.— Dieh Xin Xin