Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Caring SG commuters
Feature Articles

Reimagining Caring Commuting: Inside the Heart Zone Reinvention Challenge

25 February 2026

What if everyday commuting could feel more caring, intuitive and inclusive?

Photo of students and the members of public at the display booths during the public showcase.

Photo of students and the members of public at the display booths during the public showcase. Source: Public Transport Council

That was the question at the heart of the Heart Zone Reinvention Challenge, organised by the Public Transport Council (PTC) in partnership with the four Public Transport Operators (PTOs) and SG Enable.

Over eight weeks, 36 students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Republic Polytechnic (RP) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) embarked on an immersive design thinking journey — one that would challenge them to rethink how Heart Zones can better serve commuters across Singapore.

Designing with Empathy, Not Assumptions

Students conducted site visits to transport nodes, observed commuter behaviour, and most importantly, spoke directly to individuals with disabilities and those living with hidden conditions. These conversations became powerful turning points.

Many participants shared that stepping into the shoes of commuters with diverse needs opened their eyes to everyday challenges that often go unnoticed.

From there, ideas began to take shape. They developed concepts and prototypes aimed at making Heart Zones:

  • More intuitive

  • More inclusive

  • More visible

  • More community-driven

The programme culminated in a public showcase where teams presented their prototypes, concepts and posters to a judging panel.

From Physical Space to Culture of Care

Add your alt text herePhoto of Mr Glenn Lim, Mr Alvin Kek and Mr Goh Pin Kai listening to the student’s pitch during the judging session

Photo of Mr Glenn Lim, Mr Alvin Kek and Mr Goh Pin Kai listening to the student’s pitch during the judging session Source: Public Transport Council

Judges were struck not just by the creativity of the ideas, but by how boldly students redefined the concept of Heart Zone.

Rather than seeing Heart Zone as a static physical location, many teams imagined it as a dynamic, network-wide culture of care — embedded across Singapore’s transport system.

Photo of Mr Leow Yew Chin, Mr Eng Soon Khai and Mr Leonard Lee listening to the presentation of the team.

Photo of Mr Leow Yew Chin, Mr Eng Soon Khai and Mr Leonard Lee listening to the presentation of the team. Source: Public Transport Council

I am delighted to see the teams coming up with many innovative and thoughtful ideas. Several teams went beyond improving the physical aspect of the Heart Zone and considered how a virtual environment could empower the community to support those in need.
— Mr Leonard Lee, Managing Director, Go-Ahead Singapore
It is heartening to see young people step forward with the vision and resolve to shape a more equitable future for public transport.
— Mr Goh Pin Kai, Chief Operating Officer, Bus, SBS Transit
It was a pleasure to hear very refreshing ideas from the participating teams to make Heart Zone more inclusive and prominent to commuters.
— Mr Alvin Kek, Group Chief Commuter Engagement & Service Excellence Officer and Senior Vice President, Rail Operations, SMRT
These ideas redefined the "zone" from a static physical location into a pervasive culture of care. Well done to all the winning teams!
— Mr Glenn Lim, Director, Communications & Customer Experience, Tower Transit Singapore

Across all teams, one theme stood out: empathy, openness and shared responsibility.

The challenge demonstrated how youth creativity can transform everyday commuting spaces into platforms that strengthen connection and care across Singapore’s transport network.

The Winning Idea: Team ‘HeartbeatSG’

Group photo of winners from team ‘HeartbeatSG’ from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Group photo of winners from team ‘HeartbeatSG’ from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Source: Public Transport Council

Emerging as champions was Team ‘HeartbeatSG’ from Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

Their comprehensive solution stood out for its strong desirability, feasibility, sustainability and innovation — backed by deep user insights and genuinely fresh thinking.

What They Proposed

A hybrid digital-physical support ecosystem that includes:

  • A location-based mobile application

  • Quick-help buttons at stations

  • Accessible touchscreens with braille support

  • Navigation tiles for clearer wayfinding

  • Wearable lanyards that discreetly signal when a commuter needs assistance

Together, these elements create a seamless support system that empowers commuters to seek help confidently and comfortably.

Reflecting on the experience, team member Alexander Koh shared:

When we stepped into the shoes of commuters with different needs, we realised how many challenges go unnoticed. Redesigning Heart Zone pushed us to think beyond ourselves and create something that supports everyone.
— Alexander Koh

What’s Next for Heart Zone?

With the challenge concluded, PTC will be working closely with the Land Transport Authority and the PTOs to explore how these ideas can be turned into reality.

The reinvention of Heart Zone does not end here. It marks the beginning of a larger conversation — about how public transport can move beyond efficiency, and towards empathy.

Keep a look out for the next evolution of Heart Zones across Singapore.

Curious about the students’ ideas? Read about them in this link!

Back to top