Transport Minister Raymond Lim has unveiled further plans by the Government to enhance the country's public transport system. This week, he touched on the MRT infrastructure and announced an ambitious $40 billion strategy to double Singapore's rail network so that it's comparable to First World cities like New York and London.

Mr Lim announced 2 new rail lines - the Thomson Line and the Eastern Region Line. Together, these new lines will bring faster travel to the Central Business District for commuters currently not served by the Mass Rapid Transit.

Commuters can look for ward to more comfortable rides on existing lines. Mr Lim said additional trains will be deployed during peak hours to minimize the human squeeze. He also announced a shorter wait for the Downtown Line and the Circle Line.

To address the problem of people falling onto MRT tracks, platform screen doors will be built at above-ground MRT stations.

The Government will review its financing framework to support the rail expansion. To ensure operators are kept on their toes, Mr Lim also announced greater competition for the rail industry.

To ensure accessibility to all, Mr Lim announced sweeping plans to make taking trains easier for various groups including the elderly, disabled and even cyclists. By 2010, the minister said the LTA will have completed its $60 million islandwide programme to give Singaporeans barrier-free access on roads and walkways.

In his keynote address at the annual Singapore Tripartism Forum, former Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen - now Education Minister - reflects on the importance of not 'protecting' workers here through a clampdown on the foreign worker quota and a high wage policy. He also elaborates on the way forward for Singapore's workforce.