This picture was taken at one of the MRT stations in Taipei. Notice how EVERYBODY obediently keeps to the right, creating a clear passageway for commuters who are in a hurry to walk on the left? On my first day in Taipei I was so ashamed when my friend reminded me that I was standing on the wrong side (no pun intended) of the descending escalator that I promptly hurried down the steps. The keep-right rule seems to have already become a social convention there, one that the Taiwanese subconsciously abide by without having to be fined reminded to.

Here in Singapore, it's been years since SMRT implemented the 'Keep Left' escalator scheme. Beyond doubt, it has achieved little success. I won't be surprised if some of you reading this are not even aware of such a scheme. Why is it so under-publicised? Then again, would more publicity really help matters? Are people responding to the highly publicised Speak Mandarin Campaign/Road Courtesy Campaign?

As a side note, could it be the workings of the subconscious mind that led to non-compliance? Are right-handers (who are the majority in the population) generally more inclined towards standing on the right, or placing their right master-hand on the right handbar, which explains why people are still standing on the right side despite the common understanding to keep left?

Ok maybe that isn't an all-encompassing theory at all.

But really, not hogging the walking lane of the escalator and giving way to people in a rush is a social ethiquette rather than a rule. So the next time you take the escalator, please remember to KEEP TO THE LEFT!

I will start practising it too. Oops.