In Singapore, we have this train system that is called MRT, it stands for Mass Rapid Transit. [By the way, I still feel it is not rapid enough actually.]
A couple of years back, the North East line is completed, most of the stations opened except Buangkok MRT Station and another one I think. For Buangkok MRT Station, the reason cited for its closure is the lack of demand. It’s about economics, you see.
_(Eight of these white elephants are spotted at Buangkok MRT Station.)_
The residents staying around there is particularly upset about it. So when a minister decides to visit, they decide to show him their displeasure by some cute art work.
*Residents bring up ‘white elephant’ Buangkok MRT during minister’s visit*
SINGAPORE : Punggol South residents have tried again to get Buangkok MRT Station opened — in not so many words, but the message was just as clear.
Eight white elephants were erected at the station to indicate just what they thought the MRT station is now.
They did this during Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s visit to the area on Sunday.
At the start of his visit, Dr Balakrishnan got to see how Punggol South, which used to be a fishing village, has grown to become an urban, modern town.
Along the way was an unexpected sight — eight white cardboard elephants in various poses lined the road that leads to Buangkok MRT station.
And the message was not lost on the minister.
Said Dr Balakrishnan, “I saw eight white elephants on the roadside leading up to the station. I think there’s a message which some residents wanted to send to me. I thought since I’m there I might as well take a look at the station.”
The issue of Buangkok Station was also brought up at a dialogue with residents later.
Well, I certainly hope that white elephant station opens soon. Perhaps rename it to White Elephant MRT Station too.
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Tags: animals, kawaii, mrt, news, odd world, politics, singapore
What does the white elephants means?
by yongkian (Aug 31, 2005 at 7 PM)eh..if you think MRT is not rapid enough.. try the Transperth services…keke..
by kachuaz (Sep 1, 2005 at 7 AM)Hehee, funny and smart!
Good luck to them!
by Nafcom (Sep 4, 2005 at 6 PM)someone pls tell us what is the meaning behind the white elephants
by Jas (Sep 5, 2005 at 1 PM)Well, according to Houghton Mifflin Company:
by Mr. Dew (Sep 9, 2005 at 12 AM)buangkok//elephants
In response to the “white-elephanted” Buangkok MRT Station, the police returns with stern warning.
by //beconfused (Oct 8, 2005 at 8 AM)…
[...] Great news for Buangkok citizens. SBS Transit has given the go-ahead to open the once white-elephanted station. [...]
by //beconfused » Blog Archive » buangkok//mrt (Nov 12, 2005 at 9 AM)[...] In response to the “white-elephanted” Buangkok MRT Station, the police returns with stern warning. [...]
by //beconfused » Blog Archive » buangkok//elephants (Dec 22, 2006 at 12 AM)