Mass Rapid Transit

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system forming the major component of the railway system. The network has since grown rapidly in accordance with the aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the public transport system.

The network encompasses 197.4km of route with 120 stations in operation. The lines are built by the Land Transport Authority which allocates operating concessions to the profit-based corporations, SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit.

History

 * Main article: History of the Mass Rapid Transit

The origins of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) are derived from a forecast by city planners in 1967 which stated the need for a rail-based urban transport system by 1992. Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, then Minister for Communications Ong Teng Cheong, came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, as it would have to compete for road space in a land-scarce country.

The network was built in stages, with the North South Line given priority because it passes through the Central Area that has a high demand for public transport. The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC), later renamed as SMRT Corporation — was established on 14 October 1983; it took over the roles and responsibilities (which was the construction and operation the MRT system) of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority. The first section of the North South Line started operations on 7 November 1987. The opening of Boon Lay on the East West Line on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the system two years ahead of schedule.

Expansion
The following table lists Mass Rapid Transit lines that are currently under construction, or that are in the planning stages:

Corporate and governmental sources

 * Sharp, Ilsa (2005). The Journey — Singapore's Land Transport Story. SNP:Editions. ISBN 981-248-101-X.
 * Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore (1988). The MRT Story. ISBN 981-00-0251-3.