Mass Rapid Transit

Mass Rapid Transit File:MRT Logo.png
Statistics
Owner
Operator(s)
Number of lines	5
Number of stations	106
System length	177.3 km

File:MRT System Map v2015.jpg

System Map - as of 27 December 2015

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system forms the major component of the railway system spanning the entire city. The network has since grown rapidly in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the public transport system.

The MRT network encompasses 177.3 km of route, with 106 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. These operators also run bus and taxi services, thus facilitating full integration of public transport services. The MRT is complemented by a small number of local LRT networks in Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol that link MRT stations with HDB public housing estates.

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 passed 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.

Infrastructure

Network

The following table lists the Mass Rapid Transit lines that are currently operational:

Line	Commencement	Latest extension	Terminals		Stations	Length (km)	Depot	Operator
North–South Line	7 November 1987	2014	Jurong East	Marina South Pier	26	44.7	Bishan Depot Ulu Pandan Depot Changi Depot Tuas Depot
East–West Line	12 December 1987	2017	Pasir Ris Tanah Merah	Tuas Link Changi Airport	35	56.6
North East Line	20 June 2003	2013	HarbourFront	Punggol	16	19.2	Sengkang Depot
Circle Line	28 May 2009	2013	Dhoby Ghaut Stadium	HarbourFront Marina Bay	30	35.5	Kim Chuan Depot
Downtown Line	22 December 2013	2015	Bukit Panjang	Chinatown	18	20.9	Gali Batu Depot

Facilities and services

Main article: Facilities on the Mass Rapid Transit

The entirety of the MRT is either elevated or underground. Most underground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters. Mobile phone and 3G service is available in every part of the network. Underground stations and the trains themselves are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed.

Every station is equipped with General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre and displays that show train service information and announcements. All stations are equipped with restrooms and payphones, although some restrooms are located at street level. Some stations have additional amenities and services, such as retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services. Heavy-duty escalators at stations carry passengers up or down at a rate of 0.75 m/s, 50% faster than conventional escalators.

Depots

Depot	Line(s) served	Operator
Bishan Depot	North–South Line
Changi Depot	East–West Line
Ulu Pandan Depot	North–South Line East–West Line
Sengkang Depot	North East Line
Kim Chuan Depot	Circle Line
	Downtown Line
Gali Batu Depot	Downtown Line
Tuas Depot	East–West Line

Architecture and art

Early stages of the MRT's construction paid relatively scant attention to station design, with an emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. This is particularly evident in the first few stages of the North South and East West lines that opened between 1987 and 1988. An exception to this was Orchard, chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and built initially with a domed roof. Architectural themes became a more important issue only in subsequent stages, and resulted in such designs as the cylindrical station shapes on all stations between Kallang and Pasir Ris except Eunos and the perched roofs at remaining stations.

Art pieces, where present, are seldom highlighted; they primarily consist of a few paintings or sculptures representing the recent past of Singapore, mounted in major stations. The opening of the Woodlands Extension introduced bolder pieces of artwork, such as a 4 tons sculpture in Woodlands. With the opening of the North East Line, a series of artworks created under a programme called "The Art In Transit" were commissioned by the Land Transport Authority. Created by 19 local artists and integrated into the stations' interior architecture, these works aim to promote the appreciation of public art in high-traffic environments. The artwork for each station is designed to suit the station's identity. All stations on the North East, Circle and Downtown Lines come under this programme. An art contest was held by the authorities in preparation for a similar scheme to be implemented for the Circle Line.

Expo, located on the Changi Airport Extension of the East West Line, is adjacent to the 100,000 m² Singapore Expo exhibition facility. Designed by Foster and Partners and completed in January 2001, the station features a large, pillarless, titanium-clad roof in an elliptical shape that sheathes the length of the station platform. This complements a smaller 40-metre reflective stainless-steel disc overlapping the titanium ellipse and visually floats over a glass elevator shaft and the main entrance. The other station with similar architecture is Dover.

Changi Airport, the easternmost station on the MRT network, has the widest platform in any underground MRT station in Singapore. It is rated 10 out of 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world in 2011.

Two Circle Line stations, Bras Basah and Stadium, were commissioned through the Marina Line Architectural Design Competition jointly organized by the Land Transport Authority and the Singapore Institute of Architects. The competition required no track record and is acknowledged by the industry as one of the most impartial competitions held in Singapore to date. The winner of both stations was WOHA. In 2009, "Best Transport Building" was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival.

Expansion

The MRT system relied on its two main lines, the North South and East West lines, for more than a decade until the opening of the North East Line in 2003. While plans for these lines as well as those currently under construction were formulated long before, the Land Transport Authority's publication of a White Paper titled "A World Class Land Transport System" in 1996 galvanised the government's intentions to greatly expand the system. It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030. It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time

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

Line	Commencement	Latest extension	Terminals		Stations	Length (km)	Depot	Operator
Under Construction
North East Line (North East Line extension)	2023	N/A	Punggol	Punggol Coast	1	2	N/A
Circle Line (Stage 6)	2025	N/A	HarbourFront	Marina Bay	3	4	N/A
Downtown Line	2017 (Stage 3) 2024 (DTL Extension)	2024	Chinatown	Sungei Bedok	18	23.2	Kim Chuan Depot East Coast Integrated Depot
Thomson–East Coast Line	2019 (Stage 1) 2020 (Stage 2) 2021 (Stage 3) 2023 (Stage 4) 2024 (Stage 5)	N/A	Woodlands North	Sungei Bedok	31	43	Mandai Depot East Coast Integrated Depot
Under Planning
Jurong Region Line	2025	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	20	N/A	N/A
Cross Island Line	2030	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	50	N/A	N/A

Rolling Stock

Four types of rolling stock are used on the North South Line and the East West Line. They are powered by 750-volt DC third rail, operate in sets of six cars,^(57)(58)(59) and use an automatic train operation system (ATO).⁽⁵⁹⁾

The majority of the fleet comprises 66 six car C151 trains;⁽⁶⁰⁾ these were the oldest trains in operation.⁽⁵⁷⁾ They were built between 1986 and 1989 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in consortium with Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation and Kinki Sharyo for $581.5 million.^(57)(61) A $142.7 million refurbishment of these trains' interior were completed in 2009.^(62)(63) 19 more six car C651 trains, manufactured by Siemens were purchased in 1994 when the Woodlands extension opened.^(64)(65)

21 six car C751B trains manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Nippon Sharyo were purchased in 2000 when the Changi Airport Extension opened.^(66)(60) The cars have a sleeker design and come with an improved passenger information system, more grab poles, wider seats, more space near the doors and spaces for wheelchairs. Intended for direct service from Boon Lay to Changi Airport, luggage racks were installed for air travellers.⁽⁶⁷⁾ However, in April 2002, faulty gearboxes forced all 21 train-sets to be off-service, and the service was temporarily suspended.⁽⁶⁸⁾ The direct service was scrapped in July 2003, and the luggage racks were removed.⁽⁶⁹⁾

22 six car C151A trains by a consortium comprising Kawasaki Heavy Industries and CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock began revenue service in 2011 to bolster capacity along the two lines by 15 percent.⁽⁷⁰⁾

25 six car fully automatic and driverless C751A trains have been running on the North East Line since 2003. These trains are running on 1500 volts direct current supplied via overhead lines and are the first MRT trains in Singapore to incorporate CCTV.⁽⁷¹⁾ Alstom Transportation of France was contracted by the Land Transport Authority in 1997 and 1998 to supply these cars.⁽⁷²⁾ A further 40 three car fully automatic and driverless C830 trains began operation on the Circle Line on 28 May 2009. Unlike their C751A counterparts, these trains are run on 750-volt DC supplied via third rail.⁽⁷³⁾

73 three car fully automatic and driverless C951 trains will run on the Downtown Line in 2013, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2012 and the final deliveries for 2016.⁽⁷⁴⁾ These trains will run on 750-volt DC supplied by third rail.

A contract for 18 additional North East Line trains and 16 additional Circle Line trains called Alstom Metropolis C751C and Alstom Metropolis C830C respectively has been awarded to Alstom Transport S.A/Alstom Transport (S) Pte Ltd for $234.9 million and $134 million respectively.^(75)(76)

Fares and ticketing

Main articles: Fare and Ticketing

Stations are divided into two areas, paid and unpaid, which allow the rail operators to collect fares by restricting entry only through the fare gates.⁽⁷⁷⁾ These gates, connected to a computer network, can read and update electronic tickets capable of storing data, and can store information such as the initial and destination stations and the duration for each trip.⁽⁷⁸⁾ General Ticketing Machines sell tickets for single trips or allow the customer to buy additional value for stored-value tickets. Tickets for single trips, coloured in green, are valid only on the day of purchase, and have a time allowance of 30 minutes beyond the estimated travelling time. Tickets that can be used repeatedly until their expiry date require a minimum amount of stored credit.

As the fare system has been integrated by TransitLink, commuters need to pay only one fare and pass through two fare gates (once on entry, once on exit) for an entire journey, even when transferring between lines operated by different companies.⁽⁷⁸⁾ Commuters can choose to extend a trip mid-journey, and pay the difference when they exit their destination station.

Fares

Because the rail operators are government-assisted, profit-based corporations, fares on the MRT system are pitched to at least break-even level.^(19)(79) The operators collect these fares by selling electronic data-storing tickets, the prices of which are calculated based on the distance between the start and destination stations.⁽⁷⁸⁾ These prices increase in fixed stages for standard non-discounted travel. Fares are calculated in increments based on approximate distances between stations, in contrast to the use of fare zones.

Although operated by private companies, the system's fare structure is regulated by the Public Transport Council (PTC), to which the operators submit requests for changes in fares.^(79)(80) Fares are kept affordable by pegging them approximately to distance-related bus fares, thus encouraging commuters to use the network and reduce its heavy reliance on the bus system. Fare increases over the past few years have caused public concern,⁽⁸¹⁾ the latest one having taken effect from 1 October 2008.⁽⁸²⁾ There were similar expressions of disapproval over the slightly higher fares charged on SBS Transit's North East Line, a disparity that SBS Transit justified by citing higher costs of operation and maintenance on a completely underground line, as well as lower patronage.⁽⁸³⁾

Ticketing

Main articles: CEPAS, EZ-Link, NETS

The ticketing system uses the EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay contactless smart cards based upon the Symphony for e-Payment (SeP) system for public transit built on the Singapore Standard for Contactless ePurse Application (CEPAS) system. This system allows for up to 4 card issuers in the market.⁽⁸⁴⁾ The EZ-Link card was introduced on 13 April 2002 as a replacement for the original TransitLink farecard, while its competitor the NETS FlashPay card entered the smartcard market on 9 October 2009.

An adult EZ-Link card may be bought for S$12, inclusive of a S$5 non-refundable card cost and a S$7 credit. The card may be obtained at any TransitLink Ticket Office or Passenger Service Centre. The card may also be used for payment for goods and services at merchants displaying the "EZ-Link" logo, Electronic Road Pricing tolls, and Electronic Parking System carparks.^(84)(85) Additional credit may be purchased at any General Ticketing Machine (GTM), Add Value Machine (AVM), TransitLink Ticket Office, Passenger Service Centre, AXS Station, DBS/POSB Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), online via a card reader purchased separately, or selected merchants. Additional credit of a predetermined value may also be automatically purchased whenever the card value is low via an automatic recharge service provided by Interbank GIRO or through a manual application at the TransitLink Ticket Office or credit card online. A option for EZ-Link Season Pass for unlimited travel on buses and trains is available for purchase and is non-transferable. Its main competitor, the NETS FlashPay card, may be purchased for at least S$12 for the payment of transport fares in Singapore and at merchants displaying the "NETS FlashPay" logo.

A Standard Ticket contactless smart card for single trips may also be purchased between S$2 and S$4 (inclusive of a S$1 refundable card deposit) for the payment of MRT and LRT fares. The card may be purchased only at the GTM. The deposit may also be retrieved by returning the card to the GTM within 30 days from the date of issue or donated to charity by depositing it in a collection box at any station. This card cannot be recharged with additional credit.

For tourists, a Singapore Tourist Pass contactless smartcard may be purchased from S$18 (inclusive of a S$10 refundable card deposit and a 1-day pass).⁽⁸⁶⁾ The card may be bought at selected TransitLink Ticket Offices and Singapore Visitors Centres. The deposit may be retrieved by returning the card to selected TransitLink Ticket Offices and Singapore Visitors Centres within 5 days from the date of issue.

Safety

Main article: Safety on the Mass Rapid Transit

Operators and authorities state that numerous measures have been taken to ensure the safety of passengers, and SBS Transit publicised the safety precautions on the driverless North East Line before and after its opening.^(71)(87) Safety campaign posters are highly visible in trains and stations, and the operators frequently broadcast safety announcements to passengers and to commuters waiting for trains. Fire safety standards are consistent with the strict guidelines of the US National Fire Protection Association.^(21)(88) Platform Screen Doors are installed at all underground stations,⁽²¹⁾ with Half-Height Platform Screen Doors (HHPSDs) are built at all above-ground stations. These prevent suicides, enable climate control in stations, and prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas. Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, acts such as smoking, eating or drinking on stations and trains, the misuse of emergency equipment and trespassing on the railway tracks are illegal, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.^(89)(30)

Safety concerns were raised among the public after several accidents on the system during the 1980s and 1990s, but most problems have been rectified. On 5 August 1993, two trains collided at Clementi station because of an oil spillage on the track, which resulted in 132 injuries.⁽⁹¹⁾ There were calls for platform screen doors to be installed at above-ground stations after several incidents in which passengers were killed by oncoming trains when they fell on to the railway tracks at above-ground stations. The authorities initially rejected the proposal by casting doubts over functionality and concerns about the high installation costs,⁽⁹²⁾ but made an about-turn when the government announced plans to install HHPSDs in a speech on 25 January 2008,⁽⁴⁶⁾ citing lower costs due to its becoming a more common feature worldwide.⁽⁹³⁾ The HHPSDs were first installed on the platforms of Jurong East station (original platforms), Pasir Ris station and Yishun station in 2009 as trials, and all other elevated stations will have platform screen doors installed eventually.⁽⁹⁴⁾ On 7 March 2012, Minister for Transport Lui Tuck Yew told Parliament that all remaining elevated stations on NSEWL would be fitted with HHPSDs by March 2012. A preliminary implementation plan for railway noise mitigation is to be developed by the third quarter of 2012.(95) All above-ground stations are installed with HHPSDs and operational since.⁽⁹⁶⁾

Security

Main article: Security on the Mass Rapid Transit

Security concerns related to crime and terrorism were not high on the agenda of the system's planners at its inception.⁽⁹⁷⁾ However, after the Madrid train bombings in 2004 and the foiled plot to bomb the Yishun Station,⁽⁹⁸⁾ the operators deployed private, unarmed guards to patrol station platforms and check the belongings of commuters.⁽⁹⁹⁾

Recorded announcements are frequently made to remind passengers to report suspicious activity and not to leave their belongings unattended. Digital closed-circuit cameras (CCTVs) have been upgraded with recording-capability at all stations and trains operated by SMRT Corporation.^(100)(101) Trash bins and mail boxes have been removed from station platforms and concourse levels to station entrances, to eliminate the risk that bombs will be placed in them.⁽¹⁰²⁾ Photography without permission was also banned in all MRT stations since the Madrid bombings, but it was not in the official statement in any public transport security reviews.⁽¹⁰³⁾

On 14 April 2005 the Singapore Police Force announced plans to step up rail security by establishing a specialised Police MRT Unit.⁽¹⁰⁴⁾ These armed officers began overt patrols on the MRT and LRT systems on 15 August 2005, conducting random patrols in pairs in and around rail stations and within trains.⁽¹⁰⁵⁾ They are trained and authorised to use their firearms at their discretion, including deadly force if deemed necessary.⁽¹⁰⁶⁾ On 8 January 2006, a major civil exercise involving over 2,000 personnel from 22 government agencies, codenamed Exercise Northstar V, simulating bombing and chemical attacks at Dhoby Ghaut, Toa Payoh, Raffles Place and Marina Bay MRT stations was conducted. Thirteen stations were closed and about 3,400 commuters were affected during the three-hour exercise.⁽¹⁰⁷⁾

Security concerns were brought up by the public when two incidents of vandalism at train depots occurred within two years.⁽¹⁰⁸⁾ In both incidents, graffiti on the affected trains were discovered after they entered revenue service.⁽¹⁰⁹⁾ The first incident on 17 May 2010 involved a breach in the perimeter fence of Changi Depot and resulted in the imprisonment and caning of a Swiss citizen, and an Interpol arrest warrant for his accomplice. The train involved was C151 047/048.^(110)(111) SMRT Corporation received a S$50,000 fine by the Land Transport Authority for the first security breach.⁽¹¹¹⁾ Measures were put in place by the Public Transport Security Committee to enhance depot security in light of the first incident, but works were yet to be completed by SMRT Corporation when the second incident on 17 August 2011 involving C751B 311/312, occurred at Bishan Depot.^(108)(109)

Rules and Restrictions

Like the rest of Singapore, the MRT has numerous and strict penalties. Eating or drinking on on any mass transit in Singapore results in a $500 fine, while flammable goods result in one totaling $5000. Smoking in any of these locations will cause a $1000 fine.

References

Corporate and governmental sources

• Land Transport Authority, Singapore (2 January 1996). A World Class Land Transport System — White Paper presented to Parliament. ISBN 9971-88-488-7.
• 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.
• Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) and Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) (1987). Mass Rapid Transit System : Proceedings of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Conference, Singapore 6–9 April 1987. ISBN 9971-84-636-5.