Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) 大众快速交通 (地铁) Sistem Pengangkutan Gerak Cepat சிங்கை துரிதக் கடவு ரயில்
Info
Owner	Land Transport Authority
Locale	Singapore
Transit type	Rapid transit
Number of lines	4
Number of stations	79 (1 not in operation)[1]
Daily ridership	1.952 million (2009)[2]
Operation
Began operation	7 November 1987
Operator(s)	SMRT Corporation SBS Transit
Technical
System length	129.7 km (80.59 mi)
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) Standard gauge

A diagram of the physical spread of the MRT network across the island (includes lines under construction).

The Mass Rapid Transit or MRT is a rapid transit system that forms the backbone of the railway system in Singapore, spanning the entire city-state. The initial section of the MRT, between Yio Chu Kang Station and Toa Payoh Station, opened in 1987 establishing itself as the second-oldest metro system in Southeast Asia, after Manila's LRT System. The network has since grown rapidly as a result of Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the main backbone of the public transport system in Singapore with an average daily ridership of 1.952 million in 2009, just over 63% of the bus network's 3.085 million in the same period.^[2]

The MRT has 79 stations (1 of which is not in operation)^[1] with 129.7 kilometres of lines and operates on standard gauge. The rail lines have been constructed by the Land Transport Authority, a statutory board of the Government of Singapore, which allocates operating concessions to the profit-based corporations SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit. These operators also run bus and taxi services, thus ensuring that there is a full integration of public transport services. The MRT is complemented by the regional Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems that link MRT stations with HDB public housing estates.^[3] Services operate from about 5:30 am and usually end before 1 a.m. daily with frequencies of approximately three to eight minutes, and services extended during festive periods.^[4]

So far, all built stations are in operation except Woodleigh Station. Since 1987, the Land Transport Authority has been expanding the system in order to connect every neighbourhood/region in Singapore. The North South Line, East West Line, North East Line and part of the Circle Line are operational while the Downtown Line and the remainder of the Circle Line are still under construction. Construction schedules for the Thomson Line and Eastern Region Line have been announced.

History

Opening of initial section of the MRT at Toa Payoh Station.

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.^[5][6] Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, the Parliament came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, since it would have to compete for road space in a land-scarce country.^[7][8] The initial S$5 billion construction of the Mass Rapid Transit network was Singapore's largest public works project at the time, starting on 22 October 1983 at Shan Road.^[9] 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 of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority.^[7] On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres.^[9] Fifteen more stations were opened later, and the MRT system was officially launched on 12 March 1988 by Lee Kuan Yew, then Prime Minister of Singapore. Another 21 stations were subsequently added to the system; the opening of Boon Lay Station on the East West Line on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the system two years ahead of schedule.^[10][11]

The MRT has subsequently been expanded. This includes a S$1.2 billion expansion of the North South Line into Woodlands, completing a continuous loop on 10 February 1996.^[12][13] The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to the introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network.^[13][14] On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation.^[15] In 2002, the Changi Airport and Expo stations were added to the MRT network.^[16] The North East Line (NEL), the first line operated by SBS Transit, opened on 20 June 2003, one of the first fully automated heavy rail lines in the world. On 15 January 2006, after intense lobbying by the public, Buangkok station was opened.^[17][18] The Boon Lay Extension, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon, began revenue service on 28 February 2009.^[19][20] On 28 May 2009, the first section of the Circle Line from Marymount Station to Bartley Station was opened. Another 9 stations from Tai Seng Station to Dhoby Ghaut Station opened on 17 April 2010.

Infrastructure

Current network

	Line (Operator)	First section operational	Stations	Length (km)	Terminals		Depot along line
	North South Line (SMRT Trains)	7 November 1987	25	44	Jurong East	Marina Bay	Bishan
	East West Line (SMRT Trains)	12 December 1987	29	49.2	Pasir Ris	Joo Koon	Ulu Pandan Changi
		10 January 2001	3		Tanah Merah	Changi Airport
	North East Line (SBS Transit)	20 June 2003	16 (1 not in operation)	20	HarbourFront	Punggol	Sengkang
	Circle Line (SMRT Trains)	28 May 2009	16	16.5	Dhoby Ghaut	Marymount	Kim Chuan

Facilities and services

Chinese calligraphy is integrated into the flooring of the Chinatown Station.

Expo Station, sited adjacent to the 100,000 square metre Singapore Expo exhibition facility, sports a futuristic design by Foster and Partners.

Except for the partly at-grade Bishan MRT Station, the entirety of the MRT is elevated or underground. Most underground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters.^[21][22][23] Mobile phone service is available in and between all stations on the entire MRT network.^[24] Underground stations and the trains are air-conditioned.

Every station is equipped with General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre, LED and plasma displays that show train service information and announcements. All stations are also equipped with restrooms and payphones, although some restrooms are located at street level.^[25] Some stations, especially the major ones, have additional amenities and services, such as retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven or Cheers, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services.^[26] Heavy-duty escalators shuttle passengers up or down stations at a rate of 0.75 m/s, 50% faster than conventional escalators.^[27][28]

The older stations on the North South Line and East West Line were not originally constructed with any accessible facilities, such as lifts, ramps, tactile guidance systems (Braille tactiles on the floor surface), wider fare gates and toilets for passengers with disabilities;^[29] authorities in the past actively discouraged use of their system by the disabled.^[30] However, these facilities are progressively installed as part of a program to make all stations accessible to the elderly and to those with disabilities.^[29][31][32] All stations are now barrier-free, although works are still ongoing to provide stations with additional barrier-free facilities.

Depots

SMRT Corporation has four train depots: The Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot with train overhaul facilities,^[33] while the Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight.^[34] The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle Line.^[35] Jurong East Station , Tanah Merah Station, Ang Mo Kio Station,and Paya Lebar Station Circle Line Platforms were built with a third middle track for off-service trains to stop at before they return to their depots, but the first two are now used as terminals for the North South Line and the East West Line Changi Airport Extension respectively, and the last two are now used as terminals for the North South Line special train and the Circle Line special train respectively.

The Sengkang Depot houses trains for the North East Line, the Sengkang LRT and the Punggol LRT, all operated by SBS Transit. It is the first depot to have structural provisions for an industrial development located above the depot, to minimize the wastage of land in land-scarce Singapore.^[35]

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 Line and the East West Line that opened between 1987 and 1988 from Yio Chu Kang Station to Clementi Station. An exception to this was Orchard Station, chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and was built initially with a domed roof.^[36] 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 west of Boon Lay and the perched roofs at Boon Lay, Bukit Batok, Bukit Gombak, Choa Chu Kang, Khatib and Yishun stations.^[37]

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 4,000 kg sculpture in Woodlands Station.^[38] 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 artworks 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. Only stations on the North East Line come under this programme. Circle Line will also feature the Art in Transit scheme.^[39] An art contest was held by the authorities in preparation of a similar scheme to be implemented for the upcoming Circle Line.^[40]

Expo Station on the East West Line Changi Airport Extension is adjacent to the 100,000 square metre 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.^[41][42]

Expansion

The MRT system had relied on its two main lines, namely the North South Line and East West Line, 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 (LTA) publication of a white paper titled "A World Class Land Transport System" in 1996 galvanised the government's intentions to greatly expand on the existing system.^[43][44] The plans allow for the long-term replacement of the bus network by rail-based transportation as the primary mode of public transportation. It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to over 160 in 10 to 15 years, and envisaged further expansion in the longer term.^[43] It was anticipated that daily ridership in 2020 would have grown to 4.6 million from the current 1.4 million passengers.^[45] The addition of the lines currently under construction and those approved for construction will bring the MRT network to 278 km by 2020. By 2030, the government envisages a rail network of 540 kilometres — more extensive than London's 408-kilometre Tube system.^[46][47]

Circle Line

Construction of the new Circle Line Bishan Station

The Circle Line (CCL) is a 35.7 kilometre line passing through 31 stations, with 16 stations currently operational and the remainder under various stages of construction and testing. The Circle Line connects all existing MRT lines radiating out of the city centre and allows commuters to bypass stations within the downtown area, thereby reducing congestion at the City Hall and Raffles Place interchange stations. The Circle Line will also connect to Marina South via a spur line branching off Promenade Station and ending at Marina Bay Station. 3-car trainsets will run on the Circle Line, in contrast to the 6-car trainsets running on the older lines. Circle Line stage 3 commenced revenue service on 28 May 2009 while stages 1 and 2 commenced operations on 17 April 2010. Stages 4 and 5 will commence revenue service in 2011 and the spur line extending from Promenade Station to Marina Bay Station in 2012.

Downtown Line

An impression of the future Downtown Map, with Stage 1 of the Downtown Line highlighted in brown.

Currently in various stages of planning and construction, the 42 kilometre fully underground Downtown Line (DTL) passing through 34 stations will connect the northwestern and eastern regions of Singapore to the new downtown at Marina Bay in the south and the Central Business District.^[48] Similar to the Circle Line, 3-car trainsets will run on the Downtown Line with line capacity for 500,000 commuters daily. It will be completed in three stages with stages 1, 2 and 3 opening by 2013, 2015 and 2017 respectively.^{[45][49][50][51]}

Thomson Line

The forthcoming 27-kilometre Thomson Line (TSL) is tentatively planned to serve 18 stations. The TSL will start from the Marina Bay station and end in the northern part of Singapore. En-route, the line will traverse through the Central Business District, Ang Mo Kio, Sin Ming, Kebun Baru, Thomson, Kim Seng and Woodlands in the north.^[45][52] It will relieve crowding on the North South Line and reduce travel times between Woodlands and the Central Business District. The underground line is expected to be completed by 2018.^[45]

Eastern Region Line

The 21-kilometre Eastern Region Line (ERL) is tentatively planned to serve 12 stations. The ERL will start from the Marina Bay station and go east to Marina East, Tanjong Rhu, Siglap, Marine Parade and Bedok South before terminating further north at Changi.^[45][52] It will generally be parallel to and south of the EWL. The underground line is expected to be completed by 2020.

Extensions to existing lines

The East West Line Tuas West Extension is a fully elevated westward extension from Joo Koon Station. The 7.5 kilometre extension includes 4 new stations and a depot located near the Tuas Checkpoint. This extension will be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2015. The easternmost station along the Tuas West Extension (EW30) will have 2 island platforms and 4 tracks as it will serve as an interchange station for the future 6 kilometre Tuas South Extension which will have 2 new stations. The Tuas South Extension will be completed in the 2nd half of 2015. A new platform and a new track is currently being constructed at Jurong East Interchange to serve the North South Line and aims to ease congestion during peak hours and space constraints. Titled as the Jurong East Modification Project, construction is nearly complete and the signal and power system would be modified soon. However, the modification would have to disrupt services along eight stations on the East West and North South lines.^[53]

The North South Line Marina South Extension is a fully underground southward extension from Marina Bay Station. The 1.6 kilometre extension includes 1 new station located near the upcoming International Cruise Centre at Marina South. This extension will commence passenger service by 2014, a year earlier than originally scheduled.

Rolling stock

Trains parked at the bay of the Bishan MRT Depot

Three 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,^[54][55][56] and use an automatic train operation system (ATO) that is similar to London Underground's Victoria Line.^[56]

The majority of the fleet comprises 66 six car C151 trains;^[57] these were the oldest trains in operation.^[54] They were built between 1986 and 1989 by Kawasaki Heavy Industries in consortium with Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corporation and Kinki Sharyo for S$581.5 million.^[54][58] A S$142.7 million refurbishment of these trains' interior were completed in 2008.^[59][60] 19 more six car C651 trains, manufactured by Siemens in Vienna, were purchased in 1994 when the Woodlands extension opened.^[61][62]

A C751B train at Eunos MRT Station.

The French-manufactured Alstom Metropolis C830 are the newest rolling stock currently operating on the MRT network.

A further 21 six car C751B trains have been running on the East West Line and the North South Line since 2000.^[63] Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactured 66 cars and Nippon Sharyo manufactured 60 cars.^[57] 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. As these trains were originally intended to operate on a direct service from Boon Lay to Changi Airport, luggage racks were installed for air travellers.^[64] However, in April 2002, faulty gearboxes forced all 21 train-sets to be off-service, and the service was temporarily suspended.^[65] The direct service was scrapped in July 2003, and the luggage racks were removed.^[66]

25 six car fully automatic and driverless C751A "Metropolis" 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.^[67] Alstom Transportation of France was contracted by the Land Transport Authority in 1997 and 1998 to supply these cars.^[68] A further 40 three car fully automatic and driverless C830 "Metropolis" 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.^[69]

73 three car fully automatic and driverless C951 "Movia" trains will run on the Downtown Line in 2013, with initial deliveries scheduled for the last quarter of 2012 and the final deliveries for 2016.^[70] These trains will run on 750-volt DC supplied by third rail. A further 22 six car trainsets by a consortium comprising of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock will be progressively delivered from 2011 to 2012 to bolster capacity for the North South Line and East West Line by a further 15 percent.^[71]

Fares and ticketing

General Ticketing Machines (GTM) at Expo station, where passengers can purchase a Standard Ticket, or add value to their EZ-Link card.

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, also known as access control gates.^[72] These gates, connected to a computer network, are capable of reading and updating electronic tickets capable of storing data, and can store information such as the initial and destination stations and the duration for each trip.^[73] General Ticketing Machines sell tickets for single trips or allow the customer to purchase 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.^[73] Commuters can choose to extend a trip mid-journey, and pay the difference as 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.^[21][74] 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.^[73] 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 in other subway systems, such as the London Underground.

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.^[74][75] 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,^[76] the latest one taken effect from 1 October 2008.^[77] 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.^[78]

Ticketing

Main articles: CEPAS, EZ-Link, NETS

View of the CEPAS compliant adult EZ-Link card, introduced in 2009.

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.^[79] The EZ-Link card was introduced on 13 April 2002 as a replacement to the original TransitLink farecard while its competitor the NETS FlashPay card entered the smart card market on 9 October 2009.

An adult EZ-Link card may be purchased for S$12 (inclusive of a S$5 non-refundable card cost and a S$7 credit) for the payment of public transportation fares in Singapore. The card may be purchased at any TransitLink Ticket Office or Passenger Service Centre. The card may also be used for payment of goods and services at merchants displaying the "EZ-Link" logo, Electronic Road Pricing tolls and Electronic Parking System carparks.^[79][80] 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 (e.g. 7 Eleven). 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.

An EZ-Link Season Pass for unlimited travel on buses and trains (capped at 4 train rides a day for the cheaper season passes) is also available for frequent users who may benefit from lower travel costs or the convenience of not having to purchase additional credit for their EZ-Link cards. The pass is available at S$45 to S$50 for a weekly pass and S$170 to S$190 for a monthly pass. The pass may be purchased at TransitLink Ticket Offices or AVMs. However, an application for a new personalised EZ-Link card at the TransitLink Ticket Office is necessary before purchase of any season pass. The personalised EZ-Link card may be purchased at S$11 (inclusive of a S$5 non-refundable card cost, S$3 initial top up value and S$3 personalisation cost).

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 only purchased 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.

Alternatively for tourists, a Singapore Tourist Pass contactless smart card may be purchased from S$18 (inclusive of a S$10 refundable card deposit and a 1 day pass) for the payment of public transportation fares.^[81] The card may be purchased 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.

An adult NETS FlashPay card may be purchased for at least S$12 (inclusive of a S$5 non-refundable card cost and at least S$7 in credit for card purchases not made at iNETS Kiosks) for the payment of public transportation fares in Singapore. During the launch promotion till December 2009, the credit value in the card will be S$12 instead of S$7. The card may be purchased at any TransitLink Ticket Office, iNETS Kiosks, convenience stores (SPH Buzz, 7-11, Cheers and Fairprice Xpress) and progressively at more locations. Additional credit may be purchased at TransitLink Ticket Offices, iNETS Kiosk, ATMs of local banks, Add Value Machines and other locations as well. The card has near identical uses to the EZ-Link card and may be used at merchants displaying the "NETS FlashPay" logo. Local bank UOB has since launched the integrated ATM card with FlashPay function in November 2009.

Safety

Platform screen doors at Dhoby Ghaut Station on the North South Line.

Assurance has been given by both operators and authorities, that numerous measures have been taken in an effort to ensure the safety of passengers, with SBS Transit having to make greater efforts in actively publicising its safety considerations on the driver-less North East Line before and after its opening.^[67][82] 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.^[23][83] Platform screen doors are installed at all underground stations^[23], with half-height platform screen doors currently being built at all aboveground stations, with some at Pasir Ris,Jurong East and Yishun. These doors prevent suicides, enable climate control in stations and prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas. Above-ground stations have open platforms, with a wide yellow line drawn 70 cm from each platform edge requiring passengers to stand at a safe distance from arriving trains (or face a fine).^[27] Bylaws deter uncivil, disruptive and dangerous acts, such as smoking, the consumption of food and drink, the frivolous use of safety features, and trespassing on the railway tracks. Penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment are imposed for these offences.^[84][85]

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.^[86] 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 onto 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,^[87] but made an about-turn when the government announced plans to install Half Height Platform Screen Doors (HHPSD) in a speech on 25 January 2008,^[45] citing lower costs due to it becoming a more common feature worldwide. The HHPSD were installed on the platforms of Jurong East Station, Pasir Ris Station and Yishun Station in 2009 and the platforms of Clementi Station and Bukit Gombak Station in 2010. Installation on the platforms of Lakeside Station, Bukit Batok Station and Chinese Garden Station are scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2010 and all others in 2012.^[88]

Security

Closed-circuit television cameras monitor activities at City Hall MRT Station. Real-time video feed is broadcast and shown at the station concourse.

Security concerns related to crime and terrorism were not high on the agenda of the system's planners at its original inception.^[89] However, in the wake of heightened security concerns after the Madrid train bombings in 2004 and the foiled plot to bomb the Yishun MRT Station,^[90] the operators deployed private, unarmed guards to patrol station platforms and check the belongings of commuters.^[91]

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.^[92][93] Trash bins and mail boxes have been removed from station platforms and concourse levels to station entrances. This is to eliminate the risk that bombs will be placed in them.^[94] Photography without prior permission was also banned in all MRT stations since the Madrid bombings.^[95]

On 14 April 2005, the Singapore Police Force announced plans to step up rail security by establishing a specialised Police MRT Unit.^[96] 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.^[97] They are trained and authorised to use their firearms at their discretion, including deadly force if deemed necessary.^[98] 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 duration of the exercise.^[99]

See also

• Light Rail Transit
• Transport in Singapore
• List of Singapore MRT stations
• List of metro systems

Notes

References

Academic publications

• Sock, Y.P. and Walder, Jay H. (1999). Singapore’s Public Transport. 

Corporate and governmental sources

• Sharp, Ilsa (2005). The Journey - Singapore's Land Transport Story. SNP:Editions. ISBN 981-248-101-X. 
• Land Transport Authority, Singapore (2 January 1996). A World Class Land Transport System - White Paper presented to Parliament. ISBN 9971-88-488-7. 
• Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore (1993). Stored Value - A Decade of the MRTC. ISBN 981-00-5034-8. 
• Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore (1988). The MRT Story. ISBN 981-00-0251-3. 
• Singapore MRT Limited (1987). MRT Guide Book. ISBN 981-00-0150-9. 
• 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. }}

External links

• SMRT Corporation Official Site
• SBS Transit Official Site
• Official System map (including lines under construction), Land Transport Authority
• UrbanRail Singapore
• Singapore's Rail Transit System
• How to ride MRT in Singapore
• Network map

Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore) Overviews History (Nicoll Highway collapse) · Stations · Fares and ticketing · Facilities (STARIS) · Safety · Security (Public Transport Security Command) Lines Current North South · East West · North East · Circle Under Construction Circle · Downtown Future Thomson · Eastern Region Defunct Branch Rolling stock Kawasaki C151 · Siemens C651 · Kawasaki/Nippon Sharyo C751B · Alstom Metropolis C751A · Alstom Metropolis C830 · Kawasaki C151A · Bombardier MOVIA C951 Depots Bishan · Changi · Gali Batu · Kim Chuan · Sengkang · Ulu Pandan Companies ComfortDelGro (SBS Transit) · SMRT Corporation (SMRT Trains)