Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore) 416499 225964489 2008-07-16T06:13:29Z Huaiwei 67055 /* Downtown Line */ Update {{Infobox Public transit |name = Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)<br />大众快速交通 (地铁)<br />Sistem Pengangkutan Gerak Cepat<br />சிங்கை துரிதக் கடவு ரயில் |image = NS_logo.svg |imagesize = 100px |locale = [[Singapore]] |transit_type = [[Rapid transit]] |began_operation = [[7 November]], [[1987]] |system_length = {{km to mi|109.4|abbr=yes|precision=2|wiki=yes}} |lines = 3 |stations = 64 |ridership = 1.564 million (FY07/078) |track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg}} ([[Standard gauge]]) |operator = <div> * [[SMRT Corporation]] * [[SBS Transit]]</div> |owner = [[Land Transport Authority]] }} [[Image:srtm.PNG|thumb|right|A diagram of the physical spread of the MRT network across the island (includes lines under construction).]] The '''Mass Rapid Transit''' or '''MRT''' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 大众快速交通 or more commonly known as 地铁; [[Malay language|Malay]]: ''Sistem Pengangkutan Gerak Cepat''; [[Tamil language|Tamil]]: சிங்கை துரிதக் கடவு ரயில்) is a [[rapid transit]] system that forms the backbone of the [[Rail transport in Singapore|railway system]] in [[Singapore]], spanning the entire city-state. The initial section of the MRT, between [[Yio Chu Kang MRT Station|Yio Chu Kang]] and [[Toa Payoh MRT Station|Toa Payoh]], opened in 1987 establishing itself as the second-oldest metro system in [[Southeast Asia]], after [[Manila]]'s [[Manila Light Rail Transit System|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 [[Transport in Singapore|public transport system in Singapore]] with an average daily ridership of 1.564 million in FY07/08, about half of the [[Bus transport in Singapore|bus network's]] 2.969 million in the same period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/PT%20Ridership%20(2007).pdf |title=Singapore Land Transport: Average Daily Public Transport Ridership |publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] |accessdate=2008-07-13 }}</ref> The MRT has [[List of Singapore MRT stations|64 operating stations]] with 109.4 kilometres of lines and operates on [[standard gauge]]. The rail lines have been constructed by the [[Land Transport Authority]], a department 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 [[Taxicabs of Singapore|taxi services]], thus ensuring that there is a full integration of [[Transport in Singapore|public transport services]]. The MRT is complemented by the regional [[Light Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Light Rapid Transit]] (LRT) systems that link MRT stations with [[Housing and Development Board|HDB]] [[public housing|public]] [[housing estate]]s.<ref>[[#Reference-lta1996|Land Transport Authority, Singapore 1996]], pg. 8</ref> Services operate from about 5:30 [[12-hour clock|am]] and usually end before 1 a.m. daily with frequencies of approximately three to eight minutes, services being extended during [[Holidays in Singapore|festive periods]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://smrt.com.sg/news/2006/Extension%20of%20public%20transport%20services%20on%20Christmas%20Eve%20and%20New%20Year%A1%AFs%20Eve.pdf |title=Public Transport Services extend on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve |publisher= [[TransitLink]] |date=2005-12-21 }}</ref> ==History== [[Image:OpeningMRT.jpg|right|thumb|Opening of initial section of the MRT at [[Toa Payoh MRT Station]].]] {{main|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.<ref name="journey1">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 66</ref><ref> {{cite paper | url = http://csur.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ws2004/papers/B2-Fwa.pdf | first = Tien Fang | last = Fwa | title = SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT &mdash; Issues and Challenges for Singapore | date = 4 September 2004 | accessdate= 2006-05-01 | publisher = [[University of Tokyo]] }} </ref> 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.<ref name="ltahistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.lta.gov.sg/public_transport/pt_rail_tracing.htm |title=1982 - The Year Work Began |publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] |accessdate=2005-12-07 }}</ref><ref name="ongcna">{{cite web |author=Lee Siew Hoon & Chandra Mohan |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/obituaries/ongtengcheong/special2.htm |title=In Memoriam - Ong Teng Cheong : A Profile |publisher= [[Channel NewsAsia]] |accessdate=2007-11-26 }}</ref> The initial [[Singapore dollar|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.<ref name="mrtstory1">[[#Reference-mrt1988|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore 1988]], pg. 8-9</ref> The network was built in stages, with the [[North South MRT Line|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.<ref name="ltahistory" /> On [[7 November]] [[1987]], the first section of the North South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres.<ref name="mrtstory1" /> 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 MRT Station|Boon Lay]] station on the [[East West MRT Line|East West Line]] on [[6 July]] [[1990]] marked the completion of the system two years ahead of schedule.<ref name="mrtstory2">[[#Reference-mrt1988|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore 1988]], pg. 10</ref><ref name="journey2">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 109</ref> 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.<ref name="journey3">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 110</ref> The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to the introduction of the [[Light Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Light Rapid Transit]] (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network.<ref name="journey4">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 122</ref> On [[6 November]] [[1999]], the first LRT trains on the [[Bukit Panjang LRT Line]] went into operation. To promote tourism, the [[Changi Airport MRT Station|Changi Airport]] and [[Expo MRT Station|Expo]] stations were added to the MRT network. The [[North East MRT Line|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 MRT Station|Buangkok]] station was opened.<ref>{{cite news | first=Hasnita | last=A Majid | title=Residents bring up 'white elephant' Buangkok MRT during minister's visit | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/165384/1/.html | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-08-28]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Yvonne | last=Cheong | title=Grassroots leaders plan celebration for Buangkok MRT station opening | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/178318/1/.html | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-11-12]] }}</ref> ==Infrastructure== ===Current network=== <center> {| class="wikitable" align="center" |- !rowspan="5" align="left" width="350" | [[Image:Mrt lrt system map (current).png|350px|center|Network map]] !Line<br />(Operator) !Operational !Stations !Length<br />(km) !colspan="2"| Terminals !Depot |- | {{SMRT lines|North South}}<br />([[SMRT Trains]])||[[7 November]] [[1987]]||25||44||[[Jurong East MRT Station|Jurong East]]||[[Marina Bay MRT Station|Marina Bay]]||[[Bishan Depot|Bishan]] |- |rowspan="2"|{{SMRT lines|East West}}<br />([[SMRT Trains]])||[[12 December]] [[1987]]||27||rowspan="2"|45.4||[[Pasir Ris MRT Station|Pasir Ris]]||[[Boon Lay MRT Station|Boon Lay]]||rowspan="2"|[[Ulu Pandan Depot|Ulu Pandan]]<br />[[Changi Depot|Changi]] |- |[[10 January]] [[2001]]||3||[[Tanah Merah MRT Station|Tanah Merah]]||[[Changi Airport MRT Station|Changi Airport]] |- | {{SMRT lines|North East}}<br />([[SBS Transit]])||[[20 June]] [[2003]]||15||20||[[HarbourFront MRT Station|HarbourFront]]||[[Punggol MRT Station|Punggol]]||[[Sengkang Depot|Sengkang]] |} </center> ===Facilities and services=== [[Image:MRT-Stationfac.JPG|thumb|right|Concourse level of [[Queenstown MRT Station]], showing a [[plasma display]] screen, passenger service centre and faregates.]] [[Image:Ne4chinatownart1.jpg|thumb|right|Chinese [[calligraphy]] is integrated into the [[floor]]ing of the [[Chinatown MRT Station|Chinatown Station]].]] [[Image:Cg1 expo exterior.jpg|thumb|right|Expo MRT Station, sited adjacent to the 100,000 square metre Singapore Expo exhibition facility, sports a futuristic design by [[Foster and Partners]].]] {{main|Facilities on the Mass Rapid Transit}} All MRT stations are either above-ground or underground except for the North South Line [[Bishan MRT Station|Bishan station]], which is at ground level. Most underground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand [[conventional weapon|conventional aerial bomb attacks]] and to serve as [[bomb shelter]]s.<ref name="mrtstory3">[[#Reference-mrt1988|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore 1988]], pg. 14 </ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scdf.gov.sg/Building_Professionals/CD_Shelter/shelter_programme.html |title=Civil Defence Shelter Programme |publisher= [[Singapore Civil Defence Force]] |accessdate=2007-01-01 }}</ref><ref name="mrtconf1">{{cite conference | author = Kwan Cheng Fai | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Architecture of Singapore MRT Underground Stations Concept Layout and Planning'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 29-33' }}</ref> Mobile phone service is available in and between all stations on the entire MRT network.<ref>{{cite news | first=Eoin | last=Licken | title=New Frontier for Mobile-Phone Operators Lies Underground | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/1999/07/01/ttmetro.2.t.php | publisher=[[International Herald Tribune]] | date=[[1999-07-01]] }}</ref> Underground stations and the trains are air-conditioned. Every station has at least four General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre, [[light-emitting diode|LED]] and [[plasma display]]s that show train service information and announcements. All stations are equipped with restrooms and payphones, although some restrooms are located at street level.<ref name="mrtconf5">{{cite conference | author = Pang Kia Seng, Michael T W Grant, Tom Curley & Scott Danielson | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Architectural Aspects of Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit Elevated Stations'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 13-27' }}</ref> Some stations, especially the major ones, have additional amenities and services, such as [[retailing|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.<ref name="xchange">{{cite web |url=http://smrt.com.sg/commercial/shop_space.html |title=Leasing of shop space |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]]|accessdate=2007-12-01 }}</ref> Heavy-duty [[Otis Elevator Company|Otis]] escalators shuttle passengers up or down stations at a rate of 0.75 m/s, 50% faster than conventional escalators.<ref name="trackline1087">[[SMRT Corporation|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore]], ''Trackline'' Volume 4 No. 5 (October 1987), ''"A safe railway for all"'', pg. 4-5.</ref><ref name="mrtconf8">{{cite conference | author = Dr. Ing D Herrmann | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Heavy Duty Escalators and Their Special Features for MRT'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 341-350' }}</ref> The older stations on the North South and East West Lines were not originally constructed with any [[accessibility|accessible]] facilities, such as lifts, ramps, tactile guidance systems (Braille tactiles on the floor surface), wider fare gates and toilets for passengers with [[disability|disabilities]];<Ref name="joruney5">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 176-179</ref> authorities in the past actively discouraged use of their system by the disabled.<ref>{{cite news | first=Su Fen ([[Land Transport Authority]]) | last=Toh | title=Public transport can't cater to all disabled | url=http://www.dpa.org.sg/news/news_july_1998-1.htm | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] Forum | date=[[1998-07-02]] }}</ref> However, these facilities are being progressively installed as part of a program to make all stations accessible to the elderly and to those with disabilities.<Ref name="joruney5" /><ref>{{cite news | first=Asha | last=Popatlal | title=Tactile tiles to help blind navigate Singapore's MRT stations | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040317071531/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/75146/1/.html | format=Archive | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2004-03-12]] }}</ref><ref>[[Land Transport Authority]] et al, ''Journeys'' Issue 42 (Jan/Feb 2003), ''"Get a Lift-up!"'', pg. 10.</ref> As of [[27 February]] [[2007]], all MRT stations except [[Buona Vista MRT Station|Buona Vista Station]] are barrier free. ===Depots=== SMRT Corporation has four train depots: The [[Bishan Depot|Bishan]] depot is the central maintenance depot with train overhaul facilities,<ref name="mrtstory5">[[#Reference-mrt1988|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore 1988]], pg. 46</ref> while the [[Changi Depot|Changi]] and [[Ulu Pandan Depot|Ulu Pandan]] depots inspect and house trains overnight.<ref name="mrtconf3">{{cite conference | author = B B Broms & J N Shirlaw | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Depot Sites'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 71-77' }}</ref> The underground [[Kim Chuan Depot]] houses trains for the [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010401005819/www.smrt.com.sg/smrt/train_sys.htm#stations |title=Train and System Information (Stations) |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] | format=Archive | accessdate=2007-01-02 }}</ref> [[Ang Mo Kio MRT Station|Ang Mo Kio]], [[Jurong East MRT Station|Jurong East]] and [[Tanah Merah MRT Station|Tanah Merah]] stations were built with a third middle track for off-service trains to stop at before they return to their depots, but the last two are now used as termini for the North South Line and the Changi shuttle respectively. The [[Sengkang Depot]] houses trains for the [[North East MRT Line|North East Line]], the [[Sengkang LRT Line|Sengkang LRT]] and the [[Punggol LRT Line|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. ===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 MRT Station|Yio Chu Kang]] to [[Clementi MRT Station|Clementi]]. An exception to this was [[Orchard MRT Station]], chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and was built with a domed roof.<ref name="mrtconf2">{{cite conference | author = Audrey Teo-Loh & Patrick de Labrusse | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Orchard Station Architectural Works'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 53-63' }}</ref> Architectural themes became a more important issue only in subsequent stages, and resulted in such designs as the cylindrical station shapes on most stations between [[Kallang MRT Station|Kallang]] and [[Pasir Ris MRT Station|Pasir Ris]], and the perched roofs on stations to the west of [[Jurong East MRT Station|Jurong East]].<ref name="micaat">{{cite web | url=http://www.mica.gov.sg/pressroom/press_030606.html | title=Speech at Launch of Art In Transit | first=Boon Wan | last=Khaw | authorlink=Khaw Boon Wan | publisher= [[Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts]] | date=2003-06-06 }}</ref> 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 the [[Woodlands MRT Station]].<ref name="nlbwoodlandsst">{{cite web | url=http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_366_2005-01-10.html | title=Woodlands MRT Station | first=Naidu | last=Ratnala Thulaja | publisher= [[National Library Board]] Infopedia | accessdate=2007-11-26 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lta.gov.sg/public_transport/doc/Art%20in%20Transit%20brochure.pdf | title=Art in Transit brochure | publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] | accessdate=2005-12-07 }}</ref> An art contest was held by the authorities in preparation of a similar scheme to be implemented for the upcoming [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1658 |title=Art Is Everywhere |publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] |date=2007-09-06 }}</ref> On the extension to the East West line to [[Changi Airport MRT Station|Changi Airport]], Expo Station 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Projects/0966/Default.aspx | title=EXPO Station, Singapore, 1997-2000 | publisher= [[Foster and Partners]] | accessdate=2007-09-20 }}</ref> ==Expansion== [[Image:SMRT v2008 4.jpg|thumb|right|A map of what the MRT Transit system may look like in future. The line location for the future lines (in lightgray) are speculative and are subject to study by the [[Land Transport Authority]]. ]] The MRT system had relied on its two main lines, namely 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 (LTA) publication of a white paper entitled "''A World Class Land Transport System''" in 1996 galvanised the government's intentions to greatly expand on the existing system.<ref name="lta1996mrt">[[#Reference-lta1996|Land Transport Authority, Singapore 1996]], pg. 44-47</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/index_proj_rail.htm | title=Other Rail Projects | publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] | accessdate=2005-12-07 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="lta1996mrt" /> By 2030, the government envisages a rail network of 540 kilometres — more extensive than London's 408-kilometre [[London Underground|Tube system]].<ref name="stnewlines">{{cite news | first=Christoper | last=Tan | title=Groundwork begins for new MRT lines | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] | date=[[2006-03-13]] }}</ref> On [[25 January]] [[2008]], the government announced plans to accelerate the MRT's expansion plans.<ref name="raymondspeech">{{cite web| url=https://app-pac.mica.gov.sg/data/vddp/embargo/6260896.htm | title=SPEECH BY MR RAYMOND LIM,MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, AT THE VISIT TO KIM CHUAN DEPOT, 25 JANUARY 2008, 9.00 AM | publisher=Singapore Government Media Release | date=[[2008-01-25]] }}</ref> This included bringing forward the building of the new [[Thomson MRT Line|Thomson Line]] and [[Eastern Region MRT Line|Eastern Region Line]], extension of the [[North South MRT Line|North South Line]] by a kilometre further into the [[Downtown Core|New Downtown]] and the extension of the [[East West MRT Line|East West Line]] by 14-kilometres into [[Tuas]]. The [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]] will be opened earlier, with the Stage Three segment between [[Bishan MRT Station]] and [[Serangoon MRT Station]] opened by the middle of 2009. The [[Thomson MRT Station|Thomson]] and [[West Coast MRT Station|West Coast]] stations, initially to be opened at a later date, will open together with their neighbouring stations. The Circle Line will also be extended south to connect to the [[Marina Bay MRT Station]]. Finally, the Downtown Line's Stage Three will have its completion date moved forward from 2018 to 2016. It was anticipated that by 2020, the rail network would have grown to 278 kilometres from the current 138 kilometres, with ridership expected to rise from the current 1.4 million to 4.6 million daily.<ref name="raymondspeech" /> The network density will also rise from the current 31 to 51 kilometres per million population, putting it on par with the networks in London and New York, while exceeding those in Hong Kong and Tokyo.<ref name="raymondspeech" /> === Future Timeline === *2009 Stage 3 Circle Line and Boon Lay Extension *2010 Circle Line *2012 Marina Bay to Promenade Circle Line Extension *2013 DTL Stage 1 *2015 Tuas Extension, Marina South Extension, DTL Stage 2 *2016 DTL Stage 3 *2018 Thomson Line *2020 Eastern Regional Line ===Circle Line=== {{main|Circle MRT Line}} [[Image:Construction of Bishan MRT Circle Line 2005-03-29.JPG|right|thumb|Construction is currently underway for the [[Bishan MRT Station]], to be linked to the [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]].]] Currently under construction in five stages, the 33.3-kilometre [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]] (CCL) will be the next major rail line to open after the North East Line began operating in June 2003. When completed, the line will connect all existing MRT lines, and will allow commuters to bypass the downtown area, reducing congestion especially at the City Hall and Raffles Place interchange stations. The Circle Line was originally scheduled to open in stages from 2007 to 2010, but when a section of tunnel near the planned Nicoll Highway station [[Nicoll Highway collapse|collapsed]] on [[20 April]] [[2004]] during its construction and caused the death of four workers, the completion of the first stations was then announced to be postponed to 2010.<ref>{{cite news | first=Yvonne | last=Cheong | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/181044/1/.html | title=Four Circle Line stations won't be operational till 2010 | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-11-29]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=S | last=Ramesh | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050324173352/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/89371/1/.html | title=143 witnesses to give evidence at Nicoll Highway collapse inquiry: MOM | format=Archive | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-06-10]] }}</ref> The line was then planned to be opened in two phases - Stages 1 to 3 stretching from Dhoby Ghaut to Marymount stations to be opened by late 2010, and the final two states by 2011. On [[14 June]] [[2005]], the Land Transport Authority announced a new 3.4-kilometre, five-station branch line, then known as the ''Downtown Extension'', linking the [[Promenade MRT Station|Promenade station]] on the Circle Line to the [[Chinatown MRT Station|Chinatown station]] on the North East Line. By [[27 April]] [[2007]], however, the Downtown Extension was rebranded as Stage 1 of the new [[Downtown MRT Line]] (DTL), and no longer considered part of the Circle Line.<ref name="stdtl" /> A new branch line parallel to the DTL's Stage 1 was announced to link the Promenade and Bayfront Stations instead, with completion by 2012. On [[25 January]] [[2008]], it was announced that that the branch line will be further extended to the Marina Bay Station, with completion of both stations remaining at 2012.<ref>{{cite news | first=Dominique | last=Loh | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/272864/1/.html | title=Govt approves S$12b MRT Downtown Line to be built by 2018 | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2007-04-27]] }}</ref> The announcement also confirmed that Stage 3 of the Circle Line from the Bartley to Marymount stations will have their opening brought forward to mid-2009 and the other four stages by 2010.<ref name="raymondspeech" /><ref>{{cite news | first=Asha | last=Popatlal | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324859/1/.html | title=MRT network length to double by 2020; two new lines to be built | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2008-01-25]] }}</ref> ===Downtown Line=== {{main|Downtown MRT Line}} [[Image:Future MRT Downtown Map.jpg|thumb|right|An impression of the future Downtown Map, with Stage 1 of the Downtown Line highlighted in brown.]] The 40-kilometre Downtown Line (DTL) will have 33 stations, connecting the northwestern and eastern regions of Singapore to the new downtown at [[Marina Bay, Singapore]] in the south and the [[Central Business District]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Asha | last=Popatlal | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/239554/1/.html | title=MRT feasibility studies underway for Downtown Line | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2006-11-05]] }}</ref> The line will feature seven interchange stations, namely [[Botanic Gardens MRT Station|Botanic Gardens]] and [[MacPherson MRT Station|MacPherson]] to the Circle Line); [[Newton MRT Station|Newton]] to the North South Line, [[Little India MRT Station|Little India]] to the North East Line and the [[Bugis MRT Station|Bugis]], [[Tampines MRT Station|Tampines]] and [[Expo MRT Station|Expo]] Stations to the East West Line. Like the Circle Line, the line is expected to be run in three-car trainsets with capacity for 500,000 commuters daily. It will be completed in three stages, opening by 2013, 2015 and 2016.<ref name="raymondspeech" /><ref name="stdtl" /><ref name="dtl">{{cite news | first=Dominique | last=Loh | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/272864/1/.html | title=Govt approves S$12b MRT Downtown Line to be built by 2018 | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2007-04-27]] }}</ref> The Downtown MRT Line was the result of a reconfiguration of several lines then planned to be built to ease access into new developments in [[Marina Bay]], and to support unserved corridors parallel to the existing East West line. The first, a 3.4-kilometre, five-station line then called the ''Downtown Extension'' of the Circle Line, was announced on [[14 July]] [[2005]] with construction slated to begin in 2007. Subsequent media reports, as well as plans unveiled in the [[Singapore Concept Plan 2001]],<ref name="uraconcept">http://www.ura.gov.sg/gallery/images/2001YearXConceptPlanA3.pdf</ref> hinted at a new line to be built to serve the [[Bukit Timah]] corridor up to [[Bukit Panjang]], and another circular line looping along the [[East Coast, Singapore|East Coast]]. Subsequently labelled as the [[Bukit Timah MRT Line|Bukit Timah Line]] and the [[Eastern Region MRT Line|Eastern Region Line]] by the LTA, they were expected to be completed in the following 10 to 15 years.<ref>[http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/index_proj_rail.htm Welcome to Land Transport Authority<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> By [[15 February]] [[2007]], there were hints of a major reconfiguration of plans when the Second Finance Minister [[Tharman Shanmugaratnam]] announced during his Budget Speech that after the Circle Line has been built in 2010, they would immediately embark on constructing a new S$12 billion Downtown Line with convenient links to Bukit Panjang.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/sgbudget07/speech8.htm#12 | title=Transcript of the Singapore Budget 2007 Speech | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | accessdate=2007-02-15 }}</ref><ref name="stdtl">{{cite news | first=Christoper | last=Tan | title=33-station Downtown Line gets go-ahead, will be ready by 2018 | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] | date=[[2007-04-28]] }}</ref> On [[27 April]] [[2007]], approved plans were finally announced to merge the three lines into a single 40-kilometre line, with the Downtown Extension, Bukit Timah Line and the northern half of the Eastern Region Line rebranded as Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the line respectively. Stage 1 would also include the building of a segment from the Promenade Station to Bugis Station, where it then continues on as Stage 2. Stage 3 would end at the [[Expo MRT Station|Expo Station]], with the rest of the southern half put on hold at that time.<ref name="stdtl" /> ===Eastern Region and Thomson Line=== {{main|Eastern Region MRT Line}} {{main|Thomson MRT Line}} On [[27 April]] [[2007]], plans for the Eastern Region Line (ERL) were revived,<ref name="raymondspeech" /> this time consisting only of the southern half of what was to have been a continuous loop involving Stage 3 of the Downtown Line. The new 21-kilometre route will have 12 stations, commencing from [[Marina South]] and onwards to [[Marina East]], [[Tanjong Rhu]], [[Siglap]], [[Marine Parade]] and [[Bedok]] South, terminating further north at [[Changi]].<ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20080125/Eastern%20Region%20Line.pdf</ref> The underground line is expected to be completed by 2020. Also announced was the new Thomson Line (TSL), which will extend from the western end of the Eastern Region Line and link it to the northern part of Singapore. En-route, the 27-kilometre line will connect from [[Marina South]] through the [[Central Business District]] and up through [[Ang Mo Kio]] all the way to [[Woodlands, Singapore|Woodlands]] connecting estates such as [[Sin Ming]], [[Kebun Baru]], [[Thomson, Singapore|Thomson]] and [[Kim Seng]] which do not now have a direct MRT link.<ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20080125/Thomson%20Line.pdf</ref> Completion of the 18-station line, also fully underground, is expected in 2018.<ref name="raymondspeech" /> ===Extensions to existing lines=== [[Image:Boon Lay Extension.jpg|thumb|right|Boon Lay Extension : [[Pioneer MRT Station|Pioneer]] and [[Joo Koon MRT Station|Joo Koon]] stations will open by 2009.]] The plan for the Boon Lay MRT Extension to the existing [[East West MRT Line|East West Line]] was announced by the Land Transport Authority on [[29 December]] [[2004]]. The 3.81-kilometre, two-station extension will extend westward from [[Boon Lay MRT Station]], with one station along Jurong West Street 63 ([[Pioneer MRT Station|Pioneer station]]), between Jurong West Street 61 and Pioneer Road North, and the second station at Joo Koon Circle ([[Joo Koon MRT Station|Joo Koon station]]), near the junction of Benoi Road and International Road.<ref name="BLE">{{cite press release|url=http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1138 |title=Expanding The Rail Network: LTA To Build Boon Lay MRT Extension |publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] |date=2004-12-29 }}</ref> The fully elevated extension will cost about S$436 million, which is expected to be completed by 2009. Construction works commenced on [[11 March]] [[2006]].<ref>{{cite news | first=S | last=Ramesh | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/197268/1/.html | title=Boon Lay MRT extension to have two stations | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2006-03-11]] }}</ref> The alignment of the extension along Jurong West Street 63, Upper Jurong Road and International Road has required the acquisition of 28,000 square metres of land.<ref name="BLE" /> On [[25 January]] [[2008]], the government announced a further fully elevated 14-kilometre extension beyond [[Joo Koon MRT Station|Joo Koon Station]] into [[Tuas]], involving the building of another five stations.<ref name="raymondspeech" /><ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20080125/Tuas%20Extension.pdf</ref> Plans were also announced for the [[North South MRT Line|North South Line]] to be extended underground by a kilometre southwards beyond [[Marina Bay MRT Station]] to serve the [[Marina Bay]] area, such as the new [[International Cruise Terminal]] which is currently under construction.<ref name="raymondspeech" /><ref>http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20080125/North%20South%20Line%20Extension.pdf</ref> Both extensions are slated for completion by 2015. ==Rolling stock== [[Image:Bishan Depot trains.jpg|thumb|right|Trains parked at the bay of the [[Bishan Depot|Bishan]] MRT Depot]] : ''Main articles: [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 cars|C151 cars]], [[Siemens C651 cars|C651 cars]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B cars|C751B cars]] and [[Alstom Metropolis|Alstom Metropolis cars]]'' Three types of [[rolling stock]] are used on the North South Line and the East West Line. They are powered by 750-volt [[direct current|DC]] [[third rail]], operate in sets of six cars,<ref name="mrtstory4">[[#Reference-mrt1988|Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore 1988]], pg. 15</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010401005819/www.smrt.com.sg/smrt/train_sys.htm#trains |title=Train and System Information (Trains) |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] | format=Archive | accessdate=2007-01-02 }}</ref><ref name="mrtconf7">{{cite conference | author = I J Mortimer & M Ishizuka | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Mechanical Features of Singapore MRT Rolling Stock'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 411-419' }}</ref> and use an [[automatic train operation]] system (ATO) that is similar to [[London Underground]]'s [[Victoria Line]].<ref name="mrtconf7" /> The majority of the fleet comprises 396 [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 cars|C151 cars]];<ref name="khi">{{cite web |url=http://www.khi.co.jp/sharyo/since_final/since_e.html |title=Hyogo Works History |publisher= [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company|Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] | accessdate=2006-03-19 }}</ref> these were the oldest trains in operation.<ref name="mrtstory4" /> 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.<ref name="mrtstory4" /> A S$142.7 million upgrade of these trains is under way and will be completed by 2008.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ching Li | last=Tor | title=Fair grounds for fare hikes? | publisher=[[Today (newspaper)|Today Online]] | date=[[2005-05-04]] }}</ref> [[Image:Kawasaki c751 eunos.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B cars|C751B train]] at [[Eunos MRT Station]].]] In 1994, 114 [[Siemens C651 cars|C651 cars]], manufactured by [[Siemens AG|Siemens]] in Vienna, were purchased when the [[History of the Mass Rapid Transit#North South Line Woodlands Extension|Woodlands extension]] opened.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://references.transportation.siemens.com/refdb/showReference.do?r=455&div=5&l=en |title=References - Metro System, MRTC, Six-Car Units, Singapore |publisher= [[Siemens AG]] | accessdate=2005-12-07 }}</ref> Some of these trains have previously been reconfigured in experimental programs to accommodate more passengers, but such arrangements have since been abandoned. [[Image:MRT-NELmetropolis.JPG|thumb|right|The [[France|French]]-manufactured [[Alstom Metropolis]] are the newest rolling stock on the MRT network.]] Between 1998 and 2001, 126 [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B cars|C751B cars]] built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Nippon Sharyo in a joint venture were introduced. Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactured 66 cars and Nippon Sharyo manufactured 60 cars.<ref name="khi" /> 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 MRT Station|Changi Airport]], luggage racks were installed for air travellers.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.smrt.com.sg/news/2002/02_06.html |title=Commencement of revenue service at Changi Airport Station |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] |date=2002-02-06 }}</ref> However, in April 2002, faulty [[Transmission (mechanics)|gearboxes]] forced all 21 train-sets to be off-service, and the service was temporarily suspended.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.smrt.com.sg/news/2002/04_23b.html |title=Temporary Suspension of Boon Lay - Changi Airport Through Service |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] |date=2002-04-23 }}</ref> The direct service was scrapped in July 2003, and the luggage racks were removed.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.smrt.com.sg/news/2003/07_17.html |title=Shuttle Train Service Between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport Stations |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] |date=2003-07-17 }}</ref> 150 driverless [[Alstom Metropolis]] have been operating on the North East Line since its opening in 2003. [[Alstom|Alstom Transportation]] of France was contracted by Land Transport Authority in 1997 and 1998 to supply these cars. They are fully automatic, powered by [[overhead lines]] on 1,500 volts DC, and are the first trains to have closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) installed within their interiors. A further order of 120 cars are due to be delivered before the opening of the [[Circle MRT Line|Circle Line]] by late 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.transport.alstom.com/home/Products_and_Services/TURNKEY_SYSTEMS/Urban_turnkey/10963.EN.php?languageId=EN&dir=/home/Products_and_Services/TURNKEY_SYSTEMS/Urban_turnkey/&docLink=7628 |title=Metropolis in Singapore |publisher= [[Alstom|Alstom Transportation]] | accessdate=2005-11-07 }}</ref><ref>[[Land Transport Authority]] et al, ''Journeys'' Issue 42 (Jan/Feb 2003), ''"Safe, Sound and Fully Automated"'', pg. 8–9.</ref> ==Fares and tickets== {{main|Fares and ticketing on the Mass Rapid Transit}} [[Image:Cg1 expo GTM.jpg|thumb|right|General Ticketing Machines (GTM) at [[Expo MRT Station|Expo]] station, where passengers can purchase a Standard Ticket, or add value to their [[EZ-Link]] card.]] Because the rail operators are government-assisted, profit-based corporations, fares on the MRT system are pitched to at least break-even level.<ref name="mrtstory3" /><ref name="ltafares">[[#Reference-lta1996|Land Transport Authority, Singapore 1996]], pg. 58-59</ref> 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.<ref name="journey6">[[#Reference-sharp2005|Sharp 2005]], pg. 113-115</ref> 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 [[List of rapid transit systems|other subway systems]], such as the [[London Underground]]. As the fare system has been integrated by [[TransitLink]], commuters need to pay only one fare and pass through two fare gates during the entire journey, even when transferring between lines operated by different companies.<ref name="journey6" /> Commuters can choose to extend a trip mid-journey, and pay the difference as they exit their destination station. 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''.<ref name="mrtconf6">{{cite conference | author = R C Longden & E W Finch | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Automatic Fare Collection - Serving the Commuter'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 319-324' }}</ref> 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.<ref name="journey6" /> [[Ticket machine|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. 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.<ref name="ltafares" /> 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,<ref>{{cite news | first=Yvonne | last=Cheong | title=Public transport fare hike not justified as SMRT still profitable: CASE | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/145571/1/.html | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-04-14]] }}</ref> although the most recent application in 2007 to up train fares has been turned down by the PTC.<ref>{{cite news | first=Wee Keat | last=Leong | title=This reality check keeps train fares level | url=http://www.todayonline.com/articles/210663.asp | publisher=[[Today (newspaper)|Today Online]] | date=[[2007-09-12]] }}</ref> There were similar expressions of disapproval over the slightly higher fares charged on [[SBS Transit]]'s [[North East MRT Line|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.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.ptc.gov.sg/news4.pdf |title=New NEL Fare Structure Approved |publisher= [[Public Transport Council]] |date=2003-05-08 }}</ref> ===1987&ndash;2002=== [[Image:SMRT official opening ticket.jpg|thumb|180px|A special farecard, released for the official launch of the Mass Rapid Transit network on [[12 March]] [[1988]].]] When the MRT opened in 1987, fares ranged from [[Singapore dollar|S$]]0.50 to S$1.10 in S$0.10 increments for all adult tickets, regardless of whether they were single-trip or stored-value tickets.<ref name="mrtstory1" /> Several discounted fares were available: senior citizens and permanent residents above the age of 60 could travel on a flat fare of S$0.50 during off-peak hours; children below the height of 1.2 metres and full-time students in primary, secondary, pre-university and vocational training (VITB) institutions paid a flat fare of S$0.30 at all times.<ref name="mrtguide1">[[#Reference-mrt1987|Singapore MRT Limited 1987]], pg. 20-22</ref> [[Magnetic stripe card|Magnetic strip plastic tickets]] were used, in various forms. Stored-value tickets were called ''farecards'' and came in three types: the blue farecard was issued to adults, the magenta farecard to senior citizens, and the red farecard to children.<ref name="mrtguide1" /> Single-trip forms of these tickets were retained at the faregates on exiting the paid area of a destination station.<ref name="mrtconf6" /> Monthly discounted tickets were available in four values: beige, pink, and purple tickets for primary and tertiary students, and [[National Service in Singapore|full-time national servicemen]] came with a value of S$13, S$30 and S$36, respectively;<ref name="mrtguide2">[[#Reference-mrt1987|Singapore MRT Limited 1987]], pg. 23</ref> the peach ticket was for secondary, pre-university and VITB students, costing S$17 each. These discounted tickets were valid for a month from the date of purchase, allowed up to four trips a day, and were non-transferable.<ref name="mrtguide2" /> ===2002&ndash;present=== {{main|EZ-Link}} [[Image:EZ-Link.jpg|right|thumb|180px|A standard adult [[EZ-Link]] card.]] The [[EZ-Link|EZ-Link card]] is a [[contactless]] [[smart card|smartcard]] based on [[Sony]]'s [[FeliCa]] smartcard technology.<ref name="sonyez">{{cite web |url=http://www.sony.net/Products/felica/csy/trf.html |title=FeliCa in Use |publisher= [[Sony]] |accessdate=2007-11-26 }}</ref> These cards are used for making payments for some goods and services in Singapore, mainly transportation services. Established in 2002, the technology was promoted as a mean for speedy and convenient transactions,<ref name="journey6" /> and an efficient method of reducing fare evasion, although there have been some cases of overcharging users.<ref>{{cite news | first=Ansley | last=Ng | title=Buses and the not so ez-link | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/148570/1/.html | publisher=[[Today (newspaper)|Today Online]] | date=[[2005-05-20]] }}</ref> As a benchmark, fares range from S$0.69 to S$3.04 for adults, S$0.64 to S$0.70 for senior citizens, and S$0.40 to S$0.50 for student EZ-Link cards. Patrons using an EZ-Link card receive a discount for their journey, including a discount if they use a connecting bus after their MRT ride. The General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) at each station, replacing older ticket machines, allow commuters to purchase additional credit to add to their EZ-Link cards or to purchase tickets for single trips. Fares for these single-trip forms of these cards range are between one or two times the expense of non single-trip tickets. In addition, a S$1.00 refundable ticket deposit is charged for each Standard Ticket. This refund can be collected from any General Ticketing Machine when the card is returned to the machine within 30 days of purchase.<ref name="transitlinkst">{{cite web |url=http://www.transitlink.com.sg/standard_ticket.html |title=What is a Standard Ticket? |publisher= [[TransitLink]]|accessdate=2007-12-01 }}</ref> The card can also be left in a charity collection box, thereby donating the S$1.00 deposit. The smartcard technology contained in each Standard Ticket makes each one costly enough to necessitate [[recycling]] of Standard Tickets. Since [[November 2007]], external readers were installed on GTMs at stations operated by SMRT Corporation to address problems of card jamming in insert slots. The slots, however, remain in use for the purpose of refunding Standard Ticket deposits.<ref name="smrtextGTM">{{cite press release|url=http://www.smrt.com.sg/news/2007/New%20External%20Card%20Reader%20on%20General%20Ticketing%20Machines.pdf |title=New External Card Reader on General Ticketing Machines Make Card Transactions a Breeze |publisher= [[SMRT Corporation]] |date=2007-11-06 }}</ref> Concession fares are available for children, students, senior citizens and national servicemen. Students are given free personalised cards, complete with their photos, names and [[National Registration Identity Card|national identification]] numbers. Regardless of its type, each card is assigned a unique card ID that can be used to recover the card if lost. Transport operators have organised [[lotteries]] that are based on these card IDs. The ''Visitor's Card'', which offers a package of services to [[tourism in Singapore|tourists]], can be used as an EZ-Link card. The ''Singapore Tourist Pass''<ref>[http://www.thesingaporetouristpass.com The Singapore Tourist Pass<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> offers unlimited travel for tourists on Singapore's public transport system. For S$8 a day, tourists can take any number of rides on buses and trains operated by SBS Transit, SMRT Buses and SMRT Trains. ==Safety== {{main|Safety on the Mass Rapid Transit}} [[Image:Ns24dhobyghaut.jpg|right|thumb|[[Platform screen doors]] at [[Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station|Dhoby Ghaut station]] on the [[North South MRT Line|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.<ref>{{cite news | first=Tammy ([[SBS Transit]]) | last=Tan | title=Measures in place to ensure safe ride on NEL | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] Forum | date=[[2005-12-24]] }}</ref> Safety campaign posters are highly visible in trains and stations, and the operators frequently broadcast [[Public service announcement|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]].<ref name="mrtconf1" /><ref name="mrtconf4">{{cite conference | author = Y C Siew & J P Copsey | year = 1987 | month = April | title = ''Singapore Mass Rapid Transit System Design for Fire and Emergency'' | booktitle = [[#Reference-mrtconf|MRTC & IES 1987]], ''pg. 131-139' }}</ref> [[Platform screen doors]] are installed at all underground stations.<ref name="mrtconf1" /> 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).<ref name="trackline1087" /> [[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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/cgi_retrieve.pl?actno=REVED-263A&doctitle=RAPID%20TRANSIT%20SYSTEMS%20ACT%0a&date=latest&method=part | title=Rapid Transit Systems Act (Chapter 263A, Section 42) | publisher= [http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/ Singapore Statues Online] | accessdate=2005-12-07 }}</ref> 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 MRT Station|Clementi station]] because of an [[oil spill]]age on the track, which resulted in 132 injuries.<ref>{{cite news | first=Matthew/Branden | last=Pereira | title=MRT Trains collide at Clementi : 132 hurt | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] | date=[[1993-08-06]] | pages=1 & 25 }}</ref> 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,<ref name="doublerail">{{cite press release|url=http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1090 |title=Safety at MRT and LRT Stations - Respect The Yellow Line |publisher= [[Land Transport Authority]] |date=2005-11-20 }}</ref> but made an about-turn when the government announced plans to install half-height [[automatic platform gate]]s in a speech on [[25 January]] [[2008]],<ref name="raymondspeech" /> citing lower costs due to it becoming a more common feature worldwide. The gates will be installed first at the [[Jurong East MRT Station|Jurong East]], [[Pasir Ris MRT Station|Pasir Ris]] and [[Yishun MRT Station|Yishun]] stations in 2009, before they are introduced at all other stations by 2012. ==Security== [[Image:Security at City Hall MRT.jpg|right|thumb|[[Closed-circuit television|Closed-circuit television cameras]] monitor activities at [[City Hall MRT Station]]. Real-time video feed is broadcasted and shown at the station concourse.]] {{main|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 original inception.<ref>López, M.J.J. (1996), Den Haag: RCM-advies, ''[http://www.rcm-advies.nl/Webpagina's/Transit%20Systems/Singapore%20-%20cp.htm "Crime Prevention Guidelines for the Construction & Management of Metro Systems"]'', pg. 35–39.</ref> However, in the wake of heightened security concerns after the [[11 March 2004 Madrid train bombings|Madrid train bombings in 2004]] and the [[Singapore embassies attack plot|foiled plot to bomb the Yishun MRT Station]],<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/arrests/release1_020124.htm |title=The Link of the Yishun Videotape |publisher= [[Minister for Home Affairs (Singapore)]] |date=2002-01-24 }}</ref> the operators deployed private, unarmed guards to patrol station platforms and check the belongings of commuters. Recorded announcements are frequently made to remind passengers to report suspicious activity and not to leave their belongings unattended. Digital [[Closed-circuit television|closed-circuit cameras]] (CCTVs) have been upgraded with recording-capability at all stations and trains operated by SMRT Corporation.<ref>{{cite news | first=Johnson | last=Choo | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050308003901/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/99715/1/.html | title=CCTVs at 35 elevated MRT stations to have recording capability by Oct 2004 | format=Archive | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2004-08-07]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first=Chin Lian | last=Goh | title=Buses, trains get security cameras | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] | date=[[2006-06-06]] }}</ref> Trash bins and mail boxes have been removed from station platforms and concourse levels to station entrances. This is to eliminate the risk that [[Improvised explosive device|bombs]] will be placed in them. Photography without prior permission has also been banned in all MRT stations.<ref name="stsep4">{{cite news | first=Karen ([[SMRT Corporation]]) | last=Chow | title=Why no photos at MRT stations... | publisher=[[The Straits Times]] Forum | date=[[2007-09-04]] }}</ref> On [[14 April]] [[2005]], the [[Singapore Police Force]] announced plans to step up rail security by establishing a specialised [[Police MRT Unit]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Dominique | last=Loh | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/142602/1/.html | title=MRT stations to have armed police officers on patrol | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-05-02]] }}</ref> 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. They are trained and authorised to use their firearms at their discretion, including deadly force if deemed necessary.<ref>{{cite news | first=Johnson | last=Choo | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/163270/1/.html | title=Special armed police unit begins MRT patrols | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2005-08-15]] }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/187113/1/.html | title=Singapore holds largest-ever terror attack response drill | publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] | date=[[2006-01-08]] }}</ref> ==Notes== {{reflist|2}} ==References== ===Academic publications=== * {{wikicite|id=socknwalder1999|reference=Sock, Y.P. and Walder, Jay H. (1999), ''Singapore’s Public Transport''.}} ===Corporate and governmental sources=== * {{wikicite|id=sharp2005|reference={{cite book | last = Sharp | first = Ilsa | title = The Journey - Singapore's Land Transport Story | publisher = SNP:Editions | date = 2005 | isbn = 981-248-101-X }}}} * {{wikicite|id=lta1996|reference={{cite book | author=Land Transport Authority, Singapore | title = A World Class Land Transport System - White Paper presented to Parliament | date = 1996-01-02 | isbn = 9971-88-488-7 }}}} * {{wikicite|id=mrt1993|reference=Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore (1993) ''Stored Value - A Decade of the MRTC''. ISBN 981-00-5034-8}} * {{wikicite|id=mrt1988|reference={{cite book | author=Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, Singapore | title = The MRT Story | date = 1988 | isbn = 981-00-0251-3 }}}} * {{wikicite|id=mrt1987|reference={{cite book | author=Singapore MRT Limited | title = MRT Guide Book | date = 1987 | isbn = 981-00-0150-9 }}}} * {{wikicite|id=mrtconf|reference={{cite book | author=Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) and Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) | title = Mass Rapid Transit System : Proceedings of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Conference, Singapore 6-9 April, 1987 | date = 1987 | isbn = 9971-84-636-5 }}}} ==See also== * [[Chewing gum ban in Singapore]] * [[Light Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Light Rapid Transit]] * [[Transport in Singapore]] * [[SMRT Corporation]] * [[SBS Transit]] * [[List of Singapore MRT stations]] * [[List of Circle MRT Line station names]] * [[List of rapid transit systems]] ==External links== {{commons|Singapore MRT}} {{Spoken Wikipedia|MRT-part-1.ogg|2007-05-14}} * [http://www.smrt.com.sg SMRT Corporation Official Site] * [http://www.sbstransit.com.sg SBS Transit Official Site] * [http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/images/system_map.gif Official system map, Land Transport Authority] * [http://www.urbanrail.net/as/sing/singapore.htm UrbanRail Singapore] * [http://sg.geocities.com/singaporerail Singapore's Rail Transit System] * [http://destination.jawaexpress.com/how-to-ride-mrt-in-singapore How to ride MRT in Singapore] {{Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)}} {{Singapore MRT stations}} {{Singapore railway lines}} {{featured article}} [[Category:Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)]] [[Category:Rail transport in Singapore]] [[Category:Underground rapid transit systems]] [[de:MRT (Singapur)]] [[fr:Métro de Singapour]] [[ko:싱가포르 MRT]] [[id:MRT]] [[lt:MRT]] [[nl:Mass Rapid Transit Singapore]] [[ja:マス・ラピッド・トランジット (シンガポール)]] [[ro:Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)]] [[simple:Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)]] [[fi:Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)]] [[ta:சிங்கை துரிதக் கடவு ரயில்]] [[vi:Singapore MRT]] [[zh:新加坡地铁]]