Singapore Mass Rapid Transit: Commuting Safely and Confidently

Singapore is the world’s smartest city. Not just the smartest city, but it also boasts the most comfortable, affordable, and convenient public transport system. Singapore’s mass rapid transit (MRT) is the backbone of the country’s public transportation network. The Land Transport Authority and public transport operators are building a socially inclusive MRT system for better access and helping commuters feel welcomed, understood, and comfortable. Let’s check out how Singapore is helping people commute safely and confidently.

Land Transport Master Plan 2040

The Land Transport Master Plan 2040 envisions a transport system for all. It aims to create a caring commuting culture. In January 2020, the Caring SG Commuters Committee was set up to transform Singapore’s public transport system into a more caring, welcoming, and inclusive one.

Rail Reliability Means Safety

Three MRT lines, the North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL) and Circle Line (CCL) managed by SMRT Corporation, a leading multi-modal transport operator, marked reliability performance of 1 million MKBF, or mean kilometres between failures.

Engineering Capabilities to Improve Safety

SMRT Corp signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Certis Cisco to co-develop technology solutions and initiatives such as warning systems and anti-fatigue monitoring to help station staff and train captains to work more effectively and safely. SMRT also established three-year collaboration with AI.SG under the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering Hub programme to build capabilities in AI to enhance operations and maintenance. Improving engineering capabilities is essential to ensure safe and reliable transport services.

Ensuring Safety During the Pandemic

Public transport operators are taking various measures to safeguard the safety of MRT staff and commuters during the pandemic. For instance, all MRT premises are being kept clean and safe. SMRT equipped its staff with placards to promote safe commuting by maintaining safe distancing and avoiding talking when travelling in MRT. All MRT staff members and bus and train captains are vaccinated to keep communities healthy and safe. SMRT also announced a staff training programme to help commuters with special needs.

Commenting on the same, SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “As part of the One Transport family, we ensured a clean and safe environment for commuters by stepping up our cleaning efforts, stocking hand sanitisers in train stations, mandating the wearing of masks and educating the public on safe and gracious commuting.”

He further added, “Our staff equipped with “Please Refrain from Talking” placards promoted safe commuting by offering courteous reminders to commuters to maintain safe distancing and avoid talking in trains to minimise the spread of droplets.”

Heart Zones

Heart Zones are created in MRT stations so that people can proactively look out for the safety and welfare of others with courage and compassion.

Other factors that make MRT safe, reliable, and an excellent means of transportation in Singapore are better accessibility, rail renewal and expansion projects, and inclusive features for people with special needs.

Conclusion

The government and public transport operators including SMRT are doing their best to improve commuters’ rail experience. As transport operators and LTA work together to improve the cleanliness, safety, and customer service on the MRT network, Singaporeans now feel more confident using public transportation.