Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)

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Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
Exit of Toa Payoh MRT station
Exit of Little India MRT station
Exterior of Jurong East MRT station
Platforms of Expo MRT station
Platforms of Caldecott MRT station
From top, left to right: Entrances of the Toa Payoh, Little India stations; Exterior of Jurong East station; East–West Line (EWL) platforms at Expo station and Thomson–East Coast Line platforms at Caldecott station
Overview
Native nameSistem Pengangkutan Gerak Cepat (Malay)
新加坡地铁系统 (Chinese)
சிங்கப்பூர் துரிதக் கடவு ரயில் (Tamil)
OwnerLand Transport Authority
LocaleSingapore
Transit typeRapid transit
Number of lines6[note 1]
Number of stations134[note 2][1]
Daily ridership3.4 million (2019)[2][note 3]
Annual ridership1.2 billion (2019)[note 3]
Website
Operation
Began operation7 November 1987; 36 years ago (1987-11-07)
Operator(s)
overhead catenary[b]
Top speed78–90 km/h (48–56 mph) (service)
90–100 km/h (56–62 mph) (design)
MRT network map

The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by the initialism MRT, is a rapid transit system in Singapore and the island country's principal mode of railway transportation. The system commenced operations in November 1987 after two decades of planning with an initial 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch consisting of five stations. The network has since grown to span the length and breadth of the country's main island – with the exception of the forested core and the rural northwestern region – in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system,[note 9] averaging a daily ridership of 3.4 million in 2019.[2][note 10]

The MRT network encompasses 230 km (140 mi) of grade-separated route on

heavy rail network interchanges with a series of automated guideway transit networks localised to select suburban towns—collectively known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system—that complement the mainline by providing a last mile link between MRT stations and HDB public housing estates.[7][note 11]

The MRT is the oldest, busiest, and most comprehensive metro system in Southeast Asia.[note 12] Capital expenditure on its rail infrastructure reached a cumulative S$150 billion[note 13] in 2021, making the network one of the world's costliest on both a per-kilometre and absolute basis.[8][9][10][11][note 14] The system is managed in conformity with a semi-nationalised hybrid regulatory framework; construction and procurement fall under the purview of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a statutory board of the government that allocates operating concessions to the for-profit private corporations SMRT and SBS Transit. These operators are responsible for asset maintenance on their respective lines, and also run bus services, facilitating operational synchronicity and the horizontal integration of the broader public transportation network.

The MRT is fully automated and has an extensive driverless rapid transit system.[12][13] Asset renewal works are periodically carried out to modernise the network and ensure its continued reliability; all stations feature platform screen doors, Wi-Fi connectivity, lifts, climate control, and accessibility provisions, among others. Much of the early network is elevated above ground on concrete viaducts, with a small portion running at-grade; newer lines are largely subterranean, incorporating several of the lengthiest continuous subway tunnel sections in the world. A number of underground stations double as purpose-built air raid shelters under the operational authority of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF); these stations incorporate deep-level station boxes cast with hardened concrete and blast doors fashioned out of reinforced steel to withstand conventional aerial and chemical ordnance.

History

Planning and inception

The origins of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) were derived from a forecast by the country's planners back in 1967 which stated the need for a rail-based urban transport system by 1992.

Tony Tan, nearly shuttered the program due to financial grounds and concerns of jobs saturation in the construction industry.[17] Dr Goh instead endorsed the idea of an all-bus system recommended by Harvard University specialists, who argued would reduce the cost by 50% compared to the proposed MRT system. Public opinion was split on the matter, with several expressing concerns on the high cost and others being more focused on increasing the standard of living. Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, Communications Minister Ong Teng Cheong came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, as it would have to compete for road space in a land-scarce country. Ong was an architect and town planner by training and through his perseverance and dedication became the main figure behind the initial construction of the system.[18][19]

Construction begins

Singapore's MRT infrastructure is built, operated, and managed in accordance with a hybridised quasi-

nationalised regulatory framework called the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF), in which the lines are constructed and the assets owned by the Land Transport Authority, a statutory board of the Government of Singapore.[20]

Opening of the various stages (1987–1990)

The network was planned to be constructed and opened in stages, even as plans had already indicated the decision for two main arterial lines. The North–South Line was 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 SMRT Corporation—was established on 14 October 1983 and took over the roles and responsibilities of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority.[18][21] On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North–South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres. Within a year, 20 more stations had been added to the network and a direct service existed between Yishun and Lakeside stations, linking up Central Singapore to Jurong in the west by the end of 1988. The direct service was eventually split into the North–South and East–West lines after the latter's completion of the eastern sector to Tanah Merah station.[22][23][24] By the end of 1990, the Branch line has further linked Choa Chu Kang to the network while the inauguration of Boon Lay station on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the initial system two years ahead of schedule.[25][26]

Subsequent expansions

Canberra station, an infill station of the North–South line

The MRT has been continuously expanded ever since. On 10 February 1996, a S$1.2 billion expansion of the North–South Line into Woodlands was completed, merging the Branch Line into the North–South Line and joining Yishun and Choa Chu Kang stations.[27] 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.[27][28] On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation.[29] The Expo and Changi Airport stations were opened on 10 January 2001[30] and 8 February 2002 respectively.[31] The very first infill station of the MRT network to be built on an existing line, Dover station opened on 18 October 2001.[32] The North East Line, the first line operated by SBS Transit, opened on 20 June 2003, is one of the first fully automated heavy rail lines in the world.[33][34] On 15 January 2006, after intense two-and-a-half years lobbying by the public,[35] Buangkok station was opened,[36][37] followed by Woodleigh station much later on 20 June 2011.[38] The Boon Lay Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon stations, opened on 28 February 2009.[39][40]

The Circle Line opened in four stages with Stage 3 on 28 May 2009,[41] Stages 1 and 2 on 17 April 2010,[42] Stages 4 and 5 on 8 October 2011[43] and the Marina Bay Extension on 14 January 2012.[44] Stage 1 of Downtown line opened on 22 December 2013[45] with its official opening made on 21 December 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.[46] Stage 2 opened on 27 December 2015, after being officially opened on 26 December by Prime Minister Lee.[47] The Tuas West Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Gul Circle, Tuas Crescent, Tuas West Road, and Tuas Link stations, opened on 18 June 2017.[48] Stage 3, the final stage of the Downtown Line, opened on 21 October 2017 with its official opening made on 20 October 2017 by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan.[49] The second infill station, Canberra station opened on 2 November 2019.[50] Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 31 January 2020.[51] Stage 2 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 28 August 2021, extending the line from Woodlands South to Caldecott.[52] Stage 3 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 13 November 2022, extending the line from Caldecott to Gardens by the Bay.

Network and infrastructure

Schematic map of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) network in Singapore (an official version can be found at the Land Transport Authority's website).
Name and colour Commencement Previous extension Next extension Terminus Length Stations Depot Operator Control Centre Cost
North–South line 7 November 1987 2 November 2019[note 15] 2034[note 16] Jurong East
Marina South Pier
45 km (28 mi)[53] 27[53] Bishan Depot
Ulu Pandan Depot
Changi Depot
Tuas Depot
SMRT Trains Kim Chuan Depot >S$13.68 billion [note 17]
East–West line 12 December 1987 18 June 2017[note 18] Pasir Ris
Changi Airport
Tuas Link
57.2 km (35.5 mi)[54] 35[54]
North East line 20 June 2003 20 June 2011[note 19] 2024[note 20] HarbourFront
Punggol
20 km (12 mi)[55] 16[55] Sengkang Depot SBS Transit Sengkang Depot S$4.72 billion [note 21]
Circle line 28 May 2009 14 January 2012[note 22] 2026[note 23] Dhoby Ghaut
HarbourFront
Marina Bay
35.5 km (22.1 mi)[56] 30[56][note 24] Kim Chuan Depot SMRT Trains Kim Chuan Depot >S$10.81 billion [note 25]
Downtown line 22 December 2013 21 October 2017[note 26] 2025[note 27] Bukit Panjang
Expo
41.9 km (26.0 mi)[45] 34[45] Tai Seng Facility Building
Gali Batu Depot
SBS Transit Gali Batu Depot S$20.7 billion
Thomson–East Coast line 31 January 2020 13 November 2022[note 28] 23 June 2024[note 29] Woodlands North
Gardens by the Bay
30.4 km (18.9 mi) 20 Mandai Depot SMRT Trains Mandai Depot TBD[note 30]
Total: 230 km (140 mi) 162

Line names

The lines are named based on its directions and location. The names were envisioned to be user-friendly, as shown in a survey in which 70% of the respondents expressed such a preference. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had considered other naming methods in June 2007, whether by name, colour or numbers. After the survey, however, the naming scheme was retained and used for subsequent future MRT lines.[57]

Facilities and services

An Active Route Map Information System panel showing the current location of a train and upcoming stops (top), a Ceiling Level Display showing next station information (middle) and a Dynamic Route Map Display (bottom)

Except for the partly at-grade Bishan MRT station (North–South Line), the entirety of the MRT is either elevated or underground. Most below-ground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters.[58][59][60] Mobile phone, 3G and 4G services are available in every part of the network.[61] Underground stations and trains are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed.

Every station is equipped with General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre and

retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services.[63] Most heavy-duty escalators at stations carry passengers up or down at a rate of 0.75 m/s, which is 50% faster than conventional escalators. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced a plan to introduce dual speeds to escalators along the North–South and East–West lines, to make it safer for senior citizens using them. As a result, all escalators on the two lines, through a refurbishment programme, will be able to operate at a different speed of 0.5 m/s during off-peak hours, with completion being targeted for 2022.[64]

All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps and tactile guidance systems for the elderly and disabled.[65] A retrofitting programme was completed in 2006, with every station provided with at least one barrier-free access route.[66] Over the years, additional barrier-free facilities have been constructed in stations.[67][68][69] Since 2020, newer MRT stations have been fitted with a minimum of two lifts.[70]

Safety

Platform screen doors are installed on all elevated (above) and underground (top) MRT stations

Operators and authorities have stated that numerous measures had been taken to ensure the safety of passengers, and SBS Transit publicised the safety precautions on the driverless North East line before and after its opening.[71][72] 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 and equivalent with the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association in the United States.[60][73]

Full-height platform screen doors were already installed in underground stations since 1987, supplied by

ST Electronics[78] were installed at Jurong East, Pasir Ris, and Yishun stations in 2009 under trials to test their feasibility.[79]

By 14 March 2012, all elevated stations have been retrofitted with the doors and are operational.[80] These doors prevent suicides and unauthorised access to restricted areas. Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, acts such as smoking, eating or drinking in stations and trains, the misuse of emergency equipment and trespassing on the railway tracks are illegal, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.[81][82]

There were a few major incidents in the history of the MRT, which opened in 1987. On 5 August 1993, two trains collided at Clementi station because of an oil spillage on the track, which resulted in 132 injuries.[83] During the construction of the Circle Line on 20 April 2004, a tunnel being constructed under Nicoll Highway collapsed and led to the deaths of four workers.[84] On 15 November 2017, two trains, one being empty, collided at low speed at Joo Koon station due to a malfunction with the communications-based train control (CBTC).[85][86]

Prior to the

2020 circuit breaker measures during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public transport operators and LTA were criticised by some commuters for its delayed actions of crowd control and the enforcement of social distancing on public transport.[87] In response, the LTA rolled out a series of precautionary measures, such as social distancing measures and making the wearing of masks in public transport mandatory.[88][89][90] Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adhere to; enforced by auxiliary officers and transport ambassadors.[91] The significant reduction of commuters as remote work increased resulted in the transport operators reducing train frequencies and closing stations earlier from 17 April.[92][93][94] However, train frequencies were shortly reverted to normal upon review and feedback from the public.[95][96][97]

Since June 2020, the MRT system has resumed pre-circuit breaker operations. Regulations for social distancing on public transport are no longer applicable by law. Social distancing stickers on seats were removed. However, commuters are encouraged to social distance wherever possible. Mask wearing continues to be mandatory on public transport and all other public places in Singapore. This is because all employees are being required to report back to work as soon as possible and all students resume physical schooling.[98][99][100][101] Cleaning efforts on the trains and MRT stations have since been stepped up, with hand sanitizers provided at the stations.[102]

Hours of operation

MRT lines operate from 5:30 am to 1:00 am daily, with the exception of selected periods, such as

state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew (2015), when most of the lines stay open throughout the night or extended till later (before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020).[103] Additionally, some stretches of the line ends earlier, opens later and closes on a few days of the weekend.[104] The nightly closures are used for maintenance. During the COVID-19 pandemic across the country
, train services ended earlier and service extensions on the eves of public holidays ceased from 7 April 2020. However, from 1 June, train services were reverted to the usual hours from 5.30am to 12am (except for CNY Eve, where it ended at 30 minutes earlier from then on), and train services were no longer extended on all eves of public holidays.

Architecture and art

Expo station, situated adjacent to the Singapore Expo exhibition facility, sports a futuristic design by Foster and Partners for its East–West line platforms.
Bras Basah station consists of water features that allows sunlight from above to illuminate the station.

Early stages of the MRT's construction paid scant attention to station design, with an emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. This is particularly evident in the first few stages of the North–South and East–West lines that opened between 1987 and 1988 from Yio Chu Kang to Clementi. An exception to this was Orchard, chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and built initially with a domed roof.[105] Architectural themes became more important 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, Lakeside, Chinese Garden, Bukit Batok, Bukit Gombak, Choa Chu Kang, Khatib, Yishun, and Eunos stations.[106][107][108]

Expo station, located on the Changi Airport branch of the East–West Line, 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.[109][110]

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, featuring a large interior space and an illuminated 150-metre (490 ft) link bridge spanning over the island platform.[113]

Two Circle Line stations—Bras Basah and Stadium—were commissioned through the Marina Line Architectural Design Competition, which was jointly organised by the Land Transport Authority and the Singapore Institute of Architects. The competition did not require any prior architectural experience from competitors and is acknowledged by the industry as one of the most impartial competitions held in Singapore to date. The winner of both stations was WOHA. In 2009, "Best Transport Building" was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival for their design of Bras Basah station.[114]

Many MRT stations have specially commissioned artworks in a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including sculptures, murals and mosaics.[115][116] With over 300 art pieces across 80 stations, it is Singapore's largest public art programme.[115][117]

In the early stages of the MRT, artworks were seldom included; primarily consisting 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.[118] With the opening of the North East line in 2003, a series of artworks under a programme called "Art in Transit" were commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Created by 19 local artists and integrated into the stations' interior architecture, these works aim to promote the appreciation of public art in high-traffic environments. The artwork for each station is designed to suit the station's identity. Subsequently, all stations on the North East, Circle and Downtown lines have taken part in this programme during their construction, with additional artworks installed at stations on other MRT lines.[115][116]

Rolling stock and signalling

Rolling stock

This table lists the network's rolling stock.

Name Supplier Family name Line Cars
(per train)
No. of trainsets Service commencement Service Withdrawal Power supply Speed Limit Cost
C151
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
NSL
EWL
6 66[119] 7 November 1987 22 June 2020 750 V DC
third rail
80 km/h (50 mph) S$581.5 million[120][121]
C651 Siemens 19[122][123] 2 May 1995 6 September 2020 S$259 million[124]
C751B
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
& Nippon Sharyo
21[119][125][c] 8 May 2000 14 March 2021 S$231 million
C151A
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
& CRRC Qingdao Sifang
35[126][127] 27 May 2011 S$368 million[128]
C151B
45 16 April 2017 S$281.5 million[129]
C151C 12 30 September 2018[130] $136.8 million[131][132]
R151 Alstom Movia 106 4 June 2023[133][134] S$1.165 billion[135]
C951(A) DTL 92 22 December 2013 750 V DC
third rail
80 km/h (50 mph) S$689.9 million[136][137][d]
C751A Metropolis NEL 25 20 June 2003 1,500 V DC
overhead catenary
90 km/h (56 mph) $260 million
C751C 18 1 October 2015 S$234.9 million[138]
C851E 6 28 July 2023 S$249.9 million[139]
CCL 3 23[140][141] 2026 750 V DC
third rail[142][136][143]
78 km/h (48 mph)
C830 40 28 May 2009 S$282 million[144]
C830C 24 26 June 2015 S$134 million[145]
T251
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
& CRRC Qingdao Sifang
TEL 4 91 31 January 2020 90 km/h (56 mph) S$749 million[146]
J151 Hyundai Rotem JRL 3 62 2027 70 km/h (43 mph) S$416.5 million[147]
CR151 CRRC Qingdao Sifang CRL 6 44 2030 1,500 V DC
overhead catenary
90 km/h (56 mph) (service) S$589 million[148]
  1. ^ North–South Line, East–West Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, Thomson–East Coast Line, Jurong Region Line
  2. ^ North East Line, Cross Island Line[5]
  3. ^ Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactured 66 cars and Nippon Sharyo manufactured 60 cars.
  4. ^ Two separate orders of the C951 were made. The figure listed is the total amount.
S$6.04 billion
A variety of rolling stock on the Singapore MRT network

At present, all lines run with fixed-length trains between three and six cars,

overhead lines. The North–South and East–West lines use an automatic train operation system similar to London Underground's Central line.[151][150]

The first 19 of the oldest trains (5 of the C151, 10 of the C651, 4 of the C751B) in the network were phased out between June 2020 and October 2022.[120] Older trains have been renewed over the years under refurbishment schemes to enhance their lifespan as well as to adhere to updated safety and usability codes.[152][153] Refurbished and new trains have improved passenger information systems such as the SMRT Active Route Map Information System, more grab poles, wider seats, more space near the doors, spaces for wheelchairs, and CCTV cameras.[71][154] As a trial run, luggage racks were installed on the C751B trains to serve travellers on the Changi Airport branch line.[155] The scheme was withdrawn in July 2003 and the luggage racks were removed.[156][157]

All trains are contracted by open tender, with their contract numbers forming the most recognised name of the stock. Official sources occasionally refer to the trains of the North–South and East–West lines as numbered generation trains, with the C151 train being the first and the newest R151 train being the seventh.[158]

In addition to aforementioned passenger

electric locomotives for hauling maintenance trains.[159][160]

Signalling

Line Supplier Solution Type Commission Date Level of Automation Remarks
North–South line Thales SelTrac Convergence[161] Moving block; CBTC[a] 2017 DTO[b] Brownfield
East–West line 2018
North East line Alstom Urbalis 300[162][163] 2003 UTO
Circle line 2009
Downtown line Invensys Westinghouse
(later Siemens)
Sirius CBTC[164] 2013
Thomson–East Coast line Alstom Urbalis 400[165] 2020
Jurong Region line Siemens Sirius CBTC 2027
Cross Island line 2030
Former
North–South line Westinghouse FS2000 ATP[166] Fixed block; speed coded[c] 1987 STO Decommissioned on 2 January 2019
East–West line Decommissioned on 23 November 2018
Wayside signal equipment used on the North–South and East–West lines, which include a two-aspect signal light and an antenna

A key component of the signalling system on the MRT is the automatic train control (ATC) system, which in turn is made up of two sub-systems: the automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train protection (ATP). The ATC has trackside and trainborne components working together to provide safe train separation by using train detection, localisation, and end of authority protection. It also provides safe train operation and movement by using train speed determination, monitoring, over-speed protection and emergency braking. The safety of alighting and departing passengers will also be provided by using a station interlocking system. The ATO drives the train in automatic mode, providing the traction and braking control demands to the train rolling stock system, adjusts its speed upon approaching the station, and provides the control of opening and closing of train and platform screen doors once the train has stopped at the station. The ATP ensures safe train separation by using the ATP track circuit status and by location determination, monitors the speed of the train to maintain safe braking distance, and initiate emergency braking in the event of overspeed.[167] The MRT also uses an automatic train supervision system to supervise the overall operation of the train service according to a prescribed timetable or train interval.[168][169]

The oldest lines, the

block signalling. The North–South Line was upgraded to moving block/CBTC in 2017, and the East–West line upgraded in 2018. As of 27 May 2018, all MRT lines use the CBTC/moving block system in normal daily operations and from 2 January 2019, the old signalling system ceased operations.[170] In comparison to the original fixed block system, the CBTC can reduce train intervals from 120 seconds to 100 seconds, allowing for a 20% increase in capacity and is able to support bidirectional train operations on a single track, enabling trains to be diverted onto another track in the event of a fault on one track. The CBTC system also permits for improved braking performance in wet weather as compared to the original fixed-block ATC.[171][172][173][174]

All new MRT lines built since the North East Line in 2003 were equipped with CBTC from the outset, and have the capability to be

completely driverless and automated, requiring no on-board staffing. Operations are monitored remotely from the operations control centre of the respective lines. Trains are equipped with intercoms to allow passengers to communicate with staff during emergencies.[175][176][164]

Depots

Several MRT trains and a Deli diesel locomotive stabled at Ulu Pandan Depot

SMRT Corporation has six train depots: Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot for the North–South Line with train overhaul facilities,[177] while Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight.[178] The newer Tuas Depot, opened in 2017, provides the East–West Line with its own maintenance facility,[179] while Mandai Depot services trains for the Thomson–East Coast line.[180] The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle and Downtown lines, now jointly managed by the two MRT operators.[181][182][183]

SBS Transit has three depots: Sengkang Depot houses trains for the North East line, the Sengkang LRT line, and the Punggol LRT line. Tai Seng Facility Building, connected to and located east of Kim Chuan Depot, is currently used for the Downtown line. While major operations were shifted to the main Gali Batu Depot in 2015, the Tai Seng Facility Building resumed stabling operations with the extension of the Downtown line in 2017. It currently operates independently from Kim Chuan Depot. Gali Batu Depot is the first MRT depot in Singapore to achieve the certification of Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Gold.[184]

In August 2014, plans for the East Coast Integrated Depot, the world's first four-in-one train and bus depot were announced. It will be built at Tanah Merah beside the original Changi Depot site to serve the East–West, Downtown, and Thomson–East Coast lines.[185] The new 36 ha depot can house about 220 trains and 550 buses and integrating the depot for both buses and trains will help save close to 66.12 acres (26.76 ha), or 60 football fields of land.[186]

The Tengah Depot for the Jurong Region Line will be situated at the western perimeter of Tengah, and an additional depot facility will be added near Peng Kang Hill station to support the operations of the JRL.[187] Rolling stock for the Jurong Region Line will be stabled at both facilities. Tengah Depot will house the JRL Operations Control Centre and have a bus depot integrated with it to optimise land use.[188]

The Changi East Depot will serve the future Cross Island Line, and the depot is to be placed at the eastern end of the line.[189]

A Singapore Rail Test Centre (formerly known as Integrated Train Testing Centre) with several test tracks for different situations and workshops for maintenance and refurbishment is also to be built at Tuas by 2022, with the main function being to test trains and integrated systems robustly before they are deployed on operational lines.[190]

Future expansion

Infrastructure

The following table lists the upcoming lines and stations that have been officially announced:

Line Stage Between Opening No. of
stations
Length
(km)
Depot Operator
New lines
Thomson–East Coast line 4 Tanjong Rhu Bayshore 2024 7 25.8 Mandai
East Coast
SMRT Trains
5 Bedok South Sungei Bedok 2026 2
Jurong Region line 1 Choa Chu Kang Boon Lay Tawas 2027 10 24 Tengah TBA
2 Tengah Plantation Pandan Reservoir 2028 7
3 Enterprise Jurong Pier 2029 4
Nanyang Gateway Peng Kang Hill 3
Cross Island line 1 Aviation Park Bright Hill 2030 12 29 Changi East
2 Turf City Jurong Lake District 2032 6 15
Extensions/Single stations
North–South line Infill Brickland 2034 1 0 Bishan
Ulu Pandan
SMRT Trains
Sungei Kadut 2030s 1
North East line Extension Punggol Coast 2024 1 1.6 Sengkang SBS Transit
Circle line 6 Keppel Prince Edward Road 2026 3 4 Kim Chuan SMRT Trains
Downtown line 2e
Bukit Panjang
Sungei Kadut 2030s TBA Gali Batu
East Coast
SBS Transit
3e Xilin Sungei Bedok 2026 2 2.2
Infill Hume 2025 1 0
Thomson–East Coast line Founders' Memorial 2028 1 Mandai
East Coast
SMRT Trains
Unopened Mount Pleasant TBA 1
Marina South 1
Extension Sungei Bedok Tanah Merah 2040 TBA
Jurong Region line Pandan Reservoir Haw Par Villa TBA Tengah TBA
Cross Island line Elias Punggol 2032 3 7.3 Changi East

The MRT system relied on its two main lines, the North–South and East–West lines, for more than a decade until the opening of the North East line in 2003. While plans for these lines as well as those currently under construction were formulated long before, the Land Transport Authority's publication of a White Paper titled "A World Class Land Transport System" in 1996 galvanised the government's intentions to greatly expand the system.[191][192] It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030.[191] It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time.[193]

New lines and extensions are mostly announced as part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which is announced every five years and outlines the government's intentions for the future of the transport network in Singapore. The latest plan, the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, was announced on 25 May 2019, and provides for line extensions to the Downtown and Thomson–East Coast lines, a new MRT line under study, and 2 new stations on the North–South line.[194][195]

Downtown line

Map of the Downtown line

The 42-kilometre (26 mi), 34 station fully underground Downtown line connects the north-west and eastern regions of Singapore with a loop travelling through the city center. It commenced operations in three stages, with the initial Bugis to Chinatown segment in 2013, Bukit Panjang to Rochor in 2015 and Fort Canning to Expo in 2017.[45][196][197] Hume is an infill station between Hillview and Beauty World and expected to open by 2025.[198] An extension from Expo is planned to begin operations in 2026, adding an additional 2.2 kilometres (1.4 mi) and 2 stations to the line, terminating at Sungei Bedok and interchanging with the Thomson–East Coast line.[199] Upon opening, the entire line will be 44 kilometres (27 mi) long and have 37 stations in total.

A proposal has been further mooted to extend the line from Bukit Panjang towards Sungei Kadut which will interchange with the North–South line. The extension is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.[194]

Thomson–East Coast line