143-515: The history of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system of Singapore commenced with its planning in the 1960s, which finally led to its opening in 1987 with the launch of a 6 km section of the North–South Line (NSL) from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh . Since its inception, the rapid transit system has played a crucial role in the public transportation network and the wider development of
286-546: A circle-radial topology . Two more lines and 46 stations are currently under construction, in addition to ongoing extension works on existing lines. In total, this will schedule the network to double in length to about 460 km (290 mi) by 2040. Further studies are ongoing on potential new alignments and lines, as well as infill stations in the Land Transport Authority 's (LTA) Land Transport Masterplan 2040. The island-wide heavy rail network interchanges with
429-638: A "notion akin to noblesse oblige ". As Secretary-General of the NTUC, Ong also organised a 4,000-strong demonstration at the United States Embassy in protest against the United States First Secretary E. Mason Hendrickson's encouragement of dissident lawyers to stand for election against the PAP. Ong became Singapore's first elected president in 1993 and was ex officio appointed Chancellor of
572-531: A certain direction would be reduced for passengers. However, this reduced the number of colours available for new lines and was not in line with international practice. Previously, each direction of travel on the MRT was denoted on system maps as a different colour. Each station was also assigned a unique alphanumeric code, with the alphabet indicating which part of the island the station lies at (North, East, West, Central, Marina Bay region or Choa Chu Kang Branch Line) and
715-698: A continuous line from Jurong East to Marina Bay . The construction of the extension was not without political fallout. For a long time, the politicians representing residences in the North-East area of the island had been calling for the construction of a planned North East Line . The announcement of the Woodlands Extension led to protests especially from opposition members of parliament, in particular from Chiam See Tong and Low Thia Khiang , representatives of Potong Pasir and Hougang constituencies respectively, with both areas potentially benefiting from such
858-607: A cumulative S$ 150 billion in 2021, making the network one of the world's costliest on both a per-kilometre and absolute basis. 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
1001-502: A few days earlier. Prior to his death, Ong had asked to be cremated and for the ashes to be placed at Mandai Columbarium with those of ordinary citizens instead of Kranji State Cemetery , where late dignitaries are usually buried. Despite being a former President, Ong was given a "state-assisted funeral", but not an actual state funeral . In a reply to Leong Sze Hian by the Prime Minister's Press Secretary, Chen Hwai Liang said that
1144-562: A few days of the weekend. The nightly closures are used for maintenance. During the COVID-19 pandemic across the country , train services ended earlier from 7 April 2020 to 1 June 2020 and service extensions on the eves of public holidays ceased from 7 April 2020 until 28 September 2024 except New Year's Eve. Train service extensions were reinstated back to before the pandemic began in 2020 as mentioned earlier. Train frequencies are 2 - 3 mins during peak hours and 5 - 6 mins during off-peak hours. If
1287-510: A few months to produce. Even then, the list was not complete; it took the government a total of three years to produce the information that Ong requested. In an interview with Asiaweek six months after stepping down from the presidency, Ong indicated that he had asked for the audit based on the principle that as an elected president, he was bound to protect the national reserves , and the only way of doing so would be to know what reserves —both liquid cash and assets—the government owned. In
1430-668: 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 . 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
1573-461: A firm decision to build the MRT. The MRT is much more than a transport investment and must be viewed from its wider economic perspective. The boost'll provide to long term investors' confidence, the multiplier effect and how MRT will lead to the enhancement of the intrinsic value of Singapore's real estate are spin-offs that cannot be ignored." Ong Teng Cheong The permission to begin the construction of Singapore's then-largest public works project
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#17328446214561716-560: A four-year State and City Planning Study was conducted by the Singapore government and the United Nations Development Programme . It was part of an urban renewal and development project which aimed to formulate a long-term comprehensive concept plan for guiding the country's future physical development. It was concluded that physical land constraints faced by the island nation, were not able to accommodate more roads to meet
1859-540: 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. Ong and other pro-rail advocates eventually won the argument, with the MRT being given the go-ahead in May 1982. In 1983, Ong succeeded Lim Chee Onn as Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Historically,
2002-555: A line. The opposition members accused the government of favouring the Woodlands Extension over the North East Line due to opposition representation in the north-east area, arguing that there were far more residents in the north-east compared to the north, and questioned the rationale of building the Woodlands extension when the north was relatively undeveloped. Dover , built on the East–West Line between Clementi and Buona Vista ,
2145-742: A master's degree in urban planning at the University of Liverpool and graduated in 1967. Upon graduation, Ong worked as an architect in Adelaide , Australia, and married Ling in 1963. Ong and his wife occasionally recite Chinese poetry and verses they learnt during their younger days. In 1967, Ong joined the Ministry of National Development (MND) as a town planner. After four years of civil service, Ong resigned in 1971, and started his own architectural firm, Ong & Ong Architects & Town Planners, with his wife. Ong's political career spanned 21 years. He
2288-600: A master's degree in urban planning . Prior to his presidency, he was a member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP). Ong served as Chairman of the PAP between 1981 and 1993, after Toh Chin Chye stepped down from the position in 1981. He was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kim Keat Single Member Constituency between 1972 and 1991 and the Kim Keat division of Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency between 1991 and 1993, after
2431-556: 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. All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps and tactile guidance systems for
2574-625: 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. 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 . Mobile phone, 3G, 4G and 5G services are available in every part of
2717-416: A proponent and advocate of the MRT system, often coming at odds with his fellow political colleagues who were against such an idea. He was subsequently appointed Second Deputy Prime Minister in 1985. The origins of the MRT was first 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. However, opposition from the government on
2860-565: A series of automated guideway transit networks localised to select suburban towns — collectively known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system — which, along with public buses , complement the mainline by providing a last mile link between MRT stations and HDB public housing estates . The MRT is the oldest, busiest, and most comprehensive metro system in Southeast Asia . Capital expenditure on its rail infrastructure reached
3003-496: 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
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#17328446214563146-513: A two-year contract for consultancy in November 1982. 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. On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North–South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres. Within
3289-485: 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. By the end of 1990, the Branch line has further linked Choa Chu Kang to
3432-581: 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. 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
3575-684: 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. In August 2014, plans for
3718-491: Is planned to begin operations in 2026, adding an additional 2.2 kilometres (1.4 miles) and 2 stations to the line, terminating at Sungei Bedok and interchanging with the Thomson–East Coast Line. Upon opening, the entire line will be 44 kilometres (27 miles) 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
3861-421: The 1972 general election . His first political appointment came just three years later when he was appointed Senior Minister of State for Communications . At that time, he was notable for pushing for an extensive rail network in the country, now known as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the largest construction project in Singapore's history. During his tenure as Minister for Communications , Ong continued to be
4004-481: The Chinese language was important if one ever wanted to become successful in business at the time and thus sent all of his children to Chinese-medium schools. Ong graduated with distinctions from The Chinese High School in 1955. Having received a Chinese-language education, Ong saw little opportunity for advancing his studies in the University of Malaya , as English was the university's language medium. In 1956, with
4147-591: 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. 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. The Tengah Depot for
4290-403: The East–West Line were opened; trains now ran directly from Yio Chu Kang through the city to Clementi. On the same day, the system was officially launched by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew , then Prime Minister of Singapore . The rest of the system opened rapidly in stages. On 6 July 1990, with the last station opened, the entire system was opened by President Wee Kim Wee . Less than a year after
4433-528: The Jurong Region Line (JRL) and the Cross Island Line (CRL). The MRT system is integrated with other modes of public transportation in Singapore, such as buses and light rail systems which act as a feeder service to the MRT network, the latter known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT), which first opened in 1999. The idea of constructing a rapid transit line in the country was initiated in 1967 when
History of the MRT (Singapore) - Misplaced Pages Continue
4576-609: 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. 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. The Changi East Depot will serve
4719-643: The National Fire Protection Association in the United States . Full-height platform screen doors were already installed in underground stations since 1987, supplied by Westinghouse . There were calls for platform screen doors to be installed at elevated stations after several incidents in which passengers were killed by oncoming trains when they fell onto the railway tracks at elevated stations. The authorities initially rejected such calls by casting doubts over functionality and concerns about
4862-699: The National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University . Ong's presidency was marked by many charitable projects—the largest of which is the President's Star Charity, an annual event initiated by Ong. It has benefited many charities, arts groups and youth organisations. He famously stepped up on stage to perform a piano recital of Teresa Teng's famous song The Moon Represents My Heart in his final year as President with Mediacorp artistes Evelyn Tan and Kym Ng singing to
5005-399: The North East Line is expected to commence operations in 2024. The MRT was a very recent addition for Singapore and as such, the authorities wanted to keep the MRT map as easy to use for Singaporeans as possible. Hence, each direction of travel was colour-coded in a different colour as though it were a line on its own. In that way, confusion in decision-making when taking a certain line in
5148-636: The Orchard Road corridor as well as the rest of the Central Area , the latter of which faced high demand for public transport. Also, it was near the more densely populated housing estates such as Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio . The MRT Corporation, now Land Transport Authority , was established on 14 October 1983, taking over the roles and responsibilities of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority. On 6 August 1987, it set up SMRT Corporation . Construction began in various areas: Toa Payoh MRT station
5291-450: The S$ 5 billion needed for the system would be beneficial for the long-term development of Singapore. He argued that: This is going to be the most expensive single project to be undertaken in Singapore. The last thing that we want to do is to squander away our hard-earned reserves and leave behind enormous debt for our children and our grandchildren. Now since we are sure that this is not going to be
5434-516: The Tanah Merah , with some conceptual plans showing a tentative route alignment to the airport along Airport Boulevard, continuing beyond the airport to Changi Point, before turning southwest back toward the city along the east coast of the island. The plans were finally announced by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 15 November 1996. However, the route alignment showed a deviation from previous plans. The final plan involved building only
5577-482: 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 , averaging a daily ridership of 3.45 million in 2023. The MRT network encompasses approximately 241 km (150 mi) of grade-separated route on standard gauge . As of 2024, there are currently 141 operational stations dispersed across six operational lines arrayed in
5720-456: 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
5863-423: The largest construction project in Singapore's history . In 1993, Ong resigned from the PAP and his ministerial positions to contest in the 1993 presidential election , winning 58.7% of the vote. Ong was nicknamed the "People's President" and he was sworn in on 1 September 1993 as the fifth president of Singapore. He decided not to run for a second term as president in 1999, in part due to the death of his wife. He
History of the MRT (Singapore) - Misplaced Pages Continue
6006-617: The "A" is still being used for the Changi Airport branch line. The codes for viaduct pillars are: The colour and alphanumeric codes for each direction of travel remained unchanged, except that with the opening of the Woodlands Extension (connecting Yishun station to Choa Chu Kang station), the Jurong East – Choa Chu Kang Branch Line ceased to exist. As such, the formerly Northbound Choa Chu Kang Branch Line services in khaki travelled southbound to Marina Bay & as such were denoted as red while
6149-424: The "process of meshing in the [elite] scholars and the professionals with the rank-and-file union leaders" in NTUC, causing "increasing disquiet" among the grassroots union leaders. Lim himself had been preceded by Devan Nair , founder of the NTUC and a well-known democratic socialist member of the PAP's Old Guards, and Phey Yew Kok , a powerful union leader who was instrumental in convincing Chinese unions to join
6292-521: The 1960s and serious union disputes, with employers were almost always handled through the Industrial Arbitration Court, which had powers of both binding arbitration and voluntary mediation . However, the grassroots leaders in the unions had become increasingly worried about their marginalisation in Singapore politics. Peter Vincent, President of the NTUC from 1980 to 1984, stated that PAP technocrats should "remain in advisory positions [in
6435-561: The 1970s and 1980s. In 1982, the MRT was greenlit and the government established the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) to oversee the construction and operation of the MRT system. The construction of the MRT system, which began in 1983, was a massive undertaking. The first section, known as the North–South Line (NSL), began construction in 1983. The line opened in stages, with the first section from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh commencing operation on 7 November 1987. Following
6578-532: The 2000s and beyond, the government has continued to invest heavily in the expansion and improvement of the MRT system. Newer lines such as the DTL and the TEL were constructed throughout the 2010s and 2020s, extending the reach of the network and to cover additional parts of the country. Throughout the years, the MRT system has also underwent various upgrades to enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. Of these, they include
6721-476: The Christmas and New Year's Eve falls on the weekday, train frequencies will remain the same as weekdays only during morning peak whereas it will become 5 - 6 mins until 3pm and standardised to 5 min frequency throughout the whole period until the last train. 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
6864-583: The Downtown Line, with Sungei Bedok as an interchange station with the Thomson–East Coast Line. It will add an additional 2.2 km to the line with the extension. Due in 2026, Stage 3 will join the current East–West and future Thomson–East Coast Lines that runs through Marine Parade. On 31 January 2020, Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast Line between Woodlands North and Woodlands South stations commenced operations. On 28 August 2021, Stage 2 of
7007-788: The East–West Line comprising 2 stations Pioneer and Joo Koon commenced passenger service. Construction had begun in December 2004 after the development of Pioneer New Town had been completed. Similarly, construction began for the Marina South Pier in December 2009 and completed in September 2014, it began operations on 23 November 2014. The 7.5 kilometre Tuas West Extension (TWE) – Gul Circle , Tuas Crescent , Tuas West Road and Tuas Link – opened for passenger service on 18 June 2017. A 1.6 kilometres (0.99 miles) extension to Punggol Coast on
7150-751: The East–West Line with its own maintenance facility, while Mandai Depot services trains for the Thomson–East Coast line. The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle and Downtown lines, now jointly managed by the two MRT operators. 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 ,
7293-493: The Founders' Memorial in 2028. In addition, this line and Canberra MRT station were the first to use top-up kiosks (TUK) that only allows cashless payments, while GTMs were retained for traditional modes of payment. In addition to the previously announced alignment of the Thomson–East Coast Line, an extension has been proposed to connect it to Changi Airport , with the line passing through Terminal 5 , and eventually absorbing
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#17328446214567436-529: The Marina Bay Extension on 14 January 2012. Stage 1 of Downtown line opened on 22 December 2013 with its official opening made on 21 December 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong . Stage 2 opened on 27 December 2015, after being officially opened on 26 December by Prime Minister Lee. 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. Stage 3,
7579-567: 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"
7722-572: 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. In 1972, a study was conducted by the American firms Wilbur Smith and Associates, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Tudor, and Bechtel, which was accounted for by the World Bank on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme . The study
7865-641: The NSL, EWL, CCL and the Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL), and SBS Transit , which is responsible for operating the NEL and the Downtown Line (DTL). Since the 2010s, it was semi-renationalised into a hybrid regulatory framework; construction and procurement would fall under the purview of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a statutory board of the government that allocates operating concessions, with these companies responsible for asset maintenance on their respective lines. Since
8008-410: The NTUC during the 1970s, but had been forced to resign in 1980 and fled the country in a corruption scandal. However, the leadership style of Lim and other newer top NTUC leaders had increasingly alienated elements of the union grassroots. The United Workers of Petroleum Industry (UWPI) and NTUC Triennal Delegates' Conference publicly opposed the government's attempts to make house unions the norm, to
8151-480: The NTUC] until they have gained the respect of the union movement". In response, Ong "increased the levels of consultation with his colleagues in the NTUC" and "reversed the trend of excluding grassroots leaders from the upper reaches of the NTUC". Ong was also a ferocious union activist, "working actively and forcefully in the interests of the unions in a way that Lim had never seen to do" and "stretch[ing] union activism to
8294-546: The North–South Line. The extension is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. Stage 5 from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok is planned to be operational by 2026. The northern terminus of Woodlands North is expected to interchange with the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System for greater connectivity between Johor Bahru and Woodlands , while Founders' Memorial station is an infill station along Stage 4, scheduled to open in tandem with
8437-472: The PAP and "regarded as a potential successor to Lee Kuan Yew". Ong made many grounds in repairing the strained relationship between the unions and the government where Lim had failed. After a few months as secretary-general, "he confronted the rebellious leadership of UWPI" where "they quickly reversed their opposition to house unions", and in 1985 the Triennial Delegates Conference endorsed
8580-474: The assets owned by the Land Transport Authority , a statutory board of the Government of Singapore . 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. De Leuw Cather was appointed to undertake
8723-451: The baby is born, to say that I am happy and pleased is an understatement. Ong Teng Cheong Nine more stations from Novena to Outram Park were officially opened 12 December 1987 by then Deputy Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong . These trains ran as a through service from one end to the other even though Tanjong Pagar and Outram Park were on the East–West Line . On 12 March 1988, six more stations from Tiong Bahru to Clementi on
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#17328446214568866-469: The case, we'll proceed with the MRT, and the MRT will usher in a new phase in Singapore's development and bring about a better life for all of us. Ong Teng Cheong Therefore, a provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority was established in July 1980, after the debate. However, Ong faced strong opposition from other members of the cabinet, including Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee and Tony Tan , due especially to
9009-540: The completion of the MRT project, the government announced in February 1991, intentions to extend the system to Woodlands in the north of Singapore. Construction commenced in 1993, and the 16 km, 6 station elevated line was opened on 10 February 1996 at a total cost of S$ 1.2 billion. With this kind extension, the North–South Line included the three stations on the former Choa Chu Kang Branch line ( Jurong East , Bukit Batok , Bukit Gombak and Choa Chu Kang ), forming
9152-445: The conception of the line had taken place along with that of the original system which was eventually completed in 1990. Up to May 2005, the line was running at a deficit. Although line operator, SBS Transit, managed a yearly overall profit as profits from its public bus service exceed the losses from its operation of the North East Line. Running from HarbourFront where Singapore's former World Trade Centre building lies to Punggol to
9295-512: The constituency was absorbed into the GRC. His ministerial positions included Minister for Communications between 1978 and 1981, Minister for Labour between 1981 and 1983, and Deputy Prime Minister between 1985 and 1993. During his tenure in Parliament , Ong was known for being the main advocate behind the construction of an extensive rail network in the country, known as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT),
9438-415: The construction anyway, citing the catchment area extends to public housing flats on either end of the polytechnic, and that the undeveloped land opposite is slated for extensive development, largely residential in nature. This station has indeed brought much convenience to the students at the polytechnic. For a long time following its opening in 1981, Singapore Changi Airport relied on taxis and buses as
9581-419: The country as a whole, providing a fast and efficient means of transportation for millions of Singaporeans daily. At the time, it was the largest infrastructure project undertaken by the country during its early days of independence, and when completed was the first such metro system in Southeast Asia. The only choices of public transport available in Singapore during the 1960s were buses, taxis and trishaws and
9724-418: The deaths of four workers. 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). 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
9867-476: The decision to offer a state funeral lies with the prime minister and his Cabinet, after which they would take the family's wishes into consideration. As a mark of respect, state flags at all government buildings were flown at half-mast , including the Istana , on 11 February instead of on 12 February, the day of Ong's funeral, to avoid state flags being flown at half-mast on the first day of Chinese New Year . Ong
10010-511: The doors and are operational. These doors prevent suicides and unauthorised access to restricted areas. 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. During the construction of the Circle Line on 20 April 2004, a tunnel being constructed under Nicoll Highway collapsed and led to
10153-663: 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. The origins of
10296-403: The elderly and disabled. A retrofitting programme was completed in 2006, with every station provided with at least one barrier-free access route. Over the years, additional barrier-free facilities have been constructed in stations. Since 2020, newer MRT stations have been fitted with a minimum of two lifts. Operators and authorities have stated that numerous measures had been taken to ensure
10439-530: The enforcement of social distancing on public transport. 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. Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adhere to; enforced by auxiliary officers and transport ambassadors. The significant reduction of commuters as remote work increased resulted in
10582-421: The exception of selected periods, such as New Year's Eve , Chinese New Year , Deepavali , Hari Raya , Christmas , eves of public holidays and special occasions such as the 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). Additionally, some stretches of the line end earlier, open later and close on
10725-553: The existing Changi Airport branch on the East–West Line . With such an extension, there would be a direct connection between Changi Airport and the city. This extension is expected to start operating by 2040. Tunneling works are tendered out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Corporation was awarded with the tunneling package for Terminal 5. Ong Teng Cheong Ong Teng Cheong GCMG (22 January 1936 – 8 February 2002)
10868-457: The feasibility of the MRT from prominent ministers, among them Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee and Trade and Industry Minister Tony Tan , nearly shuttered the programme due to financial grounds and concerns of jobs saturation in the construction industry. Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, Ong came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, as it would have to compete for road space in
11011-420: 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 . The second infill station, Canberra station opened on 2 November 2019. Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 31 January 2020. Stage 2 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 28 August 2021, extending
11154-546: 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. 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
11297-753: The first for about a decade in Singapore, believing it was necessary as "[the] management were taking advantage of the workers". However, he did not inform the Cabinet beforehand out of fear that the Cabinet would prevent him from going ahead with the strike. Ong recalled in a 2000 interview in Asiaweek : "Some of them were angry with me about that... the Minister for Trade and Industry was very angry, his officers were upset. They had calls from America, asking what happened to Singapore?" Minister for Trade and Industry Tony Tan, vigorously opposed Ong Teng Cheong's decision to sanction
11440-405: The first fully automated heavy rail lines in the world, opened on 20 June 2003, except for Woodleigh and Buangkok stations. System problems delayed the line six months from the scheduled opening date of December 2002. The construction period of the North East Line was fraught with many delays and some budget problems. It marked the pinnacle of a long and chequered history of over two decades since
11583-577: 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. On 15 January 2006, after intense two-and-a-half years lobbying by the public, Buangkok station was opened, followed by Woodleigh station much later on 20 June 2011. The Boon Lay Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon stations, opened on 28 February 2009. The Circle Line opened in four stages with Stage 3 on 28 May 2009, Stages 1 and 2 on 17 April 2010, Stages 4 and 5 on 8 October 2011 and
11726-460: The first two stations, namely Expo , an elevated station directly adjacent to the Singapore Expo , and Changi Airport , an underground station built between Terminal Two and the since constructed Terminal Three. The alignment of the station at the airport was switched perpendicularly to an east–west direction, such that stairs and escalators lead to two of the terminals directly from either end of
11869-497: The formerly Southbound Choa Chu Kang Branch Line services in brown originated from Marina Bay, hence having travelled northbound it was denoted as yellow. The alphanumeric codes for these stations were also replaced. After Sembawang it is N14-N18, N20-N23, with the exception of N13 and N19, reserved for future stations Canberra and Sungei Kadut. The B1-B3 was renumbered to N21-N23. Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore) [REDACTED] The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by
12012-528: The future Cross Island Line , and the depot is to be placed at the eastern end of the line. 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. The following table lists
12155-512: 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 . Hume is an infill station between Hillview and Beauty World and expected to open by 2025. An extension from Expo
12298-400: The government's intentions to greatly expand the system. It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030. It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time. New lines and extensions are mostly announced as part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which is announced every five years and outlines
12441-410: The government's push for house unions. Barr writes, "Ong had a mastery of institutional power". Although striking was prohibited and trade unions were barred from negotiating such matters as promotion, transfer, employment, dismissal, retrenchment, and reinstatement, issues that "accounted for most earlier labour disputes", the government generally provided measures for workers' safety and welfare since
12584-620: The guardian of the reserves ; he had to call and inform the government of this oversight. Still, the sale proceeded, and The Development Bank of Singapore Limited still owns the Post Office Savings Bank. Ong was appointed as Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1998. Ong decided not to run for a second term as president in 1999 partially because of
12727-497: The heavy investments involved. A team of specialists from Harvard University , recommended that an all-bus system would be sufficient into the 1990s, and would cost 50% less than a rail-based system. Later on, two independent American transport and urban planning specialist teams were then appointed by the government to conduct their own independent reviews as part of the Comprehensive Traffic Study in 1981. This debate
12870-415: The help of his father's friends, Ong ventured abroad. Those years were to shape both his beliefs and passions. Ong studied architecture at the University of Adelaide along with his childhood sweetheart and future wife, Ling Siew May . Both Ong and Ling met each other during a Christmas party while they were still studying in secondary school. In 1965, Ong received a Colombo Plan scholarship to pursue
13013-421: The high installation costs. Nevertheless, the LTA reversed its decision and made plans to install half-height platform screen doors in all elevated stations on 25 January 2008. The first platform screen doors by ST Electronics were installed at Jurong East , Pasir Ris , and Yishun stations in 2009 under trials to test their feasibility. By 14 March 2012, all elevated stations have been retrofitted with
13156-421: The horizontal integration of the broader public transportation network. The MRT is fully automated and has an extensive driverless rapid transit system . 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
13299-595: The illness and subsequent death of his wife. He was succeeded by S. R. Nathan . In his farewell speech on 30 August 1999, he stated Having a good government is better than having a good President to check on a bad government. Singaporeans are fortunate to have a clean and able government for the last 35 years. Ong died in his sleep from lymphoma on 8 February 2002, at the age of 66, at his residence in Dalvey Estate at Tanglin at about 8:14pm Singapore Standard Time ( UTC+08:00 ) after he had been discharged from hospital
13442-564: The implementation of new signaling systems which has allowed for shorter headways , the addition of platform screen doors (PSDs), the introduction of more spacious and modern trains, as well as stations being retrofitted or constructed with facilities catered towards the elderly or people with disabilities. As of 2024, the network has six operational lines in operation with a total combined route length of approximately 241 km (150 mi) and 141 operational stations . Two additional lines and 46 stations are currently under construction, namely
13585-494: The initial construction of the system. An MRT System Designs Option Study was also conducted to refine the technical details and the recommended measures for the MRT system - these include: 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
13728-497: The introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network. On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation. The Expo and Changi Airport stations were opened on 10 January 2001 and 8 February 2002 respectively. The very first infill station of the MRT network to be built on an existing line, Dover station opened on 18 October 2001. The North East Line ,
13871-409: The lack of seamless connectivity of the public transport system resulted in long and inconvenient journeys throughout the country. The idea for a rapid transit system in Singapore was first mooted in the late 1960s. The government recognised the need for a comprehensive public transportation system to accommodate the country's growing population. Debates and feasibility studies were carried out throughout
14014-478: The last year of his presidency, Ong found out, through the newspapers, that the government aimed to submit a bill to Parliament to sell the Post Office Savings Bank to The Development Bank of Singapore Limited . The POSB was a government statutory board whose reserves were under the president's protection; the move according to Ong, was procedurally inappropriate and did not regard Ong's significance as
14157-418: The length of the station platform. This complements a smaller 40-metre reflective stainless-steel disc overlapping the titanium ellipse and visually floats over a glass elevator shaft and the main entrance. The other station with similar architecture is Dover . Changi Airport station, the easternmost station on the MRT network, has the widest platform in any underground MRT station in Singapore. In 2011, it
14300-447: The line between Woodlands South and Caldecott stations commenced operations. On 13 November 2022, Stage 3 of the line between Caldecott and Gardens by the Bay commenced operations. By June 2024, train services extended to Bayshore . On 23 June 2024, Stage 4 of the line between Tanjong Rhu and Bayshore commenced operations. On 28 February 2009, the 3.8 kilometre Boon Lay Extension to
14443-423: The line from Woodlands South to Caldecott. Stage 3 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 13 November 2022, extending the line from Caldecott to Gardens by the Bay. On 23 June 2024, the line was extended eastwards terminating at Bayshore. The lines are named based on their directions and/or locations. The names were envisioned to be user-friendly, as shown in a survey in which 70% of the respondents expressed such
14586-485: The line will be about 44 km (27 mi) long with 36 stations and serve about half a million commuters daily, making it the longest underground and driverless MRT line in Singapore . Travelling from one end to the other will take about 65 minutes. On 15 August 2014, the Downtown Line 3 Extension was announced, in conjunction with the announcement of the Thomson–East Coast Line . Two additional stations, Xilin MRT station and Sungei Bedok MRT station will be added to
14729-405: The major ones, have additional amenities and services, such as retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services. 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
14872-544: 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. 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. The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to
15015-417: The network. Underground stations and trains are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed. Every station is equipped with Top Up Kiosk (TUKs), a Passenger Service Centre and LED or plasma displays that show train service information and announcements. All stations are equipped with restrooms and payphones; some restrooms are located at street level. Some stations, especially
15158-410: The non-communist trade unions, led by the NTUC, have had a "uniquely cosy relationship" with the PAP government in "a tripartite system" and were key political allies to the PAP's securing of power in the 1960s. Though in 1982, Lim Chee Onn, still the secretary-general, had "proclaimed effusive[ly]" that the "PAP and the NTUC came from the same mother—the struggle with the communists and the colonialists,"
15301-490: The northeast of the island, this line allowed for previously isolated or distanced areas to be linked up with the rest of Singapore by rail. Buangkok opened on 15 January 2006 and Woodleigh opened on 20 June 2011. On 28 May 2009, 5.6 km of the Circle Line opened from Bartley to Marymount . On 17 April 2010, another 11.1 km of the Circle Line from Bartley to Dhoby Ghaut commenced operation. On 8 October 2011,
15444-575: The numbers (in ascending order from the centre of the island) indicating which part of that region the station is located at. These were superseded in 2001 by two-digit codes as the latter might be exhausted with new MRT and LRT lines added to the network, thus only having 15 letters in total. However, "E", "N" and "W" were still found on viaduct pillars of the MRT and some traffic signals on the Westinghouse FS2000 signalling system (before upgrading to Thales SelTrac CBTC GoA 3 signalling system), but
15587-511: The opening of the NSL, subsequent lines were constructed, including the East-West Line (EWL) which began operation in 1989. Over the years, more lines and extensions were added, including the North East Line (NEL), Circle Line (CCL), and infill stations added to existing lines. In 2000, the MRTC was privatised, and two companies were formed – SMRT Corporation , which is responsible for operating
15730-437: The operations control centre of the respective lines. Trains are equipped with intercoms to allow passengers to communicate with staff during emergencies. SMRT Corporation has six train depots: Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot for the North–South Line with train overhaul facilities, while Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight. The newer Tuas Depot , opened in 2017, provides
15873-524: The perched roofs at Boon Lay, Lakeside , Chinese Garden , Bukit Batok , Bukit Gombak , Choa Chu Kang , Khatib , Yishun , and Eunos stations. 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
16016-399: The political chagrin of Lee Kuan Yew. In an open letter, Lee Kuan Yew informed Lim that he would leave the NTUC to "take charge of a Government ministry" and that "Ong Teng Cheong [will] take over from you as secretary general". According to Barr, though the position of Secretary-General is "routinely occupied by members of Cabinet", Ong "stood out": Ong was Minister for Labor, Chairman of
16159-411: The presidency in 1993, Ong was tangled in a dispute over the access of information regarding Singapore's financial reserves . The government said it would take 56-man-years to produce a dollar-and-cents value of the immovable assets. Ong discussed this with the accountant-general and the auditor-general and eventually conceded that the government could easily declare all of its properties, a list that took
16302-400: The primary means of public transportation to the rest of the country. They served the airport well, but concerns over competition from other regional airports, some of which feature quick rail-based services to their city centres, accelerated the government's plan to build a rail link to the airport. Provision had long been made for a new line branching off from the existing East–West Line at
16445-418: The programme due to financial grounds and concerns of jobs saturation in the construction industry. Dr Goh instead endorsed the idea of an all-bus system recommended by Harvard University specialists, who argued this would reduce the cost by 50% compared to the proposed MRT system. Public opinion was split on the matter: several expressed concerns about the high cost while others were more focused on increasing
16588-415: The relations between the unions and the government had become more strained by the 1980s. Older grassroots union leaders had been excluded from decisions in the top NTUC leadership, which, by the analysis of Michael Barr, had come to be dominated by de facto appointed PAP technocrats foreign to the grassroots labour movement. Lee Kuan Yew felt that Lim, although his "protégé", was not "progressing well" in
16731-584: The remaining 16.6 km from Marymount to HarbourFront commenced operation, marking the full completion of the line which took 10 years to complete, primarily delayed due to the Nicoll Highway collapse . On 14 January 2012, the 2.4 km of the Circle Line extension from Promenade to Marina Bay commenced operation. The Downtown Line is the fifth Mass Rapid Transit line in Singapore and opened in three stages, on 22 December 2013, 27 December 2015 and 21 October 2017 respectively. When fully completed,
16874-427: The rise in transportation demands. It was noted that the country needed a rail transit system by 1992. It took 10 years from 1972 to design the MRT system, which continued all the way until the government gave permission to build the MRT. When future president Ong Teng Cheong became the then-Minister for Communications (now the Ministry of Transport ), he had to convince the cabinet in a debate in early 1980, that
17017-400: The safety of passengers, and SBS Transit publicised the safety precautions on the driverless North East Line before and after its opening. 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
17160-597: 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
17303-430: The speed of the train to maintain safe braking distance, and initiate emergency braking in the event of overspeed. 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. The oldest lines, the North–South Line and East–West Line , were the only lines running with fixed block signalling . The North–South Line
17446-403: 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
17589-434: The station. Construction began in December 1998. Expo opened on 10 January 2001, sporting a " space age " architecture designed by world-renowned architect Sir Norman Foster . The roof is clad in titanium and its design enabled the platform to be free of any columns, freeing up space in a station which will be used by thousands of visitors to the massive 100,000 square metre Singapore Expo next door. Changi Airport
17732-475: 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. A key component of
17875-498: The strike, being concerned with investors' reactions to a perceived deterioration of labour relations or an impact on foreign direct investment needed for jobs creation. Ong Teng Cheong viewed the strike as a success: "I had the job to do... [the strike] only lasted two days. All the issues were settled. It showed the management was just trying to pull a fast one." According to Barr, Ong justified his commitment "in Confucian terms" in
18018-513: The tracks, as opposed to having an island platform as in all other elevated stations. Adjacent to the Singapore Polytechnic on one side, and undeveloped land on the other, the building of the station was met with reservations by some members of the public over its low catchment area . There were criticisms over the spending of " taxpayers ' money" chiefly for use only by students of one educational institution. The government proceeded with
18161-492: The transport operators reducing train frequencies and closing stations earlier from 17 April. However, train frequencies were shortly reverted to normal upon review and feedback from the public. 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 have been removed. MRT lines operate from 5:30 am to 1:00 am daily, with
18304-423: The tune. Ong stepped down as president at the age of 63. Ong ran for the presidency under the PAP's endorsement. He ran against Chua Kim Yeow , former Accountant-General, for the office. A total of 1,756,517 votes were polled. Ong received 952,513 votes while Chua had 670,358 votes despite the former having a higher public exposure and a much more active campaign than Chua. However, soon after his election to
18447-454: The upcoming lines and stations that have been officially announced: 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
18590-401: The very limits of that which would be tolerated by the government"; Barr argues that this activism would have been impossible to tolerate had anyone else less trusted than Ong had been charge of the NTUC. In the implicit pact, the unions would, in return, co-operate with the "government's core industrial relations strategies". In January 1986, Ong sanctioned a strike in the shipping industry,
18733-538: Was a Member of Parliament (MP), Cabinet minister and Deputy Prime Minister , before he resigned to become the first elected President of Singapore in 1993. Ong's political beginnings started when he got involved in the grassroots activities in Seletar and was then introduced to Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew . The People's Action Party (PAP) subsequently fielded him as a PAP candidate contesting in Kim Keat SMC during
18876-466: Was a Singaporean politician, architect, and union leader who served as the fifth president of Singapore from 1993 to 1999. He was the first directly elected president in Singapore's history. Born in the Straits Settlements , Ong was educated at the University of Adelaide and studied architecture. He later received a Colombo Plan scholarship and graduated from the University of Liverpool with
19019-400: Was also brought to national television in September 1980, which was rare at that time. The study came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate as it would have to compete for road space which would have been increasingly overcrowded by then. The problem would be solved by building a rail system. Ong hence declared in triumph on 28 May 1982, that: The Government has now taken
19162-527: Was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival for their design of Bras Basah station. Many MRT stations have specially commissioned artworks in a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including sculptures, murals and mosaics. With over 300 art pieces across 80 stations, it is Singapore's largest public art programme. In the early stages of the MRT, artworks were seldom included; primarily consisting of
19305-440: Was completed by the end of 1985 at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. On 7 November 1987, the first 6 kilometres of the North–South Line from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh went into operation. The novelty resulted in thousands flocking to the 5 station segment of the line just to experience and try out the system. At the launching of Toa Payoh , Ong was quoted as saying that This is like a 20-year affair from conception to delivery. Now
19448-417: Was given in May 1982. A ground-breaking ceremony commenced the construction on 22 October 1983 at Shan Road. The majority of the work was expected to be completed in 1992. This included 67 km of track to be constructed, with 42 stations, of which 26 would be elevated , 1 at grade and 15 underground. The network was constructed in stages, with the North–South Line given priority as the line passed through
19591-399: Was officially opened on 23 October 2001 by then Minister for Transport, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong , being open for service on 18 October 2001. The first station to be built over an operating rail line with no disruptions to train services (although trains drove by the site at a reduced speed during the construction phase), it was also the first elevated station with two side platforms on either side of
19734-399: Was opened on 8 February 2002, giving the airport its first rail link after less than 21 years of operations. Initially through services were operated from the airport to Boon Lay at the other end of the East–West Line, however due to ridership falling below expectations the service was reverted to shuttle mode in 2003. The North East Line , the first line operated by SBS Transit and among
19877-477: Was rated 10 out of 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world by BootsnAll. Various features have been incorporated into the design to make the station aesthetically pleasing to travellers. The station is designed by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill , featuring a large interior space and an illuminated 150-metre (490 ft) link bridge spanning over the island platform. Two Circle Line stations— Bras Basah and Stadium —were commissioned through
20020-454: Was succeeded by S. R. Nathan on 1 September 1999. Ong died in his sleep from lymphoma at his Dalvey Estate residence in Tanglin on 8 February 2002, at the age of 66. Ong was born on 22 January 1936 to Ong Keng Wee and Chung Lai Heng in the Straits Settlements (present-day Singapore), the second of five children from a middle-class family. His English-educated father Ong Keng Wee, felt that
20163-569: Was the first to do structural works, followed by the tunnels between Outram Park and Tiong Bahru in 1985. The completion of the viaduct for Phase 1 was done on 15 December 1986 at Commonwealth MRT station . The first C151 train was delivered to MRT Corporation on 8 July 1986, by Yeo Ning Hong at Bishan Depot. One-third of the MRT was completed on 15 January 1985, and the Minister for Communications and Information Yeo Ning Hong visited Orchard MRT and Dhoby Ghaut MRT station sites. The pouring of concrete
20306-460: Was undertaken for eight years, including the phases of the study in 1974 and 1977. In 1979, to prepare the third phase of the study, Halcrow , a British firm, was appointed to craft the system; meanwhile, a third phase of the study was published in 1981. However, opposition from the government on the feasibility of the MRT from prominent ministers, among them Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee and Trades and Industry Minister Tony Tan , nearly shuttered
20449-567: 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. 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
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