Mass Rapid Transit 
From Singapore Hotels & Singapore Lifestyle
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Mass Rapid Transit, more ubiquitously known as the "MRT" in our local context, is a highly convenient form of transport in Singapore. Starting its operations in 1987, the Mass Rapid Transit is well-known for its high cleanliness and safety standards. In addition, it pioneered the introduction of platform sliding doors with the purpose of protecting passengers from falling onto tracks and to facilitate better air regulation in underground station areas. However, it must be noted like all public transport around the world, the Mass Rapid Transit is crowded during rush hours, so be prepared to experience some squeezing during these times.
Click on "Train & System Information" on the left navigation bar of the website after accessing the relevant page of the SMRT website to find out more about the MRT system, the MRT trains and the MRT Stations in Singapore.
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Pivotal MRT Lines
The pivotal Mass Rapid Transit lines are namely the North South Line and East West Line. East West Line spans from Boon Lay to Pasir Ris whereas North South Line spans from Woodlands to Marina Bay. The North East Line (NEL) was set up in June 2003. A 20 km underground and fully automated, driverless line, it stretches from HarbourFront MRT Station to Punggol MRT Station.
Characteristics of MRT Trains
All lines are served by 138m long 6-car-trains, which are air-conditioned, with 4 doors each car. Carriages are 3.2m wide. Trains travel up to a maximum speed of 80km/h (average 45km/h), use 1435 mm gauge, and power supply is via third rail at 750 voltage.
Future MRT Extensions
Future Mass Rapid Transit projects include extention of The East West Line westwards towards Tuas with two stations by 2009(Boon Lay Extension - BLE). Three new rail lines (two Mass Rapid Transit and one Light Rail Transit) will be constructed over the next 10 to 15 years to include the Bukit Timah, Jurong and estates in the eastern part of Singapore.
User-Friendly MRT Stations
All Mass Rapid Transit stations are user-friendly. Apart from the display of all station names in English, stations are also numbered.(introduced in August 2001). From 2005, stations signs and other information is also in Mandarin and Tamil. By 2006, all Mass Rapid Transit stations will be equipped such that they are fully accessible for mobility impaired persons.
Payment of MRT Fares
Mass Rapid Transit fares are usually paid via the EZ-Link card, a contactless smart card which can be used for fare payment on the Mass Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and Bus, A single adult ez-link Card costs S$15. Additional value can topped up at nearby machines. Fares depend on the distance travelled and range from S$0.69 to S$1.94.
An alternative method of payment is the Standard Ticket, which is used for single trips on the Mass Rapid Transit and has a refundable S$1 deposit on top of the price of the ride. This can be claimed at any General Ticketing Machine after the ride. Standard tickets are slightly more expensive than ez-link card fares; this explains the preference for EZ-link cards by many.
Riding the MRT
Certainly, SMRT Corporation Ltd, owner of the Mass Rapid Transit, has fulfilled its mission well, which is to provide quality mass rapid transit passenger service along major high density travel corridors in Singapore. So visitors who drop by Singapore, do not hesitate to experience travelling on our local Mass Rapid Transit if you have the opportunity!
MRT Lines in Singapore
3. North East Line (NEL)
4. Circle Line
See also
