Singapore
HISTORY OF THE SINGAPORE METRO
Mister M presents
Singapore Metro
Singapore Metro Museum
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a heavy rail rapid transit system that constitutes the bulk of the railway network in Singapore, spanning—with the exception of the forested core and the island's rural northwest—the length and width of the city-state's main island. The first section opened on 7 November 1987, and the network has since grown rapidly in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system, with an average daily ridership of 3.384 million in 2019, compared to 4.099 million for the bus network in the same period.
Singapore's MRT infrastructure is built, operated, and managed in accordance with a regulatory framework called the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF), in which the lines are constructed and the assets owned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), who allocates operating concessions to two for-profit private corporations, namely SMRT and SBS Transit. Both are responsible for asset maintenance on their respective lines. These operators also run bus and taxi services, thus facilitating the full integration of public transport services.
As of January 2020, the MRT network encompasses 203 kilometres (126 mi) of route on standard gauge, with 122 stations in operation, spread across six lines set in a circle-radial topology. The network is expected to double to a total length of almost 400 kilometres (250 mi) by 2040 as a result of ongoing expansion works to its six existing lines and the construction of three new lines. The network is complemented by a small number of local Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks in the suburban towns of Bukit Panjang, Sengkang, and Punggol that link MRT stations with HDB public housing estates, bringing the combined length of the domestic heavy and light rail network to 231.6 kilometres (143.9 mi), with a total of 159 stations in operation.
TIMELINE STORIES
MAPLINE routes
The Land Transportation Authority (LTA) is spearheading the development of land transportation in Singapore. We plan, design, build and maintain Singapore's infrastructure and ground transportation systems. We are committed to strengthening Singapore's ground transport links and integrating greener and more inclusive public transportation, complemented by walking and cycling opportunities. We use technology to strengthen our rail and bus infrastructure and develop exciting options for the future of ground transportation.
Singapore Rapid Transit System (4 million people) Considered one of the most modern in the world and was the first system to introduce sliding platform doors to protect passengers from falling onto the rails and improve air regulation in underground station areas (similar doors were installed in the St. Petersburg metro since the 1960s).
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