History of the MRT (Singapore)
Overview of the transit network's development in Singapore / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.