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How the All-New LCD Dynamic Route Map Displays on MRT Help Commuters for Seamless Travel

For years, SMRT, under the leadership of CEO Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping, has provided a convenient travel experience to passengers, allowing them to travel widely across Singapore cost-effectively and easily. As part of its commitment to enhancing passenger experience, SMRT continues to expand its network in Singapore, introducing new train lines, upgraded platforms, and technology-enabled trains. One of the recent developments by SMRT is the upgrade on the Downtown Line, the introduction of all-new LCD dynamic route map displays. Let's delve into the key features and benefits of these LCD displays on Downtown Line trains.

New LCD Route Map on Downtown Line Trains

SMRT has recently unveiled a new feature on trains, specifically on the Downtown Line (DTL) – the LCD route map. These dynamic LCD screens display the destinations along the respective line, providing passengers with clear information about their journey and station stops. According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), approximately 17 trains on the Downtown Line have been equipped with these new LCD dynamic route displays, enhancing the commuting experience for passengers.

Key Benefits of Installing LCD Route Display

Here are the significant benefits of updating the LCD displays on Downtown Line trains:

Clear Travel Information: The new LCD displays provide passengers with detailed route maps, emphasizing station arrivals and indicating which side the doors will open, thereby enhancing clarity and reducing confusion during travel.

Scalability and Ease of Updates: Digitized route displays offer scalability and flexibility, allowing for easy updates with the latest information. This ensures that passengers receive accurate and up-to-date travel information, facilitating a seamless commuting experience.

Sustainability: From a sustainable standpoint, digital route displays are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional stickers and paper advertisements inside trains. By reducing the need for physical materials, SMRT contributes to sustainability efforts while providing passengers with essential travel information.

Enhanced Passenger Engagement

Beyond providing route information, the LCD displays also serve as a platform for engaging passengers during their commute. Interactive features such as real-time service updates, tourist information, and safety advisories can be integrated into the displays, enriching the passenger experience and promoting a sense of community engagement.

Improved Accessibility

The introduction of LCD route displays enhances accessibility for all passengers, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Clear, visually appealing graphics and text ensure that vital travel information is accessible to everyone, contributing to a more inclusive transportation environment.

Integration with Digital Platforms

The LCD route displays are part of SMRT's broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to leverage technology to improve the overall commuting experience. Integration with digital platforms such as mobile apps and online journey planners allows passengers to access real-time travel information anytime, anywhere, further enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Conclusion

SMRT's introduction of LCD dynamic route map displays on Downtown Line trains represents a significant step forward in enhancing the commuter experience in Singapore. By providing clear, up-to-date travel information in a sustainable and accessible format, SMRT is committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for all passengers. As technology continues to evolve, SMRT remains at the forefront of innovation, continually seeking new ways to improve the public transportation experience and meet the evolving needs of Singapore's commuters.

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LTA To Improve Flow at Sengkang LRT Station with Designated Platforms for East, West Loops

For years, SMRT has been at the forefront of safe, reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation means. Working-class individuals, students, homemakers, and business professionals prefer to travel via SMRT to save time, effort, and money. Running successfully and rapidly growing under the leadership of SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming, this public transportation system is making exponential improvements in maintaining train frequency, platform security, and maintaining sustainable transportation means. One more advancement that SMRT has witnessed is improving the flow at Sengkang LRT station by having designated platforms for the East and West Loops.

Here in this blog, we will explore how Sengkang LRT has improved the flow of commuters by offering designated platforms for the East & West Loops, ensuring seamless travel and interchange ahead.

Improvement in LRT Network for Growing Commuters

Over time, SMRT has extended its train network and services while implementing innovative safety precautions for commuter convenience. Recently, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has made significant enhancements to the Sengkang LRT station platform for both the East and West Loops. This means there are now designated platforms for commuters heading towards the East or West loops.

Previously, the Sengkang LRT station platform involved each platform serving both loops in an anti-clockwise direction back to the Sengkang LRT Station.

Now, commuters can conveniently queue on Platform 1 or 2, which are demarcated with colored lines indicating the respective loop, facilitating easier boarding.

Additional Enhancements at Sengkang LRT Station

In addition to designated platforms, residents of Sengkang and Punggol will experience shorter waiting times as the line fleet will be boosted by 25 new 2-car trains. This will ensure an ideal frequency of trains arriving at the respective stations, meeting the commuting requirements of many people.

Conclusion

SMRT, a leading public transportation system in Singapore continues to evolve, extend, and upgrade its services for the convenience of passengers. As per the recent announcement, Sengkang LRT will have designated platforms for East and West loops to ensure a convenient transition for passengers. 

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SMRT Buses Launches NaviLens App for Visually Impaired to Travel with Confidence

In Singapore, public transport is about connecting people to places safely and efficiently. The Land Transport Authority works with the leading transport operators to make sure all commuters, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and family’s traveling with young children, can use public transport to get around more independently. In this continual effort to make the public transport network more inclusive and accessible for all commuters, SMRT Buses has officially launched the NaviLens app to aid visually impaired commuters.

What is NaviLens?

NaviLens is the first-in-Asia app for visually impaired people to travel with greater confidence. Right now, the app has been launched for navigation at the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (WITH). By the end of 2022, NaviLens will be rolled out across all SMRT-operated bus interchanges. 

NaviLens technology is based on image recognition using augmented QR codes that provide voice guidance for visually impaired passengers.

The user’s smartphone app captures the QR codes at considerable distances and wide angles. Once the QR codes are scanned, users can hear the app’s voice assistant and continue their journey. 

NaviLens technology can also meet the mobility needs of other commuters like tourists hampered by language barriers, or people unfamiliar with the area.

When Did SMRT Buses Launch the NaviLens App

SMRT first trialed the app in June 2021 in some areas of WITH. The bus operator then collaborated with two social service agencies, the Guide Dogs Singapore Ltd (GDS) and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) to fine-tune the user accessibility of the NaviLens app.

Features of the SMRT’s NaviLens App

•  Designed in Spain, the NaviLens app is activated when a user’s mobile phone camera scans a coloured marker tag called the ddtag. 

•  The app in the user’s phone reads out to the user information such as general direction and current location.

•  The app can capture the tags from a distance up to 12m at many different angles and lighting conditions.  

Commenting on the NaviLens app, Mr. Vincent Gay, Deputy Head of SMRT Buses, said: “It is important that all commuters in Singapore, whatever their needs, can travel in the public transport network with assurance. Along with the inclusive service delivery training of all our frontline staff, the implementation of the NaviLens app is a key part of how we would like to make our bus services even more inclusive.”

Commenting on the inclusivity efforts by SMRT Corporation, Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman said: “To better assist commuters with special needs, frontline staff receive training on inclusive service delivery conducted by partners such as Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) and Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).” 

SMRT Chairman further added: “As we aim to make our rail system an inclusive one, we have added Go-To Dementia points at17 MRT stations and five bus interchanges.”

Neo Kian Hong, the SMRT CEO, said: “Keeping Singapore moving is more than just providing safe and reliable trains and buses. It is about developing an ecosystem of connected services from home to destination for all types of commuters.”

Conclusion

SMRT aims to build an inclusive public transport system for all commuters in Singapore. The bus operator will continue collaborating with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped to further develop the NaviLens app.

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Building a Sustainable Transportation: What SMRT and LTA Are Doing

Urban transport systems often involve significant environmental effects that are harmful on various scales. Transport is one of the primary contributors to emissions, noise pollution, and climate change. Some of the ways to reduce the environmental impact of transport systems involve increasing the supply of public transport networks, encouraging the use of public transit through incentives, designing new transit routes that are more sustainable, and upgrading old ones.

Singapore has been held up as an exemplar of a sustainable urban transport system. To tackle growing transport demands and changing consumer preferences, Singapore is growing its urban transport system in a sustainable manner. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) spearheads land transport developments in Singapore. In the last few years, LTA has launched several initiatives to integrate a greener and more inclusive public transport system complemented by walks and cycle options. LTA is working with public transport operators like SMRT Corporation to make Singapore’s transport network sustainable. Here are the details:

1. LTA announced its Singapore Green Plan 2030 which aims to push electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Singapore will achieve its vision of 100% cleaner energy vehicles by 2040. 

2. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network will be increased to 360km in the coming years. More than 160km of expressways and 120 km of cycling paths have been constructed by LTA to provide more travel options to people.

3. Singapore has introduced EV financial incentives to private owners and businesses. LTA has announced that all new car registrations will have to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030. LTA will stop new diesel car registrations from 2025.

4. To achieve the overarching vision for a reliable, people-centred, and sustainable land transport system by 2030, LTA is undertaking numerous projects to better connect people and places. By building new rail lines and enhancing existing ones, LTA is improving transport infrastructure to support more ways of getting around, as well as reducing the usage of personal vehicles. 

5. The government and LTA aim to deploy 60,000 EV charging points across Singapore by 2030, of which 40,000 will be in public car parks and the other 20,000 in private premises.

6. SMRT Corp has decided to change its entire fleet of taxis to electric taxis by 2026. The first batch of 300 electric taxi vehicles was launched by SMRT on the roads in August 2021.

7. SMRT’s Strides Transportation and SP Group have signed an agreement to launch Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) in Singapore. The group will offer EV drivers and corporate customers access to high-speed chargers around Singapore. 

 Commenting on the sustainability efforts, Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman, said: “As a responsible steward of the environment, we continue to strengthen our green mobility capabilities to bring value to all our stakeholders and support the Government’s vision of a car-lite nation.”

SMRT Chairman further added: “We have tied up with China’s biggest commercial EV digital platform, DST Electric Vehicle Rental (Shenzhen) to provide EV services in Singapore and the region. We aim to make a complete switch to EV taxis in the next five years. This is only the beginning of our efforts towards helping Singapore realise its bold and inspiring vision.”

Conclusion

Singapore’s regulations on private car ownership, growing EV infrastructure, and the expansion of the land transit system have formed centrifugal forces to encourage commuters to shift to environment-friendly modes of transport. The sustainability efforts taken by LTA and SMRT will result in decreasing car usage and increasing role of the public transit, thereby reducing carbon emissions and pollution.

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The North-South and East-West MRT Lines (NSEWL) of Singapore Gets New Trains

The North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) are the most heavily utilised rail lines in the MRT network. The NSEWL Line has been serving commuters for over three decades now. To improve and bolster reliability for current and future demands, Land Transport Authority (LTA), rail transport operators including SMRT Corporation, and other stakeholders have embarked on the renewal of six core systems on the NSEWL. Under the NSEWL renewal programme, LTA and transport operators are replacing the first-generation trains, introducing new technology for preventive maintenance and detecting faults proactively to increase reliability.

Recently, LTA announced that new seventh-generation MRT trains for the NSEWL have arrived in Singapore. Two six-car Movia metro trains supplied by Bombardier Transportation came to Singapore in February 2022. These trains will now undergo a series of rigorous tests and commissioning works before entering passenger service from end-2022.

Features of New Movia Trains for the NSEWL Lines

•  These trains are decked in green and red stripes.

•  They are equipped with commuter-friendly features, such as refreshed LCD screens displaying train travel information.

•  The trains have an integrated suite of condition monitoring features to help with pre-emptive maintenance.

•  The Movia trains have more open spaces for wheelchairs and strollers.

•  The trains will reduce maintenance costs and increase energy efficiency

•  The new trains will come with an Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) system that can address potential faults before they affect commuter service.

“The Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) System supplements existing track inspection activities to identify rail and trackside components that require maintenance in a more timely and efficient manner,” said LTA.

What Will Happen Next

With the arrival of the new trains, the NSEWL's older trains will be progressively withdrawn from passenger service. Many organisations have expressed interest in using some of the older trains for education, training, and heritage purposes.

Train Replacement Along the NSEWL Lines

In 2018, LTA bought 66 new trains to replace its oldest fleet along the North-South and East-West lines. In 2020, LTA announced the purchase of the second set of 40 trains from Bombardier. These will replace second-generation and third-generation trains on the North-South and East-West lines from 2024. All 106 new trains will have the same design.

Working on the NSEWL renewal projects together with LTA, SMRT Corporation has been able to provide smoother and more enjoyable rides for commuters. Commenting on SMRT’s efforts to make the MRT network safe and reliable, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “Through these efforts, we have noted the improvement in trust and confidence of our commuters, in us. It inspires us to grow and continually find new ways to serve commuters.”

Conclusion

The ongoing renewal of the NSEWL is expected to cost more than S$2.5 billion, with completion likely to be completed in the next few years. LTA and transport operators like SMRT Corp will continue to steer the development of the MRT system as the backbone of Singapore’s public transport system.

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LTA Launches New Cycling Paths in Tampines, Singapore

Tampines, the third-largest new town in Singapore by area, is an important planning area and residential town in the East Region of Singapore. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that residents in Tampines can now cycle more safely with the launch of 4km of cycling paths. The new cycling paths are located along Avenues 1, 4, 5, and 8 in Tampines.

New Cycling Paths for Active Mobility

Many modern towns and cities throughout the world recognise that providing space for cycling creates efficient and attractive places to live. LTA wants to bring the benefits of economic use of land, simplicity of moving around, and healthy lifestyles with new cycling lanes and expanding the public transporting network.

Residents in Tampines can now enjoy active and better connectivity as the new cycling lanes connect to homes and schools to key places in the region, including such as the Tampines West MRT station, the Tampines Central Park, and Tampines Green Forest Park.

New Cycling Paths: Features

The new cycling paths are coated in red colour to distinguish them from footpaths. There are safety markings and speed regulating strips along the new paths so people ride safely and make sure they look out for other path users. LTA and city authorities have widened five pedestrian crossings along the cycling routes to provide more safety to pedestrians and cyclists. 

LTA is planning to triple the cycling path network in Tampines. It will build more cycling lanes to connect to three MRT stations including Tampines, Tampines East, and Tampines West. LTA will expand cycling path connectivity to around 1,300km by 2030 under the Islandwide Cycling Network programme (ICN).

Besides these new cycling paths in Tampines, LTA is actively expanding the mass rapid network, and roads. As the leading public transport operator in Singapore, SMRT Trains is a key partner in this rail journey with LTA. With expanding rail networks and increasing ridership, LTA, SMRT Corporation, and other transport operators are providing safe, reliable, and convenient services to millions of commuters every day. Commenting on the same, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “Keeping Singapore moving is more than just providing safe and reliable trains and buses. It is about developing an ecosystem of connected services from home to destination.”

Conclusion

LTA is planning to make Singapore a smart nation by 2030 with innovative technology, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, more walking and cycling paths, and a 360km long MRT network. With the new cycling paths in Tampines, LTA is one step closer to the 2030 Smart Nation goal. Besides the new paths in Tampines, new cycling paths are progressively being built and completed in other towns of Singapore to help residents embrace active mobility and enable greener and healthier commutes.

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Singapore Rail Developments That Are Expected in 2022

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has aimed to expand the rail network to about 360km by 2030. This means connecting 8 in 10 households to within 10 minutes of a mass rapid transit (MRT) train station. LTA and public transport operators are working together to expand the rail network. Till now, LTA awarded design and construction contracts for various MRT lines and also purchased new metro trains. Let’s check out what rail developments will happen in 2022!

1. The third stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL3), from Caldecott to Marina Bay, will open in 2022. Earlier, LTA awarded six Thomson-East Coast stations to SMRT Corp, a leading multi-modal transport operator.

2. 106 Bombardier MOVIA R151 trains will enter the North-South and East-West Lines in 2022. These trains are equipped with condition-monitoring features and sensors for predictive maintenance and an Automatic Track Inspection (ATI) System for concurrent monitoring of the running rails, track equipment, and sleepers during operations. As part of the long-term fleet renewal programme by LTA, SMRT will be replacing ageing trains on the NSEWL with 106 new Bombardier trains.

3. The first phase of Singapore’s new Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC)is targeted to be completed by the end of 2022. The ITTC is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2024 with the completion of the two other test tracks and other facilities. ITTC features workshops, an operations control centre, an administration building, a high-speed track, and other tracks for safety tests.

4. The construction of Serangoon North and Tavistock MRT stations on the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL) is expected to start in the second quarter of 2022.

5. To improve the performance of the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), SMRT has been replacing the track circuit system. The new track circuit system is equipped with condition monitoring capabilities which will enhance the prognostics and prevention of track circuits failures. The operator is all set to complete track circuit replacement by end-2022.

6. Singapore is working on digitalising its water system. SMRT started working on water meter digitalisation with the national water agency PUB. New smart water meters will be installed from early 2022.

7. Apart from these rail developments, LTA and transport operators are continuously launching new sustainability initiatives. For instance, SMRT is working on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and improving solar power capacity at MRT stations. SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “Our environmental sustainability initiatives are led by our Energy, Water, Green and Waste Committees. We will increase solar energy generation capacities at our main depots by more than 30 percent by the end of 2022.”

Conclusion

2021 has been an unprecedented year for rail expansion, renewal, and other developments in public transportation. With all rail developments that are lined for 2022, LTA will surely achieve its 2030 mission. However, LTA, public transport operators, and contractors need to work together continuously to make Singapore’s public transportation one of the most sustainable, affordable, convenient, and accessible transport networks in the world.

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Singapore to Phase Out Petrol and Diesel Vehicles by 2040

The global electric car market is growing exponentially, with an estimated 16 million vehicles to be in operation by end-2021. Leading countries in the transition are China, Europe, and the United States, and now, Singapore is making a bigger bet on Electric Vehicles (EVs). Singapore is planning to phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles such as petrol and diesel vehicles and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040.

Recently, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that Singapore is going to be “more sustainable” by switching from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles. EVs emit half the amount of carbon dioxide compared to ICE vehicles. By introducing EVs in the Singaporean market, LTA will be able to reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 to 2 million tones.

Here is what LTA is doing to promote the adoption of EVs

•   In the EV Roadmap, LTA has set a target of 60,000 EV charging points by 2030.

•   LTA will work with the private sectors to install 40,000 charging points in public car parks and 20,000 charging points in private premises.

•   An early-adoption incentive scheme will be rolled out for EV buyers from 2021 to 2023.

•   The road tax for EVs and some hybrids will be revised and it will be less punitive

LTA has formed the National Electric Vehicle Centre (NEVC) that will promote wider EV adoption in Singapore. It will work on building charging infrastructure, maintaining EV regulations and standards, and cultivating a robust EV ecosystem in Singapore. 

“Our vision is to phase out ICE and have vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040,” Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said in his Budget speech in 2021, adding that this goal is for "both public health and climate change reasons”.

Previously, SMRT Corporation, a leading public transport operator in Singapore, also announced that it will change its entire taxi fleet to 100% electric taxis within the next five years. SMRT is also a key provider of electric vehicle maintenance services. In July 2020, the company started offering maintenance services for electric buggies and trams. SMRT now maintains around 100 electric vehicles across Singapore.

Commenting on SMRT’s plans to go greener, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “We saw an opportunity beyond just electric vehicles and partnered with SP Group to push for an ecosystem of connected electric services. Through both Mobility-as-a-Service and Electrification-as-a-Service, we intend to bring charging infrastructure and a diverse fleet of electric taxis, cars, vans, limousines, motorcycles, and buses to meet the evolving needs of a diverse local and regional market.”

Conclusion

LTA’s decision to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles is in line with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, which aims to transform Singapore into a greener and more sustainable city by 2030. LTA, NEVC, and private operators like SMRT need to work together to deploy electric vehicles on a large scale and promote wider EV adoption by 2040.

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All Taxi and Private-Hire Drivers Will Undergo Weekly Covid-19 Testing in Singapore

As the regulator of taxi services, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) sets and reviews the service standards to maintain taxi service quality and providesafety to commuters. Taxi companies like SMRT Taxis are required to meet service standards in the areas of taxi booking, safety and the conduct of their drivers. Recently, LTA announced that all taxi and private-hire drivers must undergo weekly Covid-19 testing in order to provide a safe commuting experience to Singaporeans amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Taxis Drivers Need Testing

Taxi and private-hire drivers need to drive to various locations and meet different people. This might increase the chances of getting coronavirus.They are a part of the front-line workers and need to be coronavirus-free in order to limit Covid cases in the country.

Taxi drivers are provided with self-test using antigen-rapid test (ART) kits. They can self-test themselves at their convenience, without having to go to their operators' offices to undergo employer-supervised testing.

Explaining the need for COVID-19 testing for taxi drivers, LTA said: "As drivers are self-employed and have varied work schedules, operators needed more time to reach out to them to coordinate testing arrangements”.

Previously, the government of Singapore launched a subsidizedEmployer Supervised Self-Swab Scheme to help employers provide testing facilities to their workers. It includes parcel and food delivery workers, and public and private transport workers such as taxi and private-hire car drivers. Workers were required to undergo testing once a fortnight, which has been increased to once a week. Now, all taxi and private-hire drivers will undergo weekly Covid-19 testing using self-testing kits.

Taxi operators in Singapore are also working with the government to provide reliable taxi services while ensuring that the taxis are kept clean and safe. For instance, SMRT, a leading multi-modal transport operator in Singapore, worked with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to launch a programme to vaccinate all frontline workers include taxi drivers. It was launched ahead of the National Vaccination Programme. SMRT also developed Health Bot, an automated health declaration chatbot, to monitor the health of all its staff. The bot provided the operator with real-time updates on possible exposures and allowed us to respond quickly.

Commenting on the COVID-19 measures taken by the company, SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming said, “To cope with the COVID-19 crisis, we changed our work routines and habits to keep our staff, their families, and commuters safe. For staff, we swiftly implemented a suite of enhanced safety measures, which included encouraging them to be vaccinated early, and implementing split-team work arrangements while ensuring there were no cross deployments”.

He further added, “To protect commuters, we stepped up the cleaning of our trains, buses, stations, and interchanges. We also applied anti-microbial coating to high-touch surfaces”.

Conclusion

To safeguard commuter safety and interests while facilitating the continuity of taxi services, LTA announced mandatory Covid-19 testing for drivers from November 1, 2021. The government care for commuters as much as they want taxi drivers to be safe to drive. The government’s new announcement on weekly COVID-19 testing shows both transport operators and the government care for frontline workers so that they could continue to provide essential public transport services.

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How LTA and Operators are Improving Public Transport Safety and Security

By 2030, 8 in 10 households will live within a ten-minute walk of a mass rapid transit (MRT) station, making Singapore’s train network the most comfortable, accessible, and efficient system. By 2040, the Land Transport Master Plan details a transport system that is convenient, well-connected, and fast. Here are the initiatives taken by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and public transport operators to improve public transport safety and security.

• The Government has invested heavily in upgrading the NSEWL and added a new train fleet. This will reduce breakdowns.

•  LTA and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) have launched an innovation call, Accelerating Co-Innovation for Transformation and Export (Xcite).This initiative will help the government to improve productivity in transport operations and maintenance by leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, image analysis and automation.

• To improve performance, SMRT Corporation, the multi-modal public transport operator, has replaced the track circuit system. The new track circuit system is equipped with condition monitoring capabilities which will enhance the prognostics and prevention of track circuits failures.

• SMRT made enhancements to the power supply system. In June 2019, the company completed the installation of the Voltage Limiting Device on the NSEWL, which will help in the regulation of return voltage and prevent tripping of DC power.

•  In buses and bus interchanges, SMRT has installed AI-enabled CCTV to enhance security and identify commuters in need of assistance.

• With Enterprise Singapore (ESG), The Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES), LTA and other railway partners, SMRT is working together to develop Singapore’s first railway standards for asset management, maintenance, safety and security, and service.

•  SMRT has launched iCONTROL using digital twin technologies to achieve comprehensive situational awareness and enhance safety and security at the stations and depots.

•  The Signal Warning System (SWS) has been launched to help train captains identify and warn train them of abnormal track conditions through visual and auditory alerts.

•  The In-Cab Monitoring (iCAMS) system is another technology solution launched by SMRT which is undergoing trial. The system detects and alerts train captains and supervisors whenever signs of fatigue are detected through body and iris movements.

•  LTA is using mass screening devices and X-ray machines with AI capabilities to make security enhancements and detect threats more efficiently. Other changes made to the stations are higher quality CCTV systems, bollards, welded-mesh fences, and At-Grade MRT tracks.

SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said, “Our solid safety record surpasses the standards set by our regulators. Our strong performance for the Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey and the Singapore Tourism Board’s Customer Service Excellence Awards (Transport) encourages and inspires us to continually find new ways to delight and move commuters. It has been a long journey, and we must ensure that we maintain these standards.”

Conclusion

Singapore’s public transport system is now more secure and safe.The government and public transport operators like SMRT are taking steady steps towards these goals to keep Singapore moving.

However, by being alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings, commuters can play an important role in keeping Singapore’s public transport system safe.

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Transport of the Future: How a Public Transport Operator Will Change Transport Services

The future of transportation involves moving into new modes of transport, technological infrastructure, and smarter sources of energy to support innovative transportation networks. This next decade transport in Singapore will be revolutionised with radical new inventions powered by autonomous vehicles,sustainable energy sources, twin technologies, and much more. SMRT Corporation, the leading multi-modal transport operator in Singapore, is building future transport with new technologies. Here is how SMRT is going to change transportation services in the coming years.

The Internet of the Trains SMRT has created a Digital Trains masterplan. To achieve the goals of the master plan, the operator will create a new Digital Transformation Office that will use Digital Twin technology and data to run simulations, make predictions, and analyse what-if scenarios.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) The company will use Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to automate the sampling process and detect instances of fraud early. The RPA technology will help SMRT to run specific scripts automatically for routine tasks that are critical for business processes.

Autonomous Bus Service SMRT partnered with the Economic Development Board and the Land Transport Authority to deploy an autonomous bus service through the Zipster mobile app. Commuters can use the mobile app to book and pay for the bus shuttles.

iDepot SMRT will be using intelligent automation and the Rail Enterprise Asset Management System (REAMS) to optimise lifecycle costs of railway assets and improve the efficiency of operations and maintenance in mass rapid transit (MRT) depots.

iStation and iControl SMRT has installed video analytics and artificial intelligence systems for crowd sensing and virtual patrolling at MRT stations. The digital twin technologies are helping the company to achieve comprehensive situational awareness and better safety and security at the stations and depots.

Commenting on the growing engineering capabilities of the MRT network, Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman, said, “For our rail network to continue to grow steadily, it is crucial for us to build bench strength and deepen the engineering capabilities that will sustain us throughthe long haul.” He further added, "As a responsible steward of the environment, we continue to strengthen our green mobility capabilities to bring value to all our stakeholders and support the Government’s vision of a car-lite nation.”

Conclusion As SMRT continues the momentum in building up the engineering capabilities and advanced technologies, public transportation will become more efficient and safe. Together with LTA, SMRT is bringing transformation in the rail network and it will transform the transport services in the years to come.

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Some MRT Stations and Bus Interchanges Will Be Converted to Care Centre in Singapore

Singapore has Asia's most modern and convenient rapid transit systems. All MRT stations and lines are equipped with the latest technologies and amenities. Every station has at least four General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), a Passenger Service Centre, plasma displays, escalators and lifts, accessibility features, restrooms, payphones, and more. The Land Transport Authority of Singapore has allocated operating concessions for MRT stations to the profit-based corporations SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit.

MRT transport operators conduct their business in a socially and environmentally responsible way, balancing the interests of commuters, the community, employees, and business partners. Recently, transport operator SMRT announced that it is turning its transport nodes into care centres for serving people in need. SMRT is converting a total of 17 train stations and five bus interchanges into dementia go-to points. People who have dementia experience memory problems, mood changes, and behavioural changes. Commuters and people in the community can come to these dementia go-to points to learn more about dementia and dementia-related services.

17 MRT stations that will be converted into care centres include Jurong, Yishun, Simei, Novena, Kent Ridge, Aljunied, Bugis, Kembangan, Lakeside, Lavender, Paya Lebar, Redhill, Queenstown, Ang Mo Kio, Buona Vista, Bishan, and Canberra. The five bus interchanges to be converted into care centres are Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub, Yishun Integrated Transport Hub, Choa Chu Kang Bus Interchange, Sembawang Bus Interchange, and Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange.

SMRT is working with Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Alzheimer’s Disease Association, and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped to make facilities more conducive for people with dementia. The company’s staff is undergoing special training so that they can provide help to commuters when they need it.

SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong, said the initiative was a key part of the operator's service ethos. “Running safe, reliable and commuter-centric train and bus journeys remains our top priority," he added.

SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming said this would be done with "great respect, empathy, humility and care”.

How SMRT Transport Operator is Serving the Community SMRT conducts familiarisation tours to bring different groups of beneficiaries to discuss how SMRT can add the inclusivity features at all stations. The operator has partnered with the People’s Association (PA) and LTA to engage community leaders and commuters for feedback to improve MRT stations.

The operator is also improving commuter touch point by introducing mobile device charging points, priority queue system for the elderly, enhanced air circulation in stations, and music in stations. These services are available across 24 stations along North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), Circle Line (CCL), and Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (BPLRT) Line. These services will be rolled out in other stations in the coming years.

Conclusion Singapore’s MRT stations and bus interchanges are the best and convenient points for commuters to seek help for dementia. By converting some MRT stations into care centres for people with dementia, SMRT is creating a positive impact on the communities.

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Renewal Works At Bukit Panjang LRT’s (BPLRT) Line Will Increase Reliability

The 20-year-old Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) is an automated guideway transit line in Bukit Panjang, Singapore. It is the only LRT line operated by SMRT Trains. Currently, it serves 13 stations in the neighbourhood of Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang. The renewal works at BPLRT started in 2018 and is expected to be completed in 2024. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded a contract to renew the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) system to Bombardier (Singapore) for $344,250,000. SMRT hasengaged Bombardier to provide long-term service support for the BPLRT system for the next 10 years, which includes technical and logistic support as well as spares supply to BPLRT.

How the renewal work will increase reliability at BPLRT

• New Signalling System: LTA, SMRT and system supplier Bombardier Transport installed the new signalling system in the BPLRT line to allow trains to run at shorter intervals, creating shorter waiting times. The new system will also increase LRT speed and location and condition-tracking. This will help commuters to enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable rides.

• New Power Rails System: LTA and Bombardier have worked together to place robust power rail brackets to enhance system availability. The new power rails system will also enable real-time monitoring of rail alignment for better predictive maintenance.

• New and improved Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs): 19 new LRVs featuring smart climate control systems and energy-efficient lights are being launched for the BPLRT line. The LRVs contain Alternating Current (AC) propulsion motor and an in-built system control management system for easier maintenance and real-time condition monitoring.

• Pre-empt Fault Detection: Smart sensors and intelligent real-time condition monitoring system have been launched that will enable early fault detection.

As the renewal works are going on, SMRT continues to support Bombardier and LTA in the smoother operation of the LRT for commuters. It is carrying out testing works during off-peak hours from 1 December 2019. SMRT has deployed additional SMRT station staff to provide assistance to commuters during the maintenance works. Commenting on the BPLRT renewal work, SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong said, “We thank commuters for their patience as we work towards improving public transport journeys through the BPLRT renewal project.”

Conclusion Commuters will be able to experience improved reliability and better travel experience on the BPLRT once the renewal works are completed. LTA, SMRT, and Bombardier are working together to minimise inconveniences for commuters as they strive to improve the BPLRT system.

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How One MRT Operator Made Inclusive MRT Travel Possible in Singapore

Mass rapid transit (MRT) constitutes the bulk of the railway network in Singapore. Connecting the country from north to south and from east to west, MRT is the most heavily used public transportation system. It is the most affordable and faster way to zip around the city. The MRT network is managed and operated by two main transport service providers - SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit.

SMRT Corporation is a multi-modal public transport operator in Singapore and manages five lines within the MRT network, including North-South, East-West, North-East, Downtown, and Circle Line. With the mission of ‘Moving People, Enhancing Lives, SMRT is making inclusive travel possible in the MRT network for Singaporeans. It believes in connecting people to places. It has made journeys not just accessible for everyone but also enjoyable. Here is what SMRT is doing to make MRT travel inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for every type of commuter.

1. For Visually Impaired Commuters: SMRT allows visually impaired people to bring guide dogs in stations and onboard trains. It has placed tactile ground surface indicators throughout the stations and lift buttons with braille plates. 2. For Hearing Impaired Commuters: SMRT has placed plasma displays at platforms, flashing red door closing lights at train doors, and fluorescent displays in trains to provide multi-language messages. 3. For Commuters in Wheelchairs: SMRT-operated stations have wheelchair-accessible elevators, barrier-free entrances and gates, and wheelchair accessible train carriages. 4. Collaboration with social service agencies: The transport operator has partnered with Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) to develop a service forum to share knowledge with its frontline staff, a new operating procedure and service scripts for staff, and bite-sized training materials to increase staff knowledge of the needs of the visually impaired. 5. Collaboration with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC): To help elderlytravellers, especially those with dementia, SMRT has created Dementia Go-To Points with the help of AIC, where anyone can come and seek help from staff. 6. For Tech-Savvy Travellers: SMRT has introduced the SmartConnect multi-modal journey planner app wherein people can get real-time train and bus arrival timings and station information. e-Travel Chit helps people to obtain a proof-of-travel during the service disruption. SNAP-REP lets commuters report technical defects in the network through WhatsApp. 7. For People Who Require Special Care: Commuters who require special care can obtain Special Care stickers from SMRT stations.

SMRT Chairman Seah Moon Ming said, “With these developments, we envision a more inclusive and safer travelling experience for all our commuters in a better-connected transport network.”

Seah Moon Ming further added, “We will continue to invest in People and Technology. Continuous improvement efforts will also be deepened at the individual, system, and company levels. The philosophy of continuous improvement and transformation is key to our success.”

Conclusion Convenient and special features in facilities, trains, and stations make commuting more convenient for people with disabilities, elderly people, and parents with young children. SMRT is working in the same way as the Land Transport Authority in creating an inclusive public transport system. By providing an accessible transportation system, transport operators and the government are trying to help people get around more independently.

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SMRT Installs Robot Cleaners at the Circle Line

The robot revolution has arrived. Every country is now relying on robotics technology that can mimic human abilities. Singapore is no exception. Being the most advanced country in the world with a world-class public transportation system, it is adopting automation technologies in many industries. SMRT Corporation, Singapore’s premier public transport operator, is the first company in the transportation industry to adopt robotic technology. In February 2021, it deployed 13 robot cleaners to enhance its cleaning efforts at all stations of the Circle Line mass rapid transit (MRT) line.

Why SMRT deployed robot cleaners? The COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone around the world to heighten the cleaning activities in order to stay from the virus. Being the operator of five MRT lines in Singapore, SMRT Corp needs to look after the cleaning regime at all train station premises.

SMRT deployed the robot cleaners to make it easier to clean all stations for Singaporeans and provide them with a cleaner environment to commute. These robot cleaners can clean two to three times faster than manual cleaning. They have scheduled cleaning times every day and managed by SMRT staff. The operator has trained its staff to operate these robot cleaners and troubleshoot the faults. Some of the staff members can be freed from the cleaning task and perform other important duties. Currently, the company has deployed nine robot cleaners from Avidbots, two from LionsBot, and two from Gaussian Robotics. It is planning to deploy more robot cleaners at the North-South and East-West metro stations.

Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has led many to better appreciate the benefits of a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene in public areas. SMRT strives to meet that standard for our commuters by using a two-pronged strategy – leveraging on technology and automation, and to better utilise limited resource thereby optimising cost.”

SMRT starts trials for robot cleaners on September 2020 SMRT started the trial session with robot cleaners in September 2020 after the nationwide circuit breaker was removed. SMRT chose Avidbots, LionsBot, and Gaussian Robotics because their robot cleaners are advanced and have operational and safety features, such as smart panels and ammonia sensors.

SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong said: “We have set our core values to be Integrity, Service and Safety, and Excellence. SMRT Trains is committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable service for our commuters.”

SMRT CEO further added: “It’s the right time to use automation in cleaning and hygiene management. Using robot cleaners is the best way to maintain a high standard of cleanliness while optimising cost and utilising resources in the right way.”

Conclusion SMRT is always at the forefront when it comes to leveraging technology for enhancing rail infrastructure and improve computer experience. Besides deploying robot cleaners at the stations of the Circle Line, SMRT is also renewing rail assets like power cables, signalling system, metro trains, asset tracking system, and monitoring system.

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SMRT Trains Receives the Global Operations Improvement Award

SMRT Trains Ltd, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operator in Singapore, received the Global Operations Improvement Award from DuPont Sustainable Solutions (DSS) in January 2021. The MRT network forms the backbone of Singapore’s public transportation system and SMRT serves as the main operator of MRT lines. Let’s check out why SMRT received this prestigious award from DSS.

SMRT staff developed innovative initiatives that helped to increase the safety and reliability of the MRT network. Here are the initiatives taken by SMRT Trains:

• The staff at SMRT developed a laser track trolley for assessing railway tracks. It helped the operator to efficiently perform track assessments. • SMRT has introduced the Track Access Management System (TAMS) for optimising track booking and control process. Its team can easily perform maintenance activities during the limited engineering hours. The TAMS system is currently being used in the NSEWL, but it will be scaled up to utilised in the Central Circuit Line (CCL). • SMRT also developed Predictive Decision Support System (PDSS) for data processing and visualisation of asset design, maintenance and condition data. • The Mobile Operation and Maintenance System (MOMS) collects critical maintenance data for the various teams working so that they can get a holistic view of the maintenance work. Any team of SMRT Trains can provide online updates and do fault reporting on the go through digitalised processes.

Commenting on the awards, Davide Vassallo, the CEO of DuPont Sustainable Solutions said: “These awards celebrate the achievements of companies that have developed innovative approaches to protecting their people and improving their operations. We congratulate all winners on their outstanding performance.”

Other award and accolades received by SMRT:

• The Workplace Safety and Health Innovation Awards 2019 — Gold Award for Speed Tester for Train Traction Control Unit Blower (Rolling Stock) from Singapore Logistics Association and Workplace Safety and Health Council.

• Most Innovative Solution — Land Transport Excellence Awards 2019 from the Land Transport Authority.

• The Most Reliable Line 2019: East-West Line (EWL) — MOT Challenge Shield from the Ministry of Transport, Singapore.

• The Safe Rail Line of the Year — Certificate of Excellence from the Land Transport Authority for North-South Line.

• The Best Land Transport Operations & Maintenance Initiatives — Merit Winner from the Land Transport Authority.

Commenting on the innovative technologies developed by SMRT and how it helped the company grow, SMRT CEO, Neo Kian Hong, said: “SMRT Engineering, our newest Business Group developed to grow our rail engineering expertise, leverages digitalisation and technology to transform the Company and continually upgrade the skills of our workforce.”

Neo Kian Hong further added: “Rail travel is the backbone of the Singapore public transport system. SMRT will continue to play our part in its growth and performance by building competencies and a culture of service excellence.”

SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “We will innovate and develop new capabilities to grow the Company. We will continue to invest in People and Technology. Kaizen and continuous improvement efforts will also be deepened at the individual, system, and company levels. The philosophy of continuous improvement and transformation is key to our success.”

Conclusion

The innovative technologies launched by SMRT Trains have helped to improve the safety, reliability, efficiency, and quality of the MRT network. DuPont Sustainable Solutions recognised the contributions by SMRT by awarding the company with the Global Operations Improvement Award this year. SMRT has been able to set a benchmark for excellence in the public transportation sector through its initiatives.

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Improving Rail Reliability: SMRT’s Efforts So Far

Rail transport in Singapore consists of a mass rapid rail transit system and light rail system that span the entire nation. The rail network is operated by the two biggest public transport operators - SMRT Trains (SMRT Corporation) and SBS Transit. The reliability of the nation's train network continues to improve with each passing year with the introduction of new technologies and renewal of the current infrastructure. Let’s check out the contributions of SMRT in increasing rail reliability in Singapore.

SMRT Trains - Overview SMRT Trains is the leading mass rapid transit (MRT) operator in Singapore. It operates the North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line, Thomson-East Coast Line and the Bukit Panjang LRT. Apart from the MRT services, SMRT also provides local and suburban mass passenger transportation through its bus fleet and taxi services.

Rail Reliability Singapore is home to the most affordable, safest, reliable, convenient, comfortable, and sustainable rail network in the world. By applying advanced technologies to operations and investing in innovative solutions, rail networks can become more efficient than ever before. That’s what SMRT is doing to optimise performance, increase reliability, and improve the safety of rail transportation for Singaporeans. In Singapore, rail reliability is calculated as the average distance travelled by trains during the time between rail delays. Here are the steps SMRT has taken in the last few years to increase the reliability quotient.

1. SMRT has replaced about 180km of composite aluminium-and-stainless-steel railson the North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL) from 2015 to 2017. The power rail replacement has helped to reduce power breakdowns, leading to an increase in the reliability of the electrical system. 2. The Communications-Based Train Control signalling system has been changed by the operator to enable trains to run at shorter intervals. This has helped the company to increase train capacity and better customer satisfaction with train services. 3. The company has renewed the Power Supply System with new fibre optic cables, from 2018 to 2020. The new cable system transmits train and track monitoring information in real-time to the engineers, allowing better fault prediction. The system can transmit irregularities quickly to the engineers and theycan investigate and rectify things where necessary. The renewal of the power supply system also included replacement of power transformers, switchboards, and equipment in 171 substations. 4. It has completed upgrading the Third Rail System that powers metro trains on the NSEWL Lines. This upgrade aims to improve the robustness and maintainability of the metro trains. By upgrading the Third Rail system, the company has addressed the causes behind power delays that last more than 30 minutes. 5. SMRT also inaugurated the Singapore Rail Academy in 2017 to better train railway engineers. It is working on a new integrated train testing centre to be completed by 2022 to test new rail technologies. 6. The multi-modal operator has established its Maintenance Operations Centre (MOC) at Bishan Depot to monitor the tech voltage system. The centre predicts and pre-empts faults and prevent them for smooth operations. 7. The replacement of the NSEWL’s core systems, including the power supply, trains, track circuits will be completed by 2024. 8. Apart from the above-mentioned efforts taken by SMRT, the company is working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to replace first-generation and second-generation trains on the NSEWL lines. It has put new modern Bombardier trains into service. Commenting on the efforts taken by SMRT to improve rail reliability, SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong said: “Transformation is taking place in operations, maintenance and service. Much work is also being done to keep costs down through productivity efforts.”

SMRT CEO further added, “Most importantly, quality service must be sustained through cultivating a high-performing mindset and an attitude of continuous improvement.”

Conclusion SMRT is the leading MRT operator in Singapore. The company has been able to reach 1 million mean kilometres between failure mark. The NSEWL lines operated by SMRT have been recognised as the Most Improved MRT Line. All the aforementioned efforts by SMRT have started to pay off with the increase in the reliability of the MRT Lines.