The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore is a significant part of the city’s public transportation network. It commenced operations on November 7, 1987, starting with the North-South Line.
Over time, the system has expanded to encompass over 230 kilometres of track and serves 134 stations across six main lines: the North-South Line, East-West Line, North-East Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, and Thomson-East Coast Line.
List of MRT stations in Singapore
The MRT network in Singapore consists of a comprehensive range of stations, encompassing both underground and elevated stations. Below is a brief list of MRT stations organised by lines:
| Line | Stations |
|---|---|
| North-South Line (NSL) | Jurong East, Bukit Batok, Bukit Gombak, Choa Chu Kang, Yew Tee, Kranji, Marsiling, Woodlands, Admiralty, Sembawang, Canberra, Yishun, Khatib, Yio Chu Kang, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Braddell, Toa Payoh, Novena, Newton, Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, City Hall, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Marina South Pier |
| East-West Line (EWL) | Pasir Ris, Tampines, Simei, Tanah Merah, Bedok, Kembangan, Eunos, Paya Lebar, Aljunied, Kallang, Lavender, Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park, Tiong Bahru, Redhill, Queenstown, Commonwealth, Buona Vista, Dover, Clementi, Jurong East, Chinese Garden, Lakeside, Boon Lay, Pioneer, Joo Koon, Gul Circle, Tuas Crescent, Tuas West Road, Tuas Link |
| North East Line (NEL) | HarbourFront, Outram Park, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Little India, Farrer Park, Boon Keng, Potong Pasir, Woodleigh, Serangoon, Kovan, Hougang, Buangkok, Sengkang, Punggol, Punggol Coast |
| Circle Line (CCL) | Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Nicoll Highway, Stadium, Mountbatten, Dakota, Paya Lebar, MacPherson, Tai Seng, Bartley, Serangoon, Lorong Chuan, Bishan, Marymount, Caldecott, Botanic Gardens, Farrer Road, Holland Village, Buona Vista, one-north, Kent Ridge, Haw Par Villa, Pasir Panjang, Labrador Park, Telok Blangah, HarbourFront |
| Downtown Line (DTL) | Bukit Panjang, Cashew, Hillview, Beauty World, King Albert Park, Sixth Avenue, Tan Kah Kee, Botanic Gardens, Stevens, Newton, Little India, Rochor, Bugis, Promenade, Bayfront, Downtown, Telok Ayer, Chinatown, Fort Canning, Bencoolen, Jalan Besar, Bendemeer, Geylang Bahru, Mattar, MacPherson, Ubi, Kaki Bukit, Bedok North, Bedok Reservoir, Tampines West, Tampines, Tampines East, Upper Changi, Expo |
| Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) | Woodlands North, Woodlands, Woodlands South, Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, Caldecott, Mount Pleasant, Stevens, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, Marina South, Gardens by the Bay, Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, Bayshore, Bedok South, Sungei Bedok |
Naming of MRT stations
The naming of MRT stations in Singapore is determined by a systematic process that considers local geography, historical significance, and cultural heritage. Names are typically chosen based on specific criteria, as below:
- Locality: Most stations are named after the geographic locations or neighbourhoods they are situated in, such as “Orchard” and “Raffles Place.”
- Landmarks: Some stations are named after significant landmarks or institutions nearby, like “Botanic Gardens” and “Expo.”
- Historical and cultural significance: Names may also reflect historical events or cultural heritage, for instance, “Chinatown” and “Little India.”
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducts public consultations as part of the naming process to ensure that the chosen names resonate with residents and are easily understood by commuters.
MRT ticketing how-to
So, how do MRT stations work for the passengers? Here’s a look at the ticketing systems:
What are MRT ticket fares?
The fares are determined by the total distance travelled on each mode of transportation. By using distance fares, the cost will be based on the most direct route to and from the destination, enabling commuters to avoid extra expenses when switching between modes of transportation.
Unlike separate fees for each transfer, distance fares are calculated based on the entire journey rather than per transfer. Read below for an example:
Journey details:
- Start: Yishun MRT Station (NS13) on the North-South Line
- Transfer: Change at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24/NE6/CC1) to the North East Line
- Continue: Travel to HarbourFront MRT Station (NE1)
- Transfer: Take a bus from HarbourFront Bus Interchange to Sentosa Island (approximately 5 km bus ride)
Calculating the total distance:
1. MRT journey:
• Yishun to Dhoby Ghaut: Approx. 17 km
• Dhoby Ghaut to HarbourFront: Approx. 4 km
• Total MRT distance: 21 km
2. Bus journey:
• HarbourFront to Sentosa: 5 km
Total distance travelled:
• Total distance = MRT distance + Bus distance
• Total distance = 21 km + 5 km = 26 km
Fare calculation:
The fare is determined by the total distance of 26 km, regardless of the number of transfers or changes in mode of transportation. According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) fare structure, the fare might be as follows:
For a distance of 26 km, the fare could be around S$2.50 (hypothetical figure based on typical distance fare rates).
Benefits of the distance fare system
1. Cost efficiency: Commuters pay for the actual distance travelled, avoiding multiple fees for transfers.
2. Simplified fare structure: The fare is calculated based on the entire journey, making it easier to understand and predict costs.
3. Encourages use of public transport: By providing a cost-effective and straightforward fare system, it encourages the use of public transportation.
How does MRT do ticketing?
The sale and use of Single Trip Tickets were phased out in March 2022. Payment for fares can be made through account-based ticketing (ABT) and stored value cards such as EZ-Link, SimplyGo, and bank cards.
MRT operations
What are MRT operating hours?
The operating hours of the MRT network are from 5:30 am to midnight daily. During peak hours of 7 am to 9 am, train frequency ranges from 2 to 3 minutes, while during off-peak hours, it ranges from 5 to 7 minutes. Operating hours are usually extended during the holiday season or festivities.
Other services at MRT stations
Many MRT stations in Singapore are equipped with additional facilities such as retail stores, convenience stores, bakeries, barber shops, and supermarkets to cater to the needs of commuters.
Stations with high commuter traffic, like Esplanade (CC3), Raffles Place (NS26/EW14), and Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1), feature designated shopping areas known as Xchanges. These Xchanges offer a variety of amenities for commuters.
What’s planned for MRT stations in Singapore?
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is planning to expand the MRT rail network to approximately 360 kilometres by 2030. The expansion aims to ensure that an MRT station is within a 10-minute walk of eight out of ten households.
Projects planned for this expansion include the North East Line extension to Punggol Coast (NE18), Thomson East Coast Line stages 4 and 5, as well as the Cross Island Line (CRL).
Conclusion
The MRT system in Singapore features a comprehensive network of stations aimed at providing efficient and extensive public transportation. The system is designed to facilitate seamless connectivity across the island, benefitting millions of residents and visitors.
MRT station FAQs
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in Singapore is a major part of the city’s public transportation network. It began operations on 7 November 1987, starting with the North-South Line.
The MRT network in Singapore has expanded to cover over 230 kilometres of track, serving 134 stations across six main lines: the North-South Line, East-West Line, North-East Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, and Thomson-East Coast Line.
MRT stations in Singapore are named based on a systematic process that considers local geography, historical significance, and cultural heritage. Names are typically chosen to reflect the geographic locations, significant landmarks, or historical and cultural significance of the areas they serve. Public consultations are also conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to ensure the names resonate with residents.
MRT fares are determined by the total distance travelled on each mode of transportation. The distance fare system ensures that commuters pay based on the most direct route from start to end, avoiding extra expenses for transfers. The fare is calculated based on the entire journey rather than per transfer, promoting cost efficiency and simplicity.
The MRT system in Singapore operates from 5:30 AM to midnight daily. During peak hours (7 AM to 9 AM), train frequency ranges from 2-to-3 minutes, while during off-peak hours, it ranges from 5-to-7 minutes. Operating hours are usually extended during holidays and festive seasons to accommodate increased passenger traffic.
