How SMRT Is Improving Accessibility and Mobility of Public Transport in Singapore

1. How SMRT Is Improving Accessibility and Mobility of Public Transport in Singapore Singapore has one of the most sustainable, efficient, and affordable public transport systems in the world. Public transport includes rail network (Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit), buses, and taxis. SMRT Corporation (SMRT) is the leading multi-modal public transport operator in Singapore that enables mobility and helps people commute seamlessly with its nationwide train, bus, and taxi operations. SMRT has taken several measures to improve accessibility, increase mobility to provide seamless connectivity to commuters across its entire public transportation service chain. Let’s first understand what is mobility and accessibility. In public transportation, mobility is defined as the level of ease of moving people from one destination to another. People’s travel needs must be met by increasing the volume, capacity, and efficiency of public transport systems. Accessibility, on the other hand, means the quality of travel, including travel comfort, cost, options, and time. Now, let’s see how SMRT is improving the accessibility and mobility of public transport in Singapore. SMRT is committed to its vision - “Moving People, Enhancing Lives.” These are the steps taken by the company that is helping it to meet the mobility needs of Singaporean commuters. • SMRT is renewing rail assets. Its engineers have laid fibre optic cables along the East-West and North-South Lines for seamlessly managing information transfer from onsite equipment to the Operations Control Centre (OCC). SMRT is working with Bombardier Transportation (BT) for installing Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. The company has been able to transform the Track Access Management System (TAMS) for trains. All these measures have helped SMRT to optimise train operations and reduce train delays with fewer breakdowns and smoother rides. • SMRT replaced Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 with 66 new Bombardier trains. Additionally, it put 57 new trains into service from 2017. The North-South Line operated by SMRT has received the “Most Improved MRT Line” award for achieving higher MKBF. MFBF is the number of kilometres clocked before incurring a single delay lasting more than 5 minutes. • SMRT is expanding its rail network by including the Thomson-East Coast Line and adding three new stations (Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward) to provide people with better access to the Central Business District, Marina Bay Area and Harbour Front. • The rail operator started operations of Canberra MRT station on 2 November 2019 and working on the new Thomson East Line as it is planning to expand its network and reduce congestion on the existing MRT lines. • SMRT’s train operations are complemented by buses and taxis it operates. Apart from offering world-class bus infrastructure, SMRT is known for providing service excellence. It received two outstanding and 60 commendation awards at the National Kindness Award - Transport Gold 2019.

2. • SMRT Buses uses SMART Traffic Management System implemented at Bukit Panjang Integrated Transport Hub and also introduced a cleaner public bus fleet to reduce carbon footprint. How SMRT is improving transport accessibility? • SMRT launched fourth-generation Toyota Prius taxis that are equipped with the Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS). Its London Taxis come with a fold-down extended ramp for easy access by passengers. For younger passengers, it introduced a fleet-wide booster seat pilot programme. • More than 90% of SMRT’s buses are wheelchair-friendly. The SMRT staff needs to attend the Service Delivery Programme so that they can understand the needs of elderly passengers or people with disabilities. • All MRT stations and trains have been designed modified for visually impaired, elderly people, commuters on wheelchairs, or those who need walking aids. The company has installed entrance ramps, tactile ground surfaces, Braille-plated buttons, designated Care Zones, and wider fare gates. • Apart from the above-mentioned steps, SMRT has built Gardens by the Bay to help people enjoy with their family and friends. SMRT sponsored Jurong Health Mobility Park to enable patients to regain confidence in travelling again in public transport after getting discharged from a hospital. Mr. Neo Kian Hong, SMRT CEO, commented on the company’s contribution to public transport mobility, “With a strong foundation in our core businesses, we can look forward to greater growth in a sunrise industry made up of an expanding rail network in Singapore, and increasing mobility needs in a growing region.” Commenting on the company’s commitment to providing better services to commuters every time, Mr. Seah Moon Ming, SMRT Chairman, said, “Every member of the SMRT family knows what it means to serve with sincerity, empathy, and humility for the good of the community and commuters. We want to do better today than yesterday.” Conclusion Well-connected, well-managed, and well-operated public transport systems would balance the transport flows in Singapore, leading to more comfort, convenience, and safety for commuters. As a leading public transport operator, SMRT is playing a crucial role in improving the mobility and accessibility of rail, bus, and taxi services. The government, SMRT, partners, and other transport operators have helped to make Singapore’s public transportation efficient, reliable, affordable, and safe for people.