The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network is a rapid transit network spanning across Singapore, with 6 inter-connected rail lines spanning over 230 kilometres in length and 134 stations (as of Feb 2014). It forms the backbone of public transport in Singapore, with trains travelling along high-density travel corridors, connecting town centres to the City.
How was the MRT system born? This article explores the events leading to the birth of the first MRT lines in Singapore.
Conceptualisation
In 1967, two years after the Independence of Singapore, a four-year State and City Planning study began to access future land use and transportation needs in light of the Government’s overall development policies. Jointly undertaken by the Singapore government and the United Nations Development Programme, the study concluded that it would not only be environmentally unacceptable but physically impossible to build roads demanded by the growth of private automobiles. As such, it recommended that a Rail Transit System was necessary by 1992. The study served as the basis for subsequent transport policies in Singapore, including programmes to limit the growth of car population and efforts to build a modern Rail Transit System.
Studies & Debate
It would take a long ten years from 1972 to 1982 before the Government finally decided to build the MRT. A three-phase Mass Transit Study was carried out between 1972 and 1980 to examine the issues raised in greater detail.
Phase One (1972-74) examined the costs and benefits of five alternative mass rapid concepts, including an all-bus system. It recommended that Singapore’s overall objectives could be best achieved with a rail-based system combined with a complimentary bus network. Phase Two (1975-78) confirmed that a rail system operating through the most densely-populated areas would be economically and technically feasible. It also recommended a basic route: two operationally-separate lines running east-west and north-south through the City Centre.
Despite the study’s recommendations, the Government did not immediately commit to the building to the MRT, primarily due to fiscal concerns and the possible impact on land use plans. Furthermore, the World Bank criticised the Phase Two study, raising issues with the costing and assessment of the relative benefits of the bus-rail plan compared to an all-bus system.
Despite the mixed opinions, the MRT option was preserved, and Phase Three (1979-80) established a preliminary engineering design for the MRT, identifying station locations, alignment and budget estimates, and suggested that a 45-kilometre system be built at S$3.9 million at December 1979 prices, excluding the cost of land.
Table 1: Studies related to Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system
| Title | Date | Author | Reference | Recommendation |
| 1. Urban Renewal and Development Project (State and City Planning/United Nations Study) | 1967-71 | Crooks Michell, Peacock Stewart | 1. Long-term land use plan for general development of Singapore (public housing urban development and renewal and industrial estate 2. Public transport plan |
Existing bus services could be improved but rail system to complement bus system required by 1992 |
| 2. Mass Transit Study – Phase I | 1972-74 | Wilbur Smith and Associates | Cost-benefit analysis of (a) extension of current bus system (b) bus system on reserved roads (c) bus system and bus ways (d) basic MRT system (e) alternative and extended MRT system | 1. Long-term land use plan sound 2. Alternative MRT system superior (known as 3 system) with benefit-cost ratio of 1:64 |
| 3. Mass Transit Study – Phase II | 1975-78 | Wilbur Smith and Associates | To determine whether the rail system (with an inverted-T shape envisaged in the State and City Planning Study was technically and economically feasible and, if so, was financially viable | 1. Confirmed technical and economic feasibility of rail MRT and estimated cost as S$125 million at 1975 prices 2. Concluded operating revenue would cover operating costs (World Bank estimated the cost to be 30 per cent higher) |
| 4. Land Use and Transportation Planning Review (LUPTR) Study – (Preliminary Report) | 1976 | Ministry of National Development | 1 .Examined feasibility of all-bus system 2. Earlier reports postulated all-bus system could function in Central Area until the population reached 290,000 in early 1990s |
1.Reduced Central Area employment figure to 260,000 and claimed would be reached in 1982 2.Argued against freezing development in Central Area 3.Recommended a limited rail MRT system about half the length of full system pro posed in Phase II and costing 30 per cent less. |
| 5. Ong Teng Cheong Report | 1976 | Considered the possibilities and effects of controlling Central Area employment | Concluded that even with such control the rail system would be necessary by late 1980s | |
| 6. Review of Ong Report | 1976 | Attempt to formulate coordinated land use and transport development policy | Endorsed Ong Report and recommended preliminary engineering study of MRT be commenced | |
| 7. The Year 2003 Decentralization Study | 1978 | Defence Ministry | Considered whether a second Central Area could be developed while employment frozen at 260,000, the level at which an all-bus system could cope | Concluded that even with a second Central Area an all-bus system would result in severe traffic congestion by 2003 |
| 8. Mass Transit Study – Phase III | 1979 | Mott, Hay and Anderson | 1. To establish preliminary engineering design for rail 2.To determine route for MRT rail system and amount of land required as well as to obtain updated estimates of capital and operating costs (also considered 25 km extension) |
Cost of 45 km system S$3.9 million at Dec. 1979 prices (excluding cost of land) |
| 9. Review of Proposed 1980 Singapore Mass Rapid Transit System (Preliminary Report) | 1980 | The Hansen Team | Review of past studies | See Table 2 |
| 10. Singapore’s Transport and Urban Development Options | 1980 | The Hansen Team | Feasibility and desirability relying on bus rapid transit to fulfil city’s needs | See Table 2 |
| 11. Assessment of Hansen’s Review Team Report | 1980 | B. Wildermuth (for Wilbur Smith and Associates) | Assessment of the Hansen Team’s Report | See Table 2 |
The decision process took a long time as the government had to weigh the benefits of the investment against the great cost of building it at a time when Singapore needed funds for urgent housing development, education and defence. Mr Ong Teng Cheong, then-Minister for Communications (now the Ministry of Transport) and later the 5th President of Singapore, was a strong proponent of the MRT system. He argued that the estimated S$5 billion in cost was necessary for the long-term economic growth and development of Singapore while enhancing the country’s image and improving the standing of living for its citizens.
However, he faced strong opposition from other Cabinet ministers, especially Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, who were against the especially heavy cost of building the MRT. Believing in an all-bus system instead, Dr Goh Keng Swee even invited Harvard professors to come out with a report to support his case. Furthermore, then-Trade and Industry Minister (and later 7th President of Singapore) Dr Tony Tan called it ‘foolish’ to build the MRT in the face of rising construction costs, stating that public housing was a priority.
In 1980, the predictable outcome was forestalled by a preliminary report produced by a team of Harvard economists led by Kenneth Hansen. Better known as the Hansen Report, it argued that earlier studies underestimated the potential effectiveness of an all-bus system based on incorrect assumptions which failed to consider other approaches to solving Singapore’s transport problems. If an MRT system were to be built, the suggested that only one line be built, as it would be sufficient to relieve traffic congestion and allow the bus system to function. The preliminary and final reports of the Hansen Team caused considerable consternation among the MRT system’s proponents and prompted concerned government officials to release what had hitherto been confidential reports to defend the railway alternative.
Table 2: Hansen Report and Assessment by Wilbur Smith
| Hansen Report | Wilbur Smith Assessment | ||
| Item | Main Points | Reasons | |
| 1. MRT cost-benefit | 1. Arguments for MRT not compelling 2. Shifted from economic benefits to assertions all-bus system cannot cope |
1. Cost estimates prepared by MTS Phase III underestimated costs of MRT and overestimated all-bus system costs 2. If true, MRT no longer economically viable (i.e. economic costs greater than economic benefits) |
1. Cost of MRT not increased by 20 per cent; range 0 to 9 per cent 2. Bus costs in Singapore increased substantially 3. Benefit-cost ratio would show MRT benefits exceed costs |
| 2. All-bus system | 1. Can be made to work by running point-to-point services from New Towns to Central Area 2. Radically different from today’s SBS and bus systems in earlier studies 3. New system not beset with earlier problems and able to provide travelling times comparable with MRT |
1. No rationale for assuming will break down at 300 buses per hr 2. Previous studies use low-performance systems like today’s SBS; no limited-stop or express buses — do not make use of expressways available in 1990s 3. Design all-bus system that meets these requirements |
1. Not true earlier bus had low performance and conventional design 2. All-bus system cannot work because (a) high volume of passengers cannot be accommodated in Central Area without large bus bays; (b) speeds; (c) bus fleet small as ignored time in terminals; (d) commuters would make double number of transfers; (e) larger buses will increase waiting time; (f) doubtful if bigger bus (120 seats) can cope; (g) no consideration of how extended peak would work; (h) assumption that commuter willing to pay more and transfer more often unrealistic |
| 3. Limited MRT System | 1. Even if Singapore builds MRT single line sufficient capacity for 21st century 2. Single line more cost-effective |
1. Previous study did not assess most effective options and always included underground facilities to allow extension to MRT Phase II 2. Several alternatives to MRT not considered including elevated construction and people movers |
1. ‘Backbone’ system most cost-effective but not sole criterion (other reasons included road congestion; linkages with urban structure, etc. 2. MRT maintenance yard at Clementi; cost of elevated and at-grade MRT sections to Clementi and Jurong low 3. North-south line expensive but offers range of links to Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh 4. People mover unproven technology; same costs per peak passenger (S$30,000) as north-south line |
| 4. Urban Development in Central Area | More should be done by government in removing some activities from Central Area |
1. World experience trend to greater decentralisation of commercial and offices rather than towards increasing concentration | 1. Asian cities still experiencing strong growth and centralization tendencies; more extensive analysis before tampering with market forces |
As the debate continued, a Provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority was established in July 1980. An MRT Systems Design Option Study refined technical details and recommended measures, such as platform screen doors and third rail power transmission. In September 1980, the debate was brought to national television. A Comprehensive Traffic Study (CTS) appointed two independent American transport and urban planning specialist teams to conduct their own independent reviews. It concluded that an all-bus system is not practical and recommended go-ahead of a mass transit rail system.
In the end, the argument for the MRT edged out as it was felt that an all-bus system would impose considerable traffic externalities to all users; and developments in the CBD would have to be scaled back to give enough space and priority for buses. Furthermore, it was felt the MRT would be an investment to the economy by improving Singapore’s competitiveness in attracting the kind of higher value-added investments desired, especially in the financial and business sector. The MRT would also boost investor confidence and have a multiplier effect on real estate values.
Finally, in May 1982, the Government announced its decision to build the MRT system at a capital cost of S$5 billion with a completion deadline of 1992. Then Singapore’s largest public works project, its construction and deadline were an ambitious undertaking for the time.
Construction
Within six months of the announcement, the Provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority was calling for tenders. In September 1983, the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) was incorporated, taking over the roles and responsibilities of the Provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority, along with the awarding of the first major tunnelling contract. Construction called for 67 kilometres of track to be constructed, along with 42 stations, of which 26 would be elevated, 1 at grade and 15 underground. Also included were three train depots at Bishan, Ulu Pandan and Changi.
Two MRT lines would be constructed in a north-south and east-west alignment intersecting in the City. The North South Line would run from Yishun to Marina Bay, while the East West Line would run from Boon Lay to Pasir Ris, with a Branch Line to Choa Chu Kang splitting at Jurong East. The network was constructed in stages, with the North South Line given priority as it served the densely populated housing estates of Bishan / Ang Mo Kio, as well as the Central region.
| Phase | Construction start | Sector |
| Phase I | October 1983 | Yio Chu Kang – Outram Park |
| Phase IA | January 1984 | Outram Park – Clementi |
| Phase II | July 1984 | Clementi – Lakeside |
| January 1985 | Marina Bay – Tanah Merah | |
| June 1985 | Tanah Merah – Pasir Ris, Jurong East – Choa Chu Kang & Yio Chu Kang – Yishun | |
| January 1988 | Lakeside – Boon Lay |
On 22 October 1983, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at Shan Road. Construction began in stages from October 1983 to January 1988. The timing of the MRT worked to Singapore’s advantage – the early 1980s recession led to considerable savings as contractors competed for work, and the nearing completion of the Hong Kong MTR system made expertise readily available on which the MRTC was able to draw. The long period of planning proved an advantage – land had already been set aside for use, and disruption to road users was able to be kept to a minimum.
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Limited (SMRT), the private operator of the new rail system, was established on 6 August 1987 to take over operational roles and responsibilities previously held by the MRTC.
Sixty-six (66) trainsets comprising six cars each were procured. They were manufactured from 1986 to 1989 by a Japanese consortium led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and joined by Nippon Sharyo, Tokyu Car Corp (now J-TREC) and Kinki Sharyo. The first C151 train was delivered to MRT Corporation on 8 July 1986 at Bishan Depot.
Opening
The first 6 kilometres of the North South Line between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh was opened on 7 November 1987, marking a milestone in Singapore MRT history. Second Deputy Prime Minister Ong Teng Cheong described it as an incredible achievement after a long and difficult 20-year affair, akin to the delivering of a new-born baby. Public response was overwhelming, and just three weeks after the opening of the North South Line, the MRT recorded its first millionth ridership.
The rest of the system opened in stages, including sectors of the East West Line, and all 42 MRT station were operational by July 1990, two years ahead of schedule.
| Date | Sector opened |
| 07 November 1987 | Yio Chu Kang – Toa Payoh (NSL) |
| 12 December 1987 | Novena – Outram Park (NSL/EWL) Trains ran through-services to Tanjong Pagar and Outram Park (part of the EWL), switching tracks between Raffles Place and City Hall |
| 12 March 1988 | Tiong Bahru – Clementi (EWL) System officially launched by Mr Lee Kuan Yew, then Prime Minister of Singapore |
| 05 November 1988 | Jurong East – Lakeside (EWL) |
| 20 December 1988 | Khatib & Yishun (NSL) |
| 4 November 1989 | Bugis – Tanah Merah (EWL) and Marina Bay (NSL) Start of formal separation of NSL and EWL, with interchange at City Hall and Raffles Place |
| 16 December 1989 | Simei – Pasir Ris (EWL) |
| 10 March 1990 | Jurong East – Choa Chu Kang (Branch Line) |
| On 6 July 1990 | Boon Lay (EWL) MRT system declared opened by then President Wee Kim Wee |
Fare Integration
Transit Link was established by SMRT, SBS (Singapore Bus Service) and TIBS (Trans-Island Bus Services), to take care of Bus-MRT integration, information integration and fare integration. By November 1990, it rolled out a similar ticketing system for both buses and trains, relying on the magnetic farecard. The organisation, which oversaw fare review matters, also coordinated many bus service rationalisations. It was absorbed into the newly-created Land Transport Authority in 1995.
References:
- 50 Years of Transportation in Singapore – Achievements and Challenges
- Land Transport Directory of Singapore 2000/2001
- The MRT Story (ISBN: 981-00-0251-3)
- Rikisha to Rapid Transit: Urban Policy Transport Systems and Policy in Southeast Asia
- Singapore’s Transport and Urban Development Options: Final Report of the MRT Review Team (September 1980)
Where are the other Singapore MRT lines? The North South Line and the East West Line only in this article! Where is the North East Line, the Circle Line, the Downtown Line, the Thomson-East Coast Line, the Jurong Region Line, and the Cross Island Line?