The Future of Commute in Singapore: What LTA and Operators Are Doing

Public transit remains the most common form of transportation mode by Singaporeans.The key motivations for using the current mode of transport are its convenience, cost and time efficiency. Technological advancement will play an instrumental role in delivering an enhanced commuter experience, along with improved safety, efficiency and sustainability in the Singaporean public transport system in the years to come. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and public transport operators, including SMRT Corporation and SBS Transit, are working together to build the future of commute that is future-ready, advanced, and integrated.

What LTA and Operators Are Doing To Improve the Transport Infrastructure

1. As envisioned in the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 or LTMP 2040, LTA and operators are creating ‘20-minute towns and a 45-minute city’. Under this plan, LTA aims to create a greener and more sustainable transport ecosystem where transportation is easily accessible and supports healthy lives.

2. In 2012, LTA embarked on a massive multi-year rail renewal plan with SMRT Corporation to enhance systems, tracks and trains on our two oldest lines – the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL). Most of the renewal works are complete now. So far, more than 900,000 man-hours have been invested in this massive renewal programme by LTA, NSEWL’s train operator SMRT, and various contractors.

3. LTA is renewing NSEWL’s six core systems including concrete sleepers, third rail, communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system, power supply system, track circuit system, and old trains.

4. SMRT sustained high levels of rail reliability performance exceeding the 1 million Mean Kilometres Before Failure (MKBF) mark. Commuters are experiencing the benefits of an improved and more reliable rail system.

5. In February 2020, the first phase of the new Downtown Line simulation facility is expected to make further inroads in testing and simulation.

6. LTA created a committee consisting of SBS Transit, SMRT and ST Engineering. The aim is to synergise their knowledge and expertise for railway maintenance, for cost-effective development of engineering capabilities for rail OM.

7. In April 2020, a $639.5 million contract was awarded for the design and construction of the Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC).

8. The first phase of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) started operations on 31 January 2020. It is operated by SMRT and servicing Woodlands North, Woodlands and Woodlands South stations. The second phase of TEL will start operations on August 28, 2021. LTA handed over six stations of TEL2 to SMRT in April 2021.

9. LTA and mass rapid transit operators are working on upcoming rail expansion projects. For instance, the Circle Line will soon be a complete loop with the opening of three new CCL6 stations – Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road. Punggol Coast Station has been added to the North-East Line Extension.

10. LTA also awarded contracts to big companies for the design and construction of the Jurong Region Line (JRL).

11. Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will link Singapore and Malaysia. The project will be managed by ajoint venture agreement between Singapore’s SMRT RTS Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SMRT Corporation Limited, and Malaysia’s Prasarana RTS Operations Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad. Commenting on the RTS project, SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “We are participating in the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link project, a new rail link across the world’s busiest border, crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway. The transformational benefits of such a link spans the economy, society, culture, and geography. When completed, it will provide seamless connectivity for people across two sides of the Causeway. We look forward to the commencement of this service in 2026.”

12. Under the Smart Nation initiative, LTA is launching Smart Urban Mobility in which it will work with partners to bring digital technologies to enhance the comfort, convenience and reliability of the public transport systems.

Conclusion

The transport of tomorrow is dynamic. LTA is reimagining how the future of commute will look with new technologies, rail renewals, autonomous vehicles, smart systems, smart urban mobility, and much more. LTA and operators like SMRT are working together to create a convenient, sustainable, and connected transport ecosystem in Singapore.