Growing Up With SMRTA Trip Down Memory Lane

Updated as at: 9 March 2017

When did SMRT begin train service?

Where was the ground-breaking of the first SMRT line?

Which two stations did the first SMRT train travel between?

What was the first MRT line?

SMRT History Quiz

Could you answer the questions above? Follow our folks from SMRT as they share our story.

Which line was originally named ‘Marina Line’?

This is the current uniform

of our train service staff.

Don’t they look snazzy?

The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) was set up on 14 October 1983 to oversee all roles and responsibilities of the train network.

SMRT was subsequently incorporated in 1987, and began operating the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL).

The construction began shortly at Toa Payoh. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Shan Road on 22 October 1983.

1983

The Birth of SMRT

Where It Began• The inaugural MRT ride was in 1987.• The first line was a 6-km section of the North-South Line from Yio Chu Kang to

Toa Payoh.• It aimed to link the city to the upcoming residential towns of Yishun, Ang Mo Kio

and Bishan.• Phase 2 was completed in February 1996, linking Yishun to Choa Chu Kang.

1987

The commencement of the first MRT passenger service

train was marked with a ceremony.

East-West Line (EWL): • The first section had two interchanges (City Hall, Raffles Place) and two stations (Tanjong

Pagar, Outram Park).• It officially opened on 12 December 1987.• By early 1990, the eastern section was also completed, linking City Hall to Tanah Merah.

First Lines and Stations

The two interchanges and

two stations on the East-West Line

1987

Circle LineCircle Line (CCL):• CCL stations are designed differently to show the unique

identities and historical backgrounds of the vicinities.• This line was completed in 2011.

Did you know that the Circle Line was originally named the Marina Line?

2011

Evolution of the Train Network

1990

The entire NSEWL, comprising 42 stations, was completed by 6 July 1990.

1996

The Woodlands Extension, completed by 10 February 1996, added 6 stations and connected

Choa Chu Kang and Yishun MRT stations on the NSL.

Evolution of the Train Network

1999

On 6 November 1999, the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit

(BPLRT) was launched. This comprises 14 stations and links Bukit Panjang New Town and Choa Chu Kang MRT station.

Evolution of the Train Network

Evolution of the Train Network

2015

This is the map showing SMRT’s lines in 2015.

Present Lines in Operation

2016

SMRT currently manages 4 lines: EWL, NSL, CCL and BPLRT. As of 2016, the SMRT network has:• 84 MRT stations • 14 LRT stations

Do you remember?

1990s

Commuters used magnetic strip plastic tickets back in the 90’s!

Stored-value tickets were called farecards andcame in four types:

● For children/students● For adults● For senior citizens● For single trips

These farecards were used until December 2002.

Since 1987, SMRT has played a pivotal role in the local public transport landscape, enhancing lives by changing the way you live, work and play with the fast and seamless connectivity of our network. Many

SMRT staff, at all levels, have made significant contributions in this endeavour. Read our Moving Stories now.

So, how many answers did you get right?We hope we have given you an insight into SMRT’s story – tracking the growth

of Singapore’s rail network!

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Your Score?

Stay tuned for further developments by SMRT!

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