For 30 long years, the Singaporean MRT system has served us well as the backbone structure of public transport here, which we all depend on to get us to where we need to be. Although it’s broken down one too many times, we can’t deny that it’s something we can’t live without – Grab is way too expensive for frequent use!
It’s time to rejoice now, folks, for there’s going to finally be some big changes to the future of our MRT system that will hopefully increase the convenience and ease of using public transport for commuters like you and me.
There’s Finally A New Map
Take a good look at the current (old) MRT map again like you didn’t just do so this morning on the way to work.
I bet you’ve always wondered, along with every other Singaporean, if the Circle Line really goes around in a circle. Maybe your kids have even asked why the Circle Line is displayed as this curved rectangle-like shape on the map instead of a circle.
Today, we finally have our answer – yes, as the name suggests, it’s a circle.
LTA unveiled a new and improved MRT map recently on 11 Dec 2019, at the new Thomson-East Line stations which will open to the public by 31 Jan next year, with a new focus on the beloved yellow Circle Line.
Now look at the new MRT map, taking into account all the new lines:
Yep, the Circle Line is now properly displayed as a circle.
More Helpful For Commuters
It’s supposed to be a focal point for the new map to “help commuters quickly orientate themselves and plan their journeys”, according to LTA. For the first time ever, little icons of landmarks and water bodies are also included on the map to further assist commuters in identifying which stops are nearby.
This includes little Merlion, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By The Bay and even Singapore Flyer icons. So cute!
There will also be location stickers indicating where you’re currently at for better and faster journey planning, as well as QR codes at the bottom of the map for commuters to scan and calculate their train fares, which God knows we all need to start keeping track of.
Maps in all four official Singaporean languages will also be available for downloading through the QR code for offline viewing. Cool.
LTA is planning for the new MRT map began in 2015 to accommodate the ever-growing amount of lines and stations, as the previous linear design wouldn’t be able to handle all the complex additions.
Besides taking public feedback into consideration, they also tested prototypes with map designers at international forums.
New Signages, Too
The MRT map isn’t the only thing getting a revamp.
Directional signs at the stations have also been changed for better readability and convenience.
Working with a research lab at NTU, LTA has improved the new signages to have a larger font, new icons, sharper colour, contrast, and a new design, which will currently be rolled out at the Thomson-East Line stations.
Exit signs will now be in yellow for prominence and in numbers instead of letters, alongside bus service numbers located at the specific exits for easier connections. This is especially useful as people can get lost easily while searching for the right bus in unfamiliar locations.
Icons will be smaller on directional signs, which will have lesser and larger words too for easy viewing.
Something to be even more grateful for is the redesigned toilet signs, as many were unable to find the toilets previously as the icons looked too similar to the lifts.
That’s a real problem here, not being able to find the toilets after looking up and down for them when you really, really need to go.
Signs at the exits will also be plastered really large for commuters to spot them from a distance. In bright yellow.
You’ll also be able to finally look at the full list of stations on the line, including the direction that the train is travelling in at platforms while waiting for your train, instead of a previous snapshot of only the next few stations.
Train timings will also be displayed larger on the LED TV screens.
Let’s Talk Some Dates
These new signs will roll out starting from the three Thomson-East Line stations as part of Phase 1 of the line, but depending on public feedback, older stations may be updated with them as well.
From January 2020, the new map will be available in all MRT and LRT stations. Yay.
I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of excited to see the new changes being implemented all around the country.
It’s time for a change in our public transport systems and if it’ll help us find our way faster, that’s even better.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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