Ms Kim Ng, 20, had trouble squeezing into a crowded MRT train last week. -- ST PHOTO: AW CHENG WEI

Mr Galvin Ng used to be able to sprint up the stairs at Boon Lay MRT station to get to the boarding platform every morning.

But last week, the 27-year-old information systems officer was shocked to find the stairs choked with people at 7.35am.

He had to wait for three trains, instead of the usual two, before he could board. 'I think the extra ERP gantries are causing motorists to leave their cars at home,' he said. 'The peak-hour squeeze is even worse now.'

SMRT said that ridership on its trains last Monday increased by 1.9 per cent during the evening peak period, compared with the same time a week ago. For the morning peak period, it went up by 1.4 per cent.

The new ERP gantries have been introduced in part to encourage motorists to switch to using public transport.

More train and bus services, including premium bus services, have also been introduced and their frequency increased.

But commuters are still feeling the squeeze.

Student Kim Ng, 20, said that getting on a train at City Hall MRT station last week was hard work. 'I had to wait for two trains before boarding. It's definitely more crowded.'

Additional reporting by Aw Cheng Wei