SMRT to roll out chimes on all trains and at over 70 stations after successful pilot
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The chimes were introduced by rail operator SMRT in October 2023 as a pilot initiative for three months.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
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SINGAPORE - The chimes on the trains and at MRT stations are here to stay. They will now be progressively implemented on all trains and at more than 70 stations on the North-South, East-West and Circle lines from Feb 14.
The chimes, which were introduced by rail operator SMRT in October 2023 as a pilot initiative
SMRT president Lam Sheau Kai said: “SMRT would like to thank our commuters for their support and feedback throughout this three-month pilot that started in October last year.
“We are encouraged by the numerous positive feedback that was gathered across various channels, including social media and our website. Commuters shared that the melodic chimes were uplifting and pleasant, hoping that this initiative will be permanently rolled out to our stations and trains.”
Measures were also taken to address concerns by commuters, such as adjusting the level of sound and duration for which the train chimes are played.
The public transport operator runs four MRT lines – the North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line and Thomson-East Coast Line – and the Bukit Panjang LRT.
SBS Transit operates the North East Line, Downtown Line and Sengkang-Punggol LRT.
Reactions to the music have been mixed on social media and forums, with Reddit forum user AliveAd3989 saying in a comment dated Feb 4 that the chimes are useful, “but I hope Singapore can come up with a better tune compared to the current one”.
Another commuter, who goes by the username Hexananot on Facebook, said: “Every time when the new MRT jingle rings at every station, I keep thinking it is someone’s handphone.”
The chimes were produced following a partnership between SMRT and The Teng Company, a local not-for-profit arts company.
“This initiative will also make commuting within our network more inclusive, especially for those who rely on their auditory senses for a safer and smoother commute,” said Mr Lam.
The chimes will be played at the following train stations:
North-South Line
Marina South Pier, Marina Bay, Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset, Orchard, Newton, Novena, Toa Payoh, Braddell, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Yishun, Sembawang, Woodlands, Marsiling, Kranji, Yew Tee, Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak.
East-West Line
Pasir Ris, Tampines, Simei, Changi Airport, Expo, Bedok, Kembangan, Eunos, Paya Lebar, Kallang, Lavender, Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park, Tiong Bahru, Redhill, Queenstown, Commonwealth, Buona Vista, Dover, Chinese Garden, Boon Lay, Joo Koon, Gul Circle, Tuas Crescent, Tuas West Road and Tuas Link.
Circle Line
HarbourFront, Telok Blangah, Labrador Park, Pasir Panjang, Haw Par Villa, Kent Ridge, one-north, Buona Vista, Holland Village, Farrer Road, Botanic Gardens, Caldecott, Marymount, Bishan, Lorong Chuan, Serangoon, Bartley, Tai Seng, MacPherson, Paya Lebar, Dakota, Mountbatten, Stadium, Nicoll Highway, Promenade, Esplanade, Bras Basah and Bayfront.
