Incorporated in 1987, SMRT operates the first mass rapid transit system in Singapore. In this presentation, take a trip down memory lane to find out the history of SMRT and how Singapore’s rail network has developed over the years.

1. Growing Up With SMRT
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Updated as at: 9 March 2017

2. 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?

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Circle Line
Circle 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

7. Evolution of the Train Network
1990
The entire NSEWL,
comprising 42 stations, was
completed by 6 July 1990.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Evolution of the Train Network
2015
This is the map showing SMRT’s lines in 2015.

11. 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

12. Do you remember?
1990s
Commuters used magnetic strip plastic tickets back in the 90’s!
Stored-value tickets were called farecards and
came in four types:
● For children/students
● For adults
● For senior citizens
● For single trips
These farecards were used until December 2002.

13. 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.

14. 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!
Image Source -­ Facebook
Your Score?
Stay tuned for further developments by SMRT!
© Copyright SMRT Corporation Ltd. 2017. All rights reserved.