I put work off for the day and travelled across Singapore on our MRT train lines. Here are my thoughts…
I’m not a patriotic girlie, but I’ll give credit where it’s due. Our public transport system? It slaps so hard and deserves more recognition. Sure, there are times when we’ve encountered vehicular breakdowns and had to jostle with the crowds during peak periods. Apart from that, everything operates smoothly. We’ve got high-tech systems that make commuting easy for everyone, beautiful MRT stations to gawk at, and scenic bus routes. It doesn’t get any better than this.
When I’m not a passenger princess, I take the train to travel around the island. It’s convenient, fast, and comfortable. I may not be a train otaku per se, but I’m glad our government relented to past president Ong Teng Cheong’s insistence on implementing the system. And look where we are today! Six MRT lines so far, with a couple more under construction.
So I decided to put on my train otaku hat, conquer Singapore’s MRT lines (sorry LRTs, it’s not your time in the spotlight), and rate them based on a few factors: smell (do the carriages have that particular odour commuters love to hate?), sound (how loud can the announcements be?), comfort (will I fall off the seats?), ambience, and overall train experience. Here are my findings…
Rating Singapore’s six MRT train lines
East-West Line: The overlooked geriatric millennial is still standing tall
My journey starts at Tampines on the green line. The East-West line has been around since 1989, making her out to be in her mid-30s. That’s when you’re pretty much settled with where and how you are in life. I count my lucky stars that the train I got on is the newer version, as the green line is still slow in rolling these out.
Initial thoughts? The new cabins are bright and spacious, which is a given as they’ve reduced the number of seats to prioritise those on wheelchairs and other mobility devices. There’s the “new train” scent – some people might find it offensive, though I don’t see (or smell) anything wrong with it. However, the announcements are a little loud. I could hear them through my noise-cancelling earbuds! The inter-carriage connectors are a little squeaky, but after a while, they’re like white noise you pay no heed to.
I observed that the new train pulls up slower on the platforms with a slight delay when the doors open. Those in a rush, do take note. It’s a gentle reminder to take it easy!
Overall, I feel like I’m off to a strong start. Despite the squeaks, it’s a quiet, untroubled ride. The seats are pretty comfy, though they’re smooth – you might fall off if you’re not careful. I appreciate the modern train map above the doors, making it easy to know where we are. P.S. Something needs to be done with the lighting in the train stations. The yellow hues make them look dated.
Total train of thought: A decent 7 out of 10 carriages. But it’s a guessing game to see if you get the new or older trains (you know, the ones with the funky smell).
Circle Line: So much for being a “circle”
I get off at Paya Lebar and walk to the “Circle” Line. Fun fact: Did you know the line is actually orange on the map? Yes, it’s a Mandela effect where everyone assumes the colour is yellow. Check the official website!
An interesting smell permeates my nose after I settle into the train. Again, it’s neither good nor bad, but compared to the green line’s new carriages, the scent is giving old and mouldy. The train announcements are loud, yet they also sound muffled. It feels like the drivers turned the volume up but covered the speakers with a cloth. However, they sound softer at the train stations. Someone needs to implement standard decibels throughout. Speaking of sound, the train ride is too noisy for my liking. Is it because the yellow orange line is underground?
Judging by the lighting and the train map above the doors, I’m guessing I got the older train. I had to rely on the (booming) announcements and the electronic banners in the middle of the carriages to know where I was. So if you’re one of those who gets lost in your phone or book, pay close attention! Or have a friend who’ll let you know when you gotta get off.
Oh, and another thing: the seats are a little cramped for my liking. Not saying that I have a big butt (I wish!), but I felt like an orange squeezed on the juicer. Not very mindful, Circle Line.
Total train of thought: 6/10. It’s time to roll out the new trains, SMRT. Also, why is Bishan MRT station crowded on a weekday afternoon?
Downtown Line: One of the best (bias notwithstanding)
Now, as someone who’s sung praises about the Downtown Line since its launch, I’ll do my best to set aside my bias. So let’s start with the things I’m not fond of, shall we? Firstly, the blue line operates underground, so there’s that loud, roaring noise when the train is on the move. Also, despite the bright interior, I’m not keen on the white fluorescent lights. It feels a bit clinical, tbh.
Because the train is relatively new, it boasts the modern train map above the doors. This means I can play mobile games or read a book and periodically look up to see which station I’m at. I also appreciate the announcements from the speakers – they’re not too loud to the point where they’re intrusive, but also not too soft that you have to take your earphones out to hear them. The seats feel flatter, so you don’t risk falling off.
Despite plenty of people getting on and off the train, everyone isn’t packed like sardines. It’s a comfortable ride where I still have some personal space to fidget and won’t worry that I’ll bump into another commuter. Pro tip: get to the front of the train so that you can see it heading to the next destination. It’s an excellent spot to distract the little ones (or yourself) and snap some cool photos. (The glass isn’t clean, but I’ll overlook this part.)
Total train of thought: 8 for you, blue! Even though the Downtown Line has been around for a decade, it still feels brand new.
North East Line: You need help
My train enthusiast journey resumes after a lovely lunch at Tekka Centre. The purple line feels vintage yet cheery at the same time. If I had to guess, it’s probably because of the colour SMRT chose. Don’t you agree? But the happiness stops there.
The ride feels bumpy, with the train tending to swerve unexpectedly at times. Look, I know F1 season is coming soon, but that doesn’t mean commuters have to experience that on public transport too! I lost track of how often I was swaying side to side like Ariana Grande. Comfort level? It’s below the ground at this point. It’s also very noisy – I could hardly hear anything apart from the tracks. This drowns out the announcements, unfortunately. It feels like I lost my hearing on the North East Line. On the bright side, I appreciate the speakers’ Chinese translations of the train stations. It’s a win for the older generation.
What else is there? There’s a delay before the doors open. It’s probably an older train since only static graphic maps are in the carriages. Oh, and don’t bother going to the front of the train. It’s blocked, so you don’t get to see where it’s headed. I also question the curved seats. Is this an intentional design element? I have so many questions now. SBS Transit, you have a lot of explaining to do…
Total train of thought: An unfortunate 5. That’s why I hardly take this line.
North South Line: Get the best of both worlds… kinda
Later on, I transfer to the red line at Bishan. After getting on the (old) train, I notice the air-conditioning is almost non-existent. There’s also that funky smell. Is my journey taking a turn for the worse after the haphazard ride on the North East Line? I shudder to think.
On the bright side, this line is largely above ground so commuters can appreciate the lovely outdoor views. I get off at Canberra, which opened in 2019, to admire the beautiful MRT station. The glass murals are adorable! While waiting at the platform, I cross my fingers hoping to get a better, more comfortable train. And it looks like my prayers have been answered…
Even though it’s new-ish, there’s none of that “train smell” in the carriage. Thank goodness! I felt cool air blasting at me during my commute; the air-conditioning was only slightly better than my previous ride. The good thing is that the announcements aren’t too loud, making the commute more pleasant. I spotted the modern maps above the doors again, and at this point, I’m pleased that the new trains have this. The seats are pretty decent too.
Total train of thought: After averaging both rides, I’d say the red line deserves a 6.5/10. She’s still (and forever) the doyenne of our MRT system.
Thomson-East Coast Line: The new standard others should aspire to be
It’s been a long day, and I’m getting tired. But there’s one more line to conquer: the Thomson-East Coast Line. I don’t know about you, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around the colour SMRT picked for this line. Why brown? I’m not a fan. But hey, I’m not part of the team responsible for this decision. SMRT, please hire me to work in your aesthetics department.
Shade aside, I’m pretty excited about the brown line. It’s the newest among the six, so my expectations are pretty high. Luckily, I’m not disappointed. The train stations are massive! They’re bright and spacious; it feels like I’m exploring Singapore’s hidden caves. I’m deducting points for the numbered exits instead of following the alphabet convention. Why do they have to change a good thing?
I let out a gasp as I got on the train. It’s brightly lit and the colourful seats are a joy to look at. I plop my butt down and immediately feel comfortable. Of course, there’s the new train scent, but I’m willing to overlook it. Compared to the other lines, the announcements here sound young and updated. Will they be rolling this version out soon? Even though it’s nearing the end of the day when I’m on the train, the carriage is unsurprisingly not crowded. My journey is smooth and quiet.
Total train of thought: A solid 9/10. I’m willing to revise it if they decide to change the exits to alphabets.
All’s fair in love and Singapore’s MRT train lines
After a full day of MRT-hopping, one thing’s clear: every line’s got its own vibe, quirks, and character, just like us commuters. Sure, a few lines are due for a glow-up (I’m looking at you, Ms Purple), and others can dial down the announcements, but hey, it’s all part of the train experience.
Now let’s be real – Singaporeans love to gripe about crowded trains, minor delays, and that all-too-familiar “train smell,” but our MRT system is a gem compared to what other cities have to offer. Ever squeezed onto a London Tube during rush hour? Or braved the New York subway, where delays are the norm and cleanliness is a myth? Tokyo’s punctuality may be legendary, but it comes with peak-hour squishiness that puts sardine cans to shame. Love it or hate it, Singapore’s MRT train lines are a pretty sweet deal with their cool, clean, and largely reliable service.
So, the next time you’re zipping through town, take a second to soak it all in. I’m talking about the good, the funky, and the slightly squeaky. Because getting from point A to B isn’t just about speed or destination – it’s about embracing the journey. Remember what the Dim Sum Dollies previously said screeched on the train announcements? Love your ride!
