Older MRT stations retrofitted with barrier-free facilities - StraitsTimes - 10 Aug 2010

WE THANK Mr Kevin Leong for his feedback on Tanjong Pagar station ('One of the most user-unfriendly stations'; July 31).


The chairlift was a temporary measure by SMRT to allow wheelchair-bound passengers access to Basement1, where the retail outlets are located, while a lift was being built. It has since been decommissioned as the lift has been completed.

We recognise the need to ensure that our MRT train stations cater to the elderly as well as less mobile commuters. As such, we have retrofitted the older stations along the North- South and East-West lines to accommodate barrier-free facilities, such as ramps and railings, wheelchair-accessible toilets and at least one barrier-free entrance inclusive of a lift.

For example, at the Tanjong Pagar station, a new entrance was constructed in June 2006 to provide barrier-free access directly to the station platform. With new developments coming up around Tanjong Pagar station, we will also work with the relevant authorities to integrate barrier-free access to the station.

We will continue to upgrade the stations and by next year, more than 70 per cent of our MRT stations will have at least two barrier-free access routes. For the newer stations along the Circle Line and the future Downtown Line, escalators will be provided on both sides of the passageways to cater to commuters entering and exiting the station.

Helen Lim (Ms)
Deputy Director, Media Relations
Land Transport Authority

Ms Bernadette Low
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/STIStory_564052.html