Crowd Management at MRT Stations

Ms Mary Liew asked the Minister for Transport (a) what crowd control measures are in place in the MRT stations; (b) how effective are they; and (c) whether train marshals can be deployed in the train carriages to move crowds away from the train doors.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Sir, I share the Member's concern on crowding in MRT stations and would like to assure the House that the Public Transport Operators (PTOs) have in place operating procedures to manage crowded stations. Various initiatives have also been rolled out in recent years to address crowding in our MRT system.

First, as part of their ongoing efforts to increase train capacity, the PTOs have progressively injected new trains and added more train trips. The increased capacity and train frequencies have helped to ensure that passengers do not need to wait too long before boarding the train, thereby relieving crowding in stations and at platforms. More trains are also being procured so as to inject greater capacity on our existing lines.

Second, the PTOs have implemented measures, such as deploying service ambassadors at crowded stations during peak hours and making regular announcements at train platforms, to encourage passengers to give way to alighting passengers. These measures help to facilitate the boarding and alighting process so that the trains can depart on time and passengers are cleared from the platforms expeditiously. While train marshals can also be deployed in trains, this may not be an effective measure, as they have limited movement in a crowded train, especially during the peak period. They would also compete with other passengers for space.

Third, to cater to special events, such as the F1 race or major festivities, the PTOs co-ordinate with the Police and its specialist division, the Transport Security Command (Transcom) on crowd control both within and outside the station. In addition, there are plans in place to deal with situations involving extended service disruptions.

Apart from the measures implemented by the PTOs, passengers can also help by moving towards the centre of the train cars and away from the doors, so that more passengers can board the trains.

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While the measures implemented have been effective in managing crowd control, LTA will continue to work with PTOs to review if these measures and existing facilities are adequate to cater to changes in travel demand over time.