193-400: The North East Line ( NEL ) is a high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore . Operated by SBS Transit , the 20-kilometre (12-mile) line is the MRT's shortest. It runs from HarbourFront station in southern Singapore to Punggol station in the northeast, serving 16 stations via Chinatown , Little India , Serangoon and Hougang . Coloured purple on official maps, it
386-845: A Code of Conduct for Ministers . For example, to counter potential allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth and to avoid potential conflicts between private interests and public responsibilities, the Code requires every minister, upon appointment to office, to disclose in confidence to the president through the prime minister all sources of income other than his salary as a minister and as an MP. This must include all assets, such as financial assets, real property, interests in any company or professional practice, and any other substantial personal assets as well as financial liabilities, including mortgages and borrowings. A Minister must also "scrupulously avoid any actual or apparent conflict of interest between his office and his private financial interests". Thus,
579-556: A circle-radial topology . Two more lines and 46 stations are currently under construction, in addition to ongoing extension works on existing lines. In total, this will schedule the network to double in length to about 460 km (290 mi) by 2040. Further studies are ongoing on potential new alignments and lines, as well as infill stations in the Land Transport Authority 's (LTA) Land Transport Masterplan 2040. The island-wide heavy rail network interchanges with
772-418: A Parliamentary debate on the issue, then Nominated Member of Parliament Thio Li-ann said: "It would be a sad indictment of my generation if no one came forward to serve without excessive monetary inducement, as to be bereft of deep convictions is to be impoverished indeed." On 11 April 2007, then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong told Parliament: "To make it quite clear why I am doing this, and also to give me
965-472: A committee would be appointed to review politicians' remuneration, and that revised salaries would take effect from that date. The committee to Review Ministerial Salaries, then chaired by Gerard Ee rendered its report on 30 December 2011, and released it to the public on 4 January 2012. As regards ministerial pay, the Committee recommended benchmarking an MR4-grade minister's salary to the median income of
1158-503: A computer-based Interlocking system which controls the track switches and interfaces with the ATC and the data-management system. The DMS, monitored by station staff, oversees the signalling equipment, platform doors and trains. The ATP system maintains a buffer between trains. The minimum permitted distance is 30 metres (98 ft), although the average distance between trains is at least 600 metres (2,000 ft). Using microwave technology,
1351-607: A cumulative S$ 150 billion in 2021, making the network one of the world's costliest on both a per-kilometre and absolute basis. The system is managed in conformity with a semi-nationalised hybrid regulatory framework; construction and procurement fall under the purview of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a statutory board of the government that allocates operating concessions to the for-profit private corporations SMRT and SBS Transit . These operators are responsible for asset maintenance on their respective lines, and also run bus services, facilitating operational synchronicity and
1544-567: A few days of the weekend. The nightly closures are used for maintenance. During the COVID-19 pandemic across the country , train services ended earlier from 7 April 2020 to 1 June 2020 and service extensions on the eves of public holidays ceased from 7 April 2020 until 28 September 2024 except New Year's Eve. Train service extensions were reinstated back to before the pandemic began in 2020 as mentioned earlier. Train frequencies are 2 - 3 mins during peak hours and 5 - 6 mins during off-peak hours. If
1737-694: A few paintings or sculptures representing the recent past of Singapore, mounted in major stations. The opening of the Woodlands Extension introduced bolder pieces of artwork, such as a 4,000 kg sculpture in Woodlands . With the opening of the North East Line in 2003, a series of artworks under a programme called "Art in Transit" were commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Created by 19 local artists and integrated into
1930-599: A generation , ministerial pay was reduced by more than 17%. Nonetheless, it was reported that the prime minister still earned a gross annual salary of about $ 1.03 million before the variable component was taken into account. In April 2007, the prime minister's annual salary increased to S$ 3.1 million ( US$ 2.05 million), about five times that of the then president of the United States George W. Bush who earned US$ 400,000. The annual entry-level salary for ministers increased from $ 1.2 million to $ 1.6 million, and
2123-563: A government has the flexibility to appoint the right person to be the minister for finance, than to compel that government to select from whoever is available in the House." However, he added that the Government had no intention to appoint a Cabinet minister from among the NMPs at that time. In May 2009, then MP Hri Kumar proposed during a Parliamentary debate that this stand be reconsidered as
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#17327800434262316-416: A larger national bonus. His annual bonus where the targets for the indicators have been met will be six months' salary, and 12 months' salary where they have been greatly exceeded. This will lead to a reduction in the prime minister's annual salary of 28% to $ 2.2 million (about US$ 1.7 million). Lee Hsien Loong said that he accepted the committee's recommendations. He remains the best-paid head of government in
2509-422: A maximum bonus of six months' salary if the targets are greatly exceeded. This would result in a reduction of an M4-grade minister's annual salary by 31% of the 2010 figure to $ 1.1 million. Where the prime minister's remuneration was concerned, the Committee recommended that it be pegged to twice of a MR4-grade minister's salary and doing away with the fixed service bonus. Instead, the prime minister will receive
2702-444: A minister is not permitted to accept any favour of any kind from persons in negotiation with, or seeking to obtain any licence or enter into any contractual relations with, the Government, or to use official information that comes to him as a minister for his own private profit or the profit of any family member or associate. The president must declare the office of prime minister vacant if the prime minister resigns from office, or if
2895-402: A minister position. Tan See Leng was newly appointed into the cabinet as both a minister and second minister. On 6 June 2022, then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong announced his new Cabinet line-up and other political appointments on 6 June 2022. These changes took effect from 13 June 2022. Lawrence Wong was promoted to deputy prime minister and was appointed the acting prime minister in
3088-476: A minister. The prime minister and other ministers who make up the Cabinet do not vacate their offices upon a dissolution of Parliament, but continue in their posts until the first sitting of the next Parliament following a general election. The executive authority of Singapore is vested in the president and is exercisable by him or by the Cabinet of Singapore or any minister authorized by the Cabinet. However,
3281-466: A passenger emergency communications system which allows communication between passengers and the OCC. The trains have wide seats and dedicated space for wheelchair users. The trains are made of fire-resistant materials and include fire and smoke detectors and a fire barrier under its frame. They have a pair of beams ( rail guards ) which detect obstacles in the train's path; smaller debris is swept away, and
3474-458: A passenger service centre (PSC) on its concourse. The PSCs are generally curved, unlike the boxier designs of those in older MRT stations. In addition to assisting passengers and checking and topping up their fare cards, the PSC staff monitors and controls the functions of connecting tunnels and communicates with the OCC at the depot. When a station is used as a civil-defence (CD) shelter, the PSC becomes
3667-556: A plan to introduce dual speeds to escalators along the North–South and East–West lines, to make it safer for senior citizens using them. As a result, all escalators on the two lines, through a refurbishment programme, will be able to operate at a different speed of 0.5 m/s during off-peak hours, with completion being targeted for 2022. All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps and tactile guidance systems for
3860-678: A preference. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had considered other naming methods in June 2007, whether by name, colour or numbers. After the survey, however, the naming scheme was retained and used for subsequent future MRT lines. Except for the partly at-grade Bishan MRT station ( North–South Line ), the entirety of the MRT is either elevated or underground. Most below-ground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters . Mobile phone, 3G, 4G and 5G services are available in every part of
4053-580: A series of automated guideway transit networks localised to select suburban towns — collectively known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system — which, along with public buses , complement the mainline by providing a last mile link between MRT stations and HDB public housing estates . The MRT is the oldest, busiest, and most comprehensive metro system in Southeast Asia . Capital expenditure on its rail infrastructure reached
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#17327800434264246-499: A station interlocking system. The ATO drives the train in automatic mode, providing the traction and braking control demands to the train rolling stock system, adjusts its speed upon approaching the station, and provides the control of opening and closing of train and platform screen doors once the train has stopped at the station. The ATP ensures safe train separation by using the ATP track circuit status and by location determination, monitors
4439-610: A survey of 19 countries by the World Economic Forum magazine World Link had found that political leaders and senior civil servants of Singapore had the highest salaries. The pay of the Singapore prime minister (S$ 1.1 million, or US$ 812,858) was almost five times the average pay of the chief political executives of the nations surveyed (US$ 168,291). Senior civil servants were paid US$ 292,714, almost three times their counterparts' average pay. In August 2000, in view of
4632-451: A total of S$ 1 billion (US$ 3.5 billion). To construct the line, 20 ha (49 acres) of private land was acquired and 43 ha (110 acres) of government land was returned to the state. Several rental HDB blocks, private homes and shops were acquired, dismaying many affected residents. Those who had been asked to relocate in July 1996 requested more time to find new premises. Construction of
4825-518: A two-year contract for consultancy in November 1982. The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC)—later renamed SMRT Corporation—was established on 14 October 1983 and took over the roles and responsibilities of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority. On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North–South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres. Within
5018-422: A while ago, and that he had not been influenced by pressure arising from the announcement of the ministerial pay rise. In 2008, the annual salary for entry-level ministers was $ 1,924,300. In view of the worsening economic crisis in 2008–2009 , as of January 2009 the prime minister's salary was cut to $ 3.04 million, while the pay of ministerial-grade officers was reduced by 18% to $ 1.57 million. In November 2009,
5211-489: A year, 20 more stations had been added to the network and a direct service existed between Yishun and Lakeside stations, linking up Central Singapore to Jurong in the west by the end of 1988. The direct service was eventually split into the North–South and East–West lines after the latter's completion of the eastern sector to Tanah Merah station. By the end of 1990, the Branch line has further linked Choa Chu Kang to
5404-408: A year, but said it would be reasonable for the prime minister to be paid $ 2.4 million in view of his heavy responsibilities. The Government said that in three years it planned to raise the pay of the prime minister to $ 1.46 million and that of ministers to 60% of the benchmark, and in the "longer term" to $ 1.6 million and two-thirds of the benchmark respectively. In February 1996, it was reported that
5597-493: Is Singapore's third MRT line and the world's first fully-automated underground driverless heavy rail line. The NEL was planned during the 1980s to alleviate traffic congestion on roads leading to the northeast suburbs of the country. However, the project was delayed due to a lack of demand at that time. After the government's decision to eventually go ahead with the project at an estimated cost of S$ 5 billion, its alignment and stations were finalised in 1996 and construction began
5790-588: Is able to support bidirectional train operations on a single track, enabling trains to be diverted onto another track in the event of a fault on one track. The CBTC system also permits for improved braking performance in wet weather as compared to the original fixed-block ATC. All new MRT lines built since the North East Line in 2003 were equipped with CBTC from the outset, and have the capability to be completely driverless and automated, requiring no on-board staffing. Operations are monitored remotely from
5983-503: Is as follows: I, [ name ], being chosen and appointed as Prime Minister [ or Minister] of Singapore, do solemnly swear [ or affirm] that I will at all times faithfully discharge my duties as Prime Minister [ or Minister] according to law, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Cabinet members are prohibited from holding any office of profit or actively engaging in any commercial enterprise. In addition, they are required to comply with
North East MRT line - Misplaced Pages Continue
6176-874: Is coloured purple on official maps. The line has 16 stations from HarbourFront to Punggol. Eight stations (eventually nine upon completion of Cross Island line ) connect to other MRT/LRT lines. Punggol Coast, the seventeenth station on the line, is scheduled to open in 2024. A station designated "NE2", which was included in the 1991 master plan between HarbourFront and Outram Park, may be built if development warrants it. The NEL's rolling stock has six-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, with four doors per side on each carriage, and can accommodate up to 1,920 passengers per trainset. Twenty-five first-generation Alstom Metropolis C751A trains were ordered, built in France by Alstom in 2000 and 2001. An additional 18 second-generation Alstom Metropolis C751C trains, an updated version of
6369-712: Is currently used for the Downtown line . While major operations were shifted to the main Gali Batu Depot in 2015, the Tai Seng Facility Building resumed stabling operations with the extension of the Downtown line in 2017. It currently operates independently from Kim Chuan Depot. Gali Batu Depot is the first MRT depot in Singapore to achieve the certification of Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Gold. In August 2014, plans for
6562-592: Is done by issuing notifications that are published in the Government Gazette . For instance, the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Responsibility of senior minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, Prime Minister's Office) Notification 2009 states: It is hereby notified for general information that, pursuant to Article 30(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore,
6755-461: Is not an adequate mechanism to account for the burdens and responsibilities that come with the job." Rounding up the debate, then deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean said that under the WP's proposal for calculating ministerial salaries, the quantum achieved was similar to the sum proposed by the committee, and that in his view the WP had approved the three principles of the new system: the requirement for
6948-491: Is planned to begin operations in 2026, adding an additional 2.2 kilometres (1.4 miles) and 2 stations to the line, terminating at Sungei Bedok and interchanging with the Thomson–East Coast Line. Upon opening, the entire line will be 44 kilometres (27 miles) long and have 37 stations in total. A proposal has been further mooted to extend the line from Bukit Panjang towards Sungei Kadut which will interchange with
7141-463: Is the Cabinet that has the general direction and control of the Government. As Singapore follows the Westminster system of government, the legislative agenda of Parliament is determined by the Cabinet. At the start of each new Parliamentary session , the president gives an address prepared by the Cabinet that outlines what the Cabinet intends to achieve in the session. Under the Constitution,
7334-476: Is the world's first fully automated heavy-rail system. Its construction allowed the LTA to explore, integrate and implement new and existing technology as part of its vision of a fully-automated system. The line's automatic train control (ATC) is based on Alstom's MASTRIA software, which also manages its automatic train protection (ATP) and automatic train operation (ATO) GoA 4 (UTO). The Urbalis system also includes
7527-675: The Colonial Office were held from 1956 to 1958, and Singapore gained full internal self-government in 1959. The governor was replaced by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara , who had power to appoint to the post of prime minister the person most likely to command the authority of the Assembly, and other ministers of the Cabinet on the prime minister's advice. In the 1959 general elections , the People's Action Party (PAP) swept to power with 43 out of
7720-579: The Communications Ministry concluded that roads would be inadequate for projected traffic into the planned 21st-century housing estates. To minimise the impact on other development, the Ministry developed plans to determine which parcels of land would be needed for its construction. In December of that year, a British consultancy team consisting of Sir William Halcrow and Partners , Merz & McLellan and London Transport International
7913-602: The East Coast Integrated Depot , the world's first four-in-one train and bus depot were announced. It will be built at Tanah Merah beside the original Changi Depot site to serve the East–West , Downtown , and Thomson–East Coast lines. The new 36 ha depot can house about 220 trains and 550 buses and integrating the depot for both buses and trains will help save close to 66.12 acres (26.76 ha), or 60 football fields of land. The Tengah Depot for
North East MRT line - Misplaced Pages Continue
8106-700: The Jurong Region Line will be situated at the western perimeter of Tengah , and an additional depot facility will be added near Peng Kang Hill station to support the operations of the JRL. Rolling stock for the Jurong Region Line will be stabled at both facilities. Tengah Depot will house the JRL Operations Control Centre and have a bus depot integrated with it to optimise land use. The Changi East Depot will serve
8299-664: The National Fire Protection Association in the United States . Full-height platform screen doors were already installed in underground stations since 1987, supplied by Westinghouse . There were calls for platform screen doors to be installed at elevated stations after several incidents in which passengers were killed by oncoming trains when they fell onto the railway tracks at elevated stations. The authorities initially rejected such calls by casting doubts over functionality and concerns about
8492-554: The Parliament of Singapore but plays a minimal role in them. Executive power lies in the hands of the Cabinet , which is made up of the prime minister of Singapore (the head of government ) and other ministers. At the same time, the prime minister and ministers are also Members of Parliament (MPs). Following constitutional reforms in 1991, the office of president was transformed from an appointed to an elected post. Thus, both
8685-540: The Prime Minister's Office . Singapore's ministers are the highest paid in the world. Prior to a salary review in 2011, the prime minister's annual salary was S$ 3.07 million, while the pay of ministerial-level officers ranged between S$ 1.58 million and S$ 2.37 million. On 21 May 2011, a committee was appointed by the prime minister to review the salaries of the prime minister as well as the president, political appointment holders, and Members of Parliament. Following
8878-542: The executive branch of the Government of Singapore together with the president . It is led by the prime minister who is the head of government . The prime minister is a Member of Parliament (MP) appointed by the president who in the president's judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the Members of Parliament (MPs). The other ministers in the Cabinet are Members of Parliament appointed by
9071-482: The forested core and the rural northwestern region – in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system , averaging a daily ridership of 3.45 million in 2023. The MRT network encompasses approximately 241 km (150 mi) of grade-separated route on standard gauge . As of 2024, there are currently 141 operational stations dispersed across six operational lines arrayed in
9264-636: The governor of the Straits Settlements . It wielded no executive power. In 1955, a Council of Ministers was created, made up of three ex officio Official Members and six Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly of Singapore , appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the leader of the house . Following the general elections that year, David Saul Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore . Constitutional talks between Legislative Assembly representatives and
9457-461: The initialism MRT , is a rapid transit system in Singapore and the island country's principal mode of railway transportation . The system commenced operations in November 1987 after two decades of planning with an initial 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch consisting of five stations. The network has since grown to span the length and breadth of the country's main island – with the exception of
9650-428: The party Whip 's instructions. The Cabinet may not be summoned except by the authority of the prime minister. As far as is practicable, the prime minister is required to attend and preside at Cabinet meetings, but in his absence he may appoint another minister to preside. Whenever the prime minister is ill, absent from Singapore, or has been granted leave of absence from his duties, the functions conferred on him by
9843-478: The 1.6-kilometre (0.99-mile) extension would be moved up to 2023 in conjunction with development plans for the area. The contract for the extension was awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (Singapore Branch) in December, and construction began that month. Although tunneling was completed on 13 November 2020, transport minister Ong Ye Kung said at the tunnel breakthrough ceremony that
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#173278004342610036-436: The 51 seats in the Assembly, and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore. The executive branch of the Government of Singapore remained unchanged following Singapore's merger with Malaysia in 1963, and subsequent independence in 1965. Following the 2020 general election , a Cabinet reshuffle took place on 27 July 2020 for the "4G" leaders to experience different ministries with 37 political office holders,
10229-533: The Buangkok and Sengkang stations, is the service and storage area for NEL trains. Built by Hyundai Engineering and Construction for S$ 350 million (US$ 235.72 million), the 27 ha (67-acre) depot includes the OCC which monitors the line's train and station operations. The depot can accommodate up to 44 trains, with three additional stabling tracks being built for the NELe as of 2019. It also houses LRT trains for
10422-816: The C751A, were delivered to Singapore beginning in July 2014 and were built in Shanghai between 2014 and 2016. To increase the line extension's passenger capacity, an additional six third-generation Alstom Metropolis C851E trains were ordered. Built in Barcelona , the first trainset arrived in Singapore on 4 April 2021 and entered service on 28 July 2023. The automatic trains are controlled by an operations control centre (OCC) at Sengkang Depot . The fleet's brake systems permit smooth, quiet stopping. Train speeds can reach 100 km/h (62 mph). Safety features include closed-circuit television cameras for train interiors and
10615-570: The Cabinet from among the MPs, acting in accordance with the prime minister's advice. Any MP, including a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) or a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP), may be appointed a minister. Thus it is possible for a person who was not elected by voters to be appointed by Parliament as an NMP, then by the president as a minister. In 1990, then deputy prime minister Goh Chok Tong said in Parliament: "I would rather that
10808-425: The Cabinet is collectively responsible to Parliament. In theory, Parliament acts as a check on the power of the Cabinet as ministers are required to justify their actions and policies upon being questioned by MPs. However, in Singapore this is a weak check because the ruling People's Action Party holds a large Parliamentary majority, and party members who are MPs are required by party discipline to vote according to
11001-592: The Chief Minister and ministers' powers were ill-defined, and that the Official Members retained control of the finance, administration, and internal security and law portfolios. This led to confrontation between Marshall, who saw himself as a prime minister governing the country, and the Governor , Sir John Fearns Nicoll , who felt that important decisions and policies should remain with himself and
11194-481: The Christmas and New Year's Eve falls on the weekday, train frequencies will remain the same as weekdays only during morning peak whereas it will become 5 - 6 mins until 3pm and standardised to 5 min frequency throughout the whole period until the last train. Early stages of the MRT's construction paid scant attention to station design, with an emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. This is particularly evident in
11387-521: The Constitution are exercisable by any other minister authorized by the president. In general, the president must act in accordance with the prime minister's advice in appointing a minister for this purpose. However, the president may act in his own discretion if in his opinion it is impracticable to obtain the advice of the prime minister due to his illness or absence. The prime minister may, by giving written directions, charge any minister with responsibility for any department or subject. In practice, this
11580-830: The East–West Line with its own maintenance facility, while Mandai Depot services trains for the Thomson–East Coast line. The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle and Downtown lines, now jointly managed by the two MRT operators. SBS Transit has three depots: Sengkang Depot houses trains for the North East line , the Sengkang LRT line , and the Punggol LRT line . Tai Seng Facility Building , connected to and located east of Kim Chuan Depot ,
11773-498: The Founders' Memorial in 2028. In addition, this line and Canberra MRT station were the first to use top-up kiosks (TUK) that only allows cashless payments, while GTMs were retained for traditional modes of payment. In addition to the previously announced alignment of the Thomson–East Coast Line, an extension has been proposed to connect it to Changi Airport , with the line passing through Terminal 5 , and eventually absorbing
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#173278004342611966-509: The Government issued a white paper entitled Competitive Salaries for Competent & Honest Government which proposed that the salaries of ministers and civil servants be pegged at two-thirds the average principal earned income of the top four earners in six professions: accounting, banking, engineering, law, local manufacturing firms and multinational corporations. These professions were chosen because their top members had general management skills which ministers also had to have. According to
12159-525: The IAGO waveguide (Informatisation et Automatisation par Guide d'Onde or waveguide transmission line system for computer and automation applications) allows two-way communication between trains and monitors the trains' positions and movements. If a train enters the buffer, the ATP automatically adjusts the train's speed. At least 500 computer systems control the NEL. In case of a glitch, backup systems would take over;
12352-445: The LTA. Since it had to bear the costs of maintenance and manpower, SBS Transit sought compensation from the government for the delay. Except for two stations ( Buangkok and Woodleigh), the NEL began operations on 20 June 2003 and was attended by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong . About 140,000 people rode the line on its opening day. The line's opening ceremony was held on 28 August by Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong . Although
12545-611: The Leader of the House, who would be the leader of the largest political party or coalition of parties having majority support in the legislature. The recommendation was implemented in 1955. In the general election held that year, the Labour Front took a majority of the seats in the Assembly, and David Saul Marshall became the first Chief Minister of Singapore . Major problems with the Rendel Constitution were that
12738-538: The Marina Bay Extension on 14 January 2012. Stage 1 of Downtown line opened on 22 December 2013 with its official opening made on 21 December 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong . Stage 2 opened on 27 December 2015, after being officially opened on 26 December by Prime Minister Lee. The Tuas West Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Gul Circle , Tuas Crescent , Tuas West Road , and Tuas Link stations, opened on 18 June 2017. Stage 3,
12931-593: The Marina Line Architectural Design Competition, which was jointly organised by the Land Transport Authority and the Singapore Institute of Architects. The competition did not require any prior architectural experience from competitors and is acknowledged by the industry as one of the most impartial competitions held in Singapore to date. The winner of both stations was WOHA . In 2009, "Best Transport Building"
13124-683: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) were derived from a forecast by the country's planners back in 1967 which stated the need for a rail-based urban transport system by 1992. In 1972, a study was conducted by the American firms Wilbur Smith and Associates, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Tudor, and Bechtel, which was accounted for by the World Bank on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme . The study
13317-517: The NEL could be completed in 2002 if construction began promptly. It was projected to cost S$ 5 billion (US$ 3.5 billion) and would operate at a loss of S$ 250 million (US$ 176.4 million) during its first four years, with lower daily passenger numbers (240,000). The ministry recommended the construction of the NEL to the Cabinet , citing "wider benefits" such as reduced travelling time and reliance on cars. There's no question about our desire or willingness to bring this extension forward. I believe it's worth
13510-540: The NEL and NSL platforms. All NEL stations have lifts which provide step-free access to their platforms. Most of the lifts have glass doors, which improve appearance and enhance security. Each lift has a communications system, connected to the station's PSC. If a lift stalls during a station blackout, a battery-powered backup system provides lighting and ventilation for four hours. In compliance with Singapore's Code on Barrier-Free Accessibility, NEL stations have wheelchair-friendly facilities. Each station has an entrance that
13703-623: The NEL has experienced a few glitches since its opening, it has been reliable and generally well-received by commuters. The International Association of Public Transport called the NEL a model public-transport system for the future in July 2003, with other driverless systems planned around the world. SBS Transit reported in June 2004 that the line averaged one 15-minute delay every six weeks, compared to expected twice-a-week delays. Average daily ridership has risen to 174,000 in 2004, with highest at 268,000 during Lunar New Year celebrations on 3 January that year. On 17 June 2003, SBS Transit announced that
13896-602: The NEL tunnels and tracks are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains . There are four types of engineering trains: the locomotive, for towing wagons with equipment; the heavy crane vehicle, for changing tracks; the multi-function vehicle, for detecting flaws on rails and in tunnels; and the rail-grinding machine, for grinding rails back into shape. The engineering trains are manufactured by Plasser & Theurer , Speno , and Harsco Rail. A new fleet of engineering trains has been supplied by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive . The Sengkang Depot , located along Sengkang East Avenue between
14089-411: The NEL would be built earlier to address congestion in the northeast corridor, which would also be relieved by express bus service. The government's announcement during a 19 January parliamentary debate on the report that it had decided to build the NEL "immediately" was greeted with applause. The 16 NEL stations and their locations were announced on 4 March 1996. Many residents and politicians welcomed
14282-535: The NEL, which is powered by an overhead line . The NEL is Singapore's first Art-in-Transit line, with 18 artworks displayed across its 16 stations. The stations are wheelchair-accessible, and most of them are Civil Defence shelters designed to withstand airstrikes and chemical attacks. The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) first proposed an additional MRT line serving the northeastern areas of Punggol and Jalan Kayu in September 1984. In its preliminary studies,
14475-451: The NRFF, the LTA and SBS Transit will share the profits and financial risks in operating the line and the LTA will take control of its operating assets on 1 April 2033. SBS Transit will operate the line under a 15-year licence which will expire on 31 March 2033. As its name implies, the fully-underground 20-kilometre (12-mile) NEL runs from Singapore's city centre to the northeastern parts of
14668-546: The North–South Line. The extension is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. Stage 5 from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok is planned to be operational by 2026. The northern terminus of Woodlands North is expected to interchange with the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System for greater connectivity between Johor Bahru and Woodlands , while Founders' Memorial station is an infill station along Stage 4, scheduled to open in tandem with
14861-700: The Official Members. In 1956, members of the Legislative Assembly held constitutional talks with the Colonial Office in London. The talks broke down as Marshall did not agree to the British Government's proposal for the casting vote on a proposed Defence Council to be held by the British High Commissioner to Singapore, who would only exercise it in an emergency. Marshall resigned as Chief Minister in June 1956, and
15054-620: The PAP's 4G leader and the next prime minister. While Lee Hsien Loong , Teo Chee Hean , Tharman Shanmugaratnam , Ng Eng Hen , Vivian Balakrishnan , Grace Fu and K. Shanmugam retained their portfolios with no new appointments. Indranee Rajah was also reshuffled into a new ministry as second minister while maintaining her role as minister in the Prime Minister's Office as of 15 May 2021. Maliki Osman and Edwin Tong were both promoted to
15247-608: The Prime Minister has directed that Mr S. Jayakumar shall, with effect from 1 April 2009, be charged with the responsibility for the following matters: and that he shall be designated as Senior Minister and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security. Ministers may be designated by the prime minister to be in charge of particular ministries , or as ministers in the Prime Minister's Office . Such ministers were formerly known as ministers without portfolio . The prime minister may retain any department or subject in his charge. When Singapore gained its independence from Malaysia in 1965,
15440-520: The Public Service Division announced that pay increments would be deferred for a second time in 2010 because of the uncertain economic recovery. A minister's 2009 salary of $ 1,494,700 per year was therefore 22% lower than the salary received in 2008. As at 31 December 2010, the remuneration of ministers depended on which ministerial grade – from the lowest to the highest, MR4, MR3, MR2 or MR1 – they were at. Each minister's pay package
15633-550: The Punggol Coast station's completion would be delayed until 2024 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic . In June and July 2024, NEL operations began later at 8 am on Sundays to integrate testing and commissioning works with the new station. On 10 October 2024, the LTA announced that the station would open on 10 December 2024. In 2022, the NEL had a daily ridership of 527,000. The line operates between 5:30 am and 12:30 am. On weekdays and Saturdays,
15826-527: The Sengkang and Punggol LRT lines above the depot. Its facilities include a four-storey administrative building, maintenance bays, a workshop and an automated warehouse. The depot's workshop has equipment which can raise an entire train for repairs, Singapore's first such workshop. Using the NEL's signalling system, train movement in the depot is mainly automatic. Staff members access the area via three dedicated tunnels for safety reasons. The OCC also controls
16019-653: The Singapore Constitution, the court found that the phrase ceased to command the confidence of a majority of the Members of Parliament was a term of art which had to be signified by a formal vote of no confidence taken by the legislature. In contrast, a Sabah court held in Datuk Amir Kahar v. Tun Mohd Said bin Keruak, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah that loss of confidence could be assessed on
16212-604: The Singapore Government. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong , the Supreme Head of State of Malaysia, also ceased to be the Supreme Head of Singapore and relinquished his sovereignty, jurisdiction, power and authority, executive or otherwise in respect of Singapore, which revested in the Yang di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore. The Republic of Singapore Independence Act 1965 then vested the executive authority of Singapore in
16405-492: The Singapore economy's growth of almost 10% led by a rapid increase in exports, the salary of the prime minister was increased by 14% and those of other ministers by 12%. In response to public disquiet, Goh Chok Tong said that, spread across the population, the rises amounted to about $ 11 per person, equivalent to "about five plates of char kway teow [fried noodles with cockles ] per Singaporean". Subsequently, in late 2001, when Singapore experienced its worst recession in
16598-464: The Singapore northeast area. Residents around the line were upset by the sudden decision to keep Buangkok station closed, since they had been assured by MPs and grassroots leaders that it would be opened. The government initially stood by SBS Transit's decision to keep the station closed, planning to open it in 2006 when more residential flats would be in the area. The opening was further postponed to 2008, following projected housing-development plans for
16791-659: The Whampoa and Kallang Rivers before reaching Potong Pasir. Between the Potong Pasir and Kovan stations, the NEL parallels Upper Serangoon Road before curving north to Hougang station . The line then runs along Hougang Avenue 6 and Sengkang Central to Sengkang station in Sengkang and its terminus in Punggol . The NEL is expected to continue towards the Punggol Coast station in 2024, curving east past Punggol. The line
16984-551: The Woodlands extension, unlike in the northeast, where the low population meant that the NEL would not be as cost-effective. The four Members of Parliament (MPs) for the northeast called for the line to be built sooner, saying that there would be sufficient demand (given the area's population) and it would relieve traffic congestion. Reviewing the line's feasibility, the Communications Ministry said in 1995 that
17177-601: The Woodleigh and Buangkok stations would not open with the other NEL stations. Due to the lack of development, the operator said keeping the stations closed would reduce operating costs by S$ 2–3 million. At the time, housing demand declined due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the economic downturn following the September 11 attacks . Consequently, the Housing and Development Board cut back on its development plans in
17370-478: The absence of the prime minister and will continue as Minister for Finance. Lee Hsien Loong resigned from the office of the prime minister in 15 May 2024, and Lawrence Wong succeeded him as the 4th prime minister. On 18 January 2024, S. Iswaran was charged in the State Courts of Singapore with 27 charges relating to bribery and corruption and S. Iswaran resigned. Lee Hsien Loong appointed Chee Hong Tat as
17563-476: The adjacent Serangoon station . Others alighted to view the station's interior or try an alternative route from the station. On 17 January 2013, transport minister Lui Tuck Yew announced a one-station extension of the NEL to serve upcoming developments in Punggol North. Although it was initially planned to extend the line by 2030, Second Minister for Transport Ng Chee Meng announced on 7 June 2017 that
17756-414: The announcement, since the line was expected to relieve traffic congestion, improve transport in the northeast and stimulate development around the stations. Thirteen civil contracts for track work and construction of the stations, Sengkang Depot and associated tunnels were awarded for a total of S$ 2.8 billion (US$ 1.9 billion). Sixteen more contracts related to electrical and mechanical work were awarded for
17949-477: The area. In August 2005, during a visit by youth minister Vivian Balakrishnan visit to Punggol South, eight white cardboard elephants were put up in protest, and a grass-roots leader was sternly warned after a police investigation into the incident. Following another evaluation by the LTA, SBS Transit announced at the end of 2005 that it would open the station on 15 January 2006. The Buangkok station opened as scheduled "with much fanfare". Since its opening, however,
18142-482: The assets owned by the Land Transport Authority , a statutory board of the Government of Singapore . The network was planned to be constructed and opened in stages, even as plans had already indicated the decision for two main arterial lines. The North–South Line was given priority because it passed through the Central Area that has a high demand for public transport. De Leuw Cather was appointed to undertake
18335-459: The automated system. However, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in September 2002 that the line might be opened in April 2003 to allow sufficient time for testing. The line's systems were handed over to SBS Transit on 16 December, and the operator conducted further tests. The NEL's opening was delayed until June due to a glitch in the signalling system, however, with tests briefly handed over to
18528-419: The basis of evidence other than a legislative vote. This might include, for instance, media reports or letters addressed to the president. Other Cabinet ministers must vacate their office if they resign, or if their appointments are revoked by the president acting in accordance with the advice of the prime minister. People who vacate their office as minister may, if qualified, be subsequently appointed again as
18721-410: The bonus should be made up of the national bonus, and the remaining third based on the individual's performance, which should be determined according to key performance indicators fixed for each ministry at the start of a new government's term. Moreover, only a portion of bonuses should be paid at the end of each year. Payment of the remainder should be deferred until the end of the government's term. If
18914-515: The chairmanship of Sir George William Rendel , which had been appointed to comprehensively review the constitution of the Colony of Singapore, rendered its report. Among other things, it recommended that a Council of Ministers be created, composed of three ex officio Official Members and six Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly of Singapore appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of
19107-408: The colony full internal self-government. Under Singapore's new constitution which came into force on 3 June 1959, the Governor was replaced by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara (Head of State), who had power to appoint as prime minister the person most likely to command the authority of the Legislative Assembly, and other ministers of the Cabinet on the prime minister's advice. The Constitution also created
19300-427: The command centre. Each NEL station is equipped with "energy-smart" Otis escalators connecting its levels. Their speed is reduced by half when not in use, reducing energy consumption and wear and tear. The Woodleigh station has one of the longest sets of escalators at 38.5 metres (126 ft). In addition to escalators, Dhoby Ghaut is the first MRT station with a set of 55-metre (180 ft) travellators which link
19493-418: The deaths of four workers. On 15 November 2017, two trains, one being empty, collided at low speed at Joo Koon station due to a malfunction with the communications-based train control (CBTC). Prior to the 2020 circuit breaker measures during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic , the public transport operators and LTA were criticised by some commuters for its delayed actions of crowd control and
19686-556: The dissolution of Parliament. This gives the former prime minister the opportunity to consolidate support by receiving a fresh mandate at the polls. At present, it is not clear what evidence the president may rely on to be satisfied that the prime minister has ceased to command the confidence of a majority of MPs, as the Singapore courts have not yet had to decide the issue. In the Sarawak case of Stephen Kalong Ningkan v. Tun Abang Haji Openg , decided on provisions similar to those in
19879-517: The doors and are operational. These doors prevent suicides and unauthorised access to restricted areas. There were a few major incidents in the history of the MRT, which opened in 1987. On 5 August 1993, two trains collided at Clementi station because of an oil spillage on the track, which resulted in 132 injuries. During the construction of the Circle Line on 20 April 2004, a tunnel being constructed under Nicoll Highway collapsed and led to
20072-675: The early network is elevated above ground on concrete viaducts , with a small portion running at-grade; newer lines are largely subterranean, incorporating several of the lengthiest continuous subway tunnel sections in the world. A number of underground stations double as purpose-built air raid shelters under the operational authority of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF); these stations incorporate deep-level station boxes cast with hardened concrete and blast doors fashioned out of reinforced steel to withstand conventional aerial and chemical ordnance. The origins of
20265-562: The effort. It's worth doing. I believe residents will show their commitment and willingness to help us bring the gap in operating costs. – Mah Bow Tan, engaging with grassroots leaders at the Punggol Community Club on 22 October 1995 Mah, engaging with grassroots leaders in October 1995, said that residents would have to be prepared to pay higher fares on the NEL to cover the line's cost and initial losses. His position
20458-403: The elderly and disabled. A retrofitting programme was completed in 2006, with every station provided with at least one barrier-free access route. Over the years, additional barrier-free facilities have been constructed in stations. Since 2020, newer MRT stations have been fitted with a minimum of two lifts. Operators and authorities have stated that numerous measures had been taken to ensure
20651-468: The electorate at elections." Critics have commented that adopting the practice would disenchant Singaporeans, deepen the already parochial political culture, and lead to a lack of accountability and legitimacy. Before entering on the duties of their office, the prime minister and other ministers must take and subscribe (sign) the Oath of Allegiance and an oath for the due execution of their offices before
20844-484: The enforcement of social distancing on public transport. In response, the LTA rolled out a series of precautionary measures, such as social distancing measures and making the wearing of masks in public transport mandatory. Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adhere to; enforced by auxiliary officers and transport ambassadors. The significant reduction of commuters as remote work increased resulted in
21037-428: The equipment and systems of tunnels, stations, power substations and the depot, which are integrated into one terminal. The systems are managed by four or five rotating teams working around the clock. Alongside a training and software-development room, the OCC has a depot control centre to monitor and supervise its operations. The NEL is fully automatic, using Alstom's Urbalis 300 moving-block signalling system. The NEL
21230-421: The exception of selected periods, such as New Year's Eve , Chinese New Year , Deepavali , Hari Raya , Christmas , eves of public holidays and special occasions such as the state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew (2015), when most of the lines stay open throughout the night or extended till later (before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020). Additionally, some stretches of the line end earlier, open later and close on
21423-518: The executive branch of the Singapore Government remained largely unchanged, although now it governed a state within a larger federation . However, with effect from 9 August 1965, Singapore left the Federation of Malaysia and became a fully independent republic . On separation from Malaysia, the Singapore Government retained its executive authority, and the executive authority of the Parliament of Malaysia ceased to extend to Singapore and vested in
21616-614: The existing Changi Airport branch on the East–West Line . With such an extension, there would be a direct connection between Changi Airport and the city. This extension is expected to start operating by 2040. Tunneling works are tendered out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Corporation was awarded with the tunneling package for Terminal 5. Cabinet of Singapore [REDACTED] The Cabinet of Singapore forms
21809-548: The final stage of the Downtown Line, opened on 21 October 2017 with its official opening made on 20 October 2017 by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan . The second infill station, Canberra station opened on 2 November 2019. Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 31 January 2020. Stage 2 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 28 August 2021, extending
22002-546: The first few stages of the North–South and East–West lines that opened between 1987 and 1988 from Yio Chu Kang to Clementi . An exception to this was Orchard , chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and built initially with a domed roof. Architectural themes became more important only in subsequent stages, and resulted in such designs as the cylindrical station shapes on all stations between Kallang and Pasir Ris except Eunos , and west of Boon Lay , and
22195-577: The first line operated by SBS Transit, opened on 20 June 2003, is one of the first fully automated heavy rail lines in the world. On 15 January 2006, after intense two-and-a-half years lobbying by the public, Buangkok station was opened, followed by Woodleigh station much later on 20 June 2011. The Boon Lay Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon stations, opened on 28 February 2009. The Circle Line opened in four stages with Stage 3 on 28 May 2009, Stages 1 and 2 on 17 April 2010, Stages 4 and 5 on 8 October 2011 and
22388-408: The first train leaves Punggol (the northern terminus) at 5:42 am; the last train leaves HarbourFront (the southern terminus) at 11:56 pm. Trains run every 2.5 to 5 minutes, and the line's total travel time is 32 minutes. The NEL initially had a higher fare than the North–South and East–West lines due to greater operating costs. On 30 December 2016, however, fares were lowered to match
22581-535: The future Cross Island Line , and the depot is to be placed at the eastern end of the line. A Singapore Rail Test Centre (formerly known as Integrated Train Testing Centre) with several test tracks for different situations and workshops for maintenance and refurbishment is also to be built at Tuas by 2022, with the main function being to test trains and integrated systems robustly before they are deployed on operational lines. The following table lists
22774-581: The government's intentions for the future of the transport network in Singapore. The latest plan, the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, was announced on 25 May 2019, and provides for line extensions to the Downtown and Thomson–East Coast lines, a new MRT line under study, and 2 new stations on the North–South Line . Hume is an infill station between Hillview and Beauty World and expected to open by 2025. An extension from Expo
22967-400: The government's intentions to greatly expand the system. It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030. It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time. New lines and extensions are mostly announced as part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which is announced every five years and outlines
23160-563: The grounds that the salaries had to keep pace with those in the private sector to attract the best talent and to avoid corruption. Teo Chee Hean , the then Minister for Defence and minister in charge of the civil service, was reported as saying: "We don't want pay to be the reason for people to join [the government]. But we also don't want pay to be the reason for them not to join us, or to leave after joining us." The increases sparked much debate both in and out of Parliament, with many people seeing ministerial pay as already being too high. During
23353-421: The high installation costs. Nevertheless, the LTA reversed its decision and made plans to install half-height platform screen doors in all elevated stations on 25 January 2008. The first platform screen doors by ST Electronics were installed at Jurong East , Pasir Ris , and Yishun stations in 2009 under trials to test their feasibility. By 14 March 2012, all elevated stations have been retrofitted with
23546-421: The horizontal integration of the broader public transportation network. The MRT is fully automated and has an extensive driverless rapid transit system . Asset renewal works are periodically carried out to modernise the network and ensure its continued reliability; all stations feature platform screen doors , Wi-Fi connectivity , lifts , climate control , and accessibility provisions, among others. Much of
23739-506: The initial construction of the system. An MRT System Designs Option Study was also conducted to refine the technical details and the recommended measures for the MRT system - these include: Singapore's MRT infrastructure is built, operated, and managed in accordance with a hybridised quasi- nationalised regulatory framework called the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF), in which the lines are constructed and
23932-702: The inter-modal integration desired by the government. Construction challenges on the line included diverting the Eu Tong Seng canal for construction of the Chinatown station , and avoiding flooding the tunnels and stations while boring tunnels under the Singapore River between the Clarke Quay and Dhoby Ghaut stations. At the Outram Park station, an arched roof of cement-filled steel pipes
24125-505: The introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network. On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation. The Expo and Changi Airport stations were opened on 10 January 2001 and 8 February 2002 respectively. The very first infill station of the MRT network to be built on an existing line, Dover station opened on 18 October 2001. The North East Line ,
24318-432: The island. The line goes northeast from HarbourFront station, paralleling New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Street in Chinatown between the Outram Park and Clarke Quay stations. Passing under the Singapore River and Fort Canning Hill to Dhoby Ghaut station, it continues north to Little India station under Bukit Timah Road. Following Race Course Road and Serangoon Road through Little India and Boon Keng , it crosses
24511-418: The length of the station platform. This complements a smaller 40-metre reflective stainless-steel disc overlapping the titanium ellipse and visually floats over a glass elevator shaft and the main entrance. The other station with similar architecture is Dover . Changi Airport station, the easternmost station on the MRT network, has the widest platform in any underground MRT station in Singapore. In 2011, it
24704-416: The line began with a groundbreaking ceremony at Farrer Park station on 25 November 1997. On 20 May 1999, SBS Transit (then Singapore Bus Service) was appointed to operate the line along with the Sengkang and Punggol LRT systems. With bus operations in the area handed over from Trans-Island Bus Services (TIBS) to the newly-appointed operator, SBS controlled northeastern bus and rail service; this provided
24897-472: The line from Woodlands South to Caldecott. Stage 3 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 13 November 2022, extending the line from Caldecott to Gardens by the Bay. On 23 June 2024, the line was extended eastwards terminating at Bayshore. The lines are named based on their directions and/or locations. The names were envisioned to be user-friendly, as shown in a survey in which 70% of the respondents expressed such
25090-405: The line in the city would be underground, and the northern portion after Braddell Road would be elevated. The MRTC, which approved the project in October 1986, proposed that the line link to Bishan Depot (which would maintain and service its trains). In February 1991, it was proposed to extend the line to Pulau Tekong via Pulau Ubin to serve future residential and industrial developments in
25283-560: The long-term plans for these islands. Although the government approved the NEL "in principle" in January 1989, Communications Minister Yeo Ning Hong said that the line's construction was dependent on development in the northeast. The Woodlands extension , which cost S$ 1.35 billion (US$ 0.7 billion), took precedence over the S$ 4.3 billion (US$ 2.4 billion) NEL. According to Yeo's successor, Mah Bow Tan, there were firmer plans for development around
25476-405: The major ones, have additional amenities and services, such as retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services. Most heavy-duty escalators at stations carry passengers up or down at a rate of 0.75 m/s, which is 50% faster than conventional escalators. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced
25669-446: The minister's performance is poor, some of the withheld bonus should be clawed back . The WP's proposal was criticized by a number of PAP MPs. Then senior Minister of State for Health Amy Khor expressed the view that "[p]olitical service is much more than public service. Civil servants are not subject to the votes of citizens nor do they need to carry the ground in policymaking. ... Pegging ministerial salaries to civil service salaries
25862-422: The moral standing to defend this policy with Singaporeans, I will hold my own salary at the present level for five years. The government will pay me my full salary, because that is the way the system will have to work, but for five years, whatever the increase in the salary above its present level, I will donate to suitable good causes." The following day, it was clarified that the Prime Minister had decided to do so
26055-550: The network while the inauguration of Boon Lay station on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the initial system two years ahead of schedule. The MRT has been continuously expanded ever since. On 10 February 1996, a S$ 1.2 billion expansion of the North–South Line into Woodlands was completed, merging the Branch Line into the North–South Line and joining Yishun and Choa Chu Kang stations. The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to
26248-417: The network. Underground stations and trains are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed. Every station is equipped with Top Up Kiosk (TUKs), a Passenger Service Centre and LED or plasma displays that show train service information and announcements. All stations are equipped with restrooms and payphones; some restrooms are located at street level. Some stations, especially
26441-691: The new Minister of Transport . Up to the outbreak of World War II , Singapore was part of the Crown colony known as the Straits Settlements together with Malacca and Penang . The earliest predecessor of the Cabinet was arguably the Executive Council of the Straits Settlements that was introduced in 1877 by letters patent issued by the Crown , though its function was very different from that of today's Cabinet. The council, which
26634-489: The newly created post of president, and made it exercisable by him or by the Cabinet or by any minister authorized by the Cabinet. Singapore inherited a Westminster system of government from the British . In such systems, there is an overlap between the executive and legislative branches of government. The head of state , who is the president of Singapore , is a member of both the executive Government of Singapore and
26827-437: The operations control centre of the respective lines. Trains are equipped with intercoms to allow passengers to communicate with staff during emergencies. SMRT Corporation has six train depots: Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot for the North–South Line with train overhaul facilities, while Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight. The newer Tuas Depot , opened in 2017, provides
27020-506: The other lines with a "purely distance-based approach". This revision, made after a fare review by the Public Transport Council , was intended to minimise commuter confusion. The first line operated by SBS Transit, the NEL has been part of the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF) since 2018. Previously, the operator (the owner of the rail assets) had to bear the cost of maintaining and upgrading trains and signalling. Under
27213-495: The pay of the president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Attorney-General, Chairman of the Public Service Commission and judges. Following Parliamentary approval of the white paper in November 1994, the Government established an independent panel to examine the benchmark for the prime minister's salary. The panel's report, released in January 1995, recommended that the benchmark be about $ 1.6 million
27406-405: The pay to be competitive, recognition of the ethos of political service, and the desirability of a "clean wage" system (that is, one in which ministers do not receive additional benefits such as housing and medical allowances). PAP MPs then voted to endorse the committee's proposals. On 26 March 2012, the Public Service Division of the Prime Minister's Office announced that the fixed component of
27599-538: The perched roofs at Boon Lay, Lakeside , Chinese Garden , Bukit Batok , Bukit Gombak , Choa Chu Kang , Khatib , Yishun , and Eunos stations. Expo station , located on the Changi Airport branch of the East–West Line , is adjacent to the 100,000-square-metre Singapore Expo exhibition facility. Designed by Foster and Partners and completed in January 2001, the station features a large, pillarless, titanium-clad roof in an elliptical shape that sheathes
27792-691: The position of the Workers' Party , Chen Show Mao said that the basic monthly salary of an MP should be $ 11,000, the pay of an MX9-grade director in the Management Executive Scheme of the Civil Service. A minister should be paid five times this sum ($ 55,000), and the prime minister nine times ($ 99,000). then NCMP Gerald Giam said that ministers should obtain an average annual bonus of three months of their base salaries, and in any case no more than five months' bonus. Two-thirds of
27985-552: The post of the British High Commissioner, who was entitled to receive the agenda of each Cabinet meeting and to see all Cabinet papers. In the 1959 general elections , the People's Action Party (PAP) swept to power with 43 out of the 51 seats in the Assembly, and Lee Kuan Yew became the first prime minister of Singapore. Nine other ministers were appointed to the Cabinet. The British High Commissioner's role became that of an ambassador following Singapore's independence from Britain and merger with Malaysia in 1963. Apart from that
28178-473: The president acting in accordance with the advice of the prime minister. Ministers are prohibited from holding any office of profit and from actively engaging in any commercial enterprise. The Cabinet has the general direction and control of the Government and is collectively responsible to Parliament. It also has significant influence over lawmaking. Ministers may be designated by the prime minister to be in charge of particular ministries , or as ministers in
28371-458: The president and MPs are elected to their posts by the citizens of Singapore in separate elections . The president appoints as prime minister an MP who is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the MPs. In practice, the prime minister is usually the leader of the political party holding the majority of the seats in Parliament. The president also appoints other ministers to
28564-402: The president normally plays a nominal and largely ceremonial role in the executive branch of government. Although the president acts in his personal discretion in the exercise of certain functions as a check on the Cabinet and Parliament of Singapore, he is otherwise required to act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet or of a minister acting under the general authority of the Cabinet. It
28757-448: The president, acting in his discretion, is satisfied that the prime minister has ceased to command the confidence of a majority of the MPs. In the latter situation, the president is required first to inform the prime minister of his evaluation in this regard, and if the prime minister requests him to, the president may dissolve Parliament instead of making a declaration of vacancy. A general election must be held within three months after
28950-467: The president. The Oath of Allegiance reads as follows: I, [ name ], having been appointed to the office of [ name of office ], do solemnly swear [ or affirm] that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republic of Singapore and that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore . The oath for the due execution of the office of prime minister or a minister
29143-469: The prime minister would be able to draw on the experience of many capable Singaporeans. He expressed the view that this would not offend democratic principles. Singapore's Parliamentary system placed more weight on the party in power rather than individual MPs, and "Parliamentarians must still win the support from the ground and, ultimately, the PM and the ruling party and his Cabinet team will still be answerable to
29336-426: The prime minister's monthly salary was based on that of the chief minister when Singapore was still a British colony, and was fixed at S$ 3,500 (equivalent to $ 14,867 in 2022). The monthly salary was not adjusted until 1973, when ministerial pay was revised and the prime minister's salary was increased to S$ 9,500 (equivalent to $ 40,353 in 2022) a month. The justification given by then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew
29529-418: The programme due to financial grounds and concerns of jobs saturation in the construction industry. Dr Goh instead endorsed the idea of an all-bus system recommended by Harvard University specialists, who argued this would reduce the cost by 50% compared to the proposed MRT system. Public opinion was split on the matter: several expressed concerns about the high cost while others were more focused on increasing
29722-609: The public service. In such urgent cases, the Governor had to inform the Council of the measures he had taken. Following the Second World War, the Straits Settlements were disbanded and Singapore became a Crown colony in its own right. The reconstituted Executive Council consisted of six officials and four nominated "unofficials". In February 1954, the Rendel Constitutional Commission under
29915-401: The rate was below 2%, and a maximum bonus of eight months' salary was paid if the rate was 10% or greater. In addition, ministers received the same medical benefits as civil servants. In 2010, the benchmark annual remuneration for an MR4-grade minister was $ 2,598,004, while the actual salary paid was $ 1,583,900. An MR1-grade minister's salary was $ 2,368,500. The annual pay of the prime minister
30108-403: The real median income growth rate (that is, the growth rate taking inflation into account), the real growth rate of the incomes of the lowest 20th percentile earners, the unemployment rate , and the real GDP growth rate. As regards the latter, no bonus will be paid if the minimum targets for the indicators are not met. A bonus of three months' salary will be paid if the targets are met, and
30301-428: The recommendations of a LTA working group set up to improve accessibility on the MRT network. Associations representing the disabled were also consulted. The group completed its findings in 1999; only some of its recommendations had been adopted by 2003, since station infrastructure was nearly completed by then. Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore) [REDACTED] The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by
30494-433: The recommended wage reductions by the committee which were then debated and subsequently accepted in Parliament, the prime minister's salary was reduced by 36% (includes the removal of his pension) to S$ 2.2 million. Nonetheless, the prime minister remains the highest-paid political leader in the world. The earliest predecessor of the Cabinet was the Executive Council of the Straits Settlements , introduced in 1877 to advise
30687-400: The safety of passengers, and SBS Transit publicised the safety precautions on the driverless North East Line before and after its opening. Safety campaign posters are highly visible in trains and stations, and the operators frequently broadcast safety announcements to passengers and to commuters waiting for trains. Fire safety standards are consistent and equivalent with the guidelines of
30880-436: The salary of a political appointment holder would be 13 months of his or her monthly salary. For 2011, the annual variable component of the salary would be 1.25 months plus $ 250, while the national bonus would be 2.625 months though appointment holders would receive a pro rata amount of 1.618 months' pay as the new salaries took effect from 21 May 2011 when the Cabinet was appointed following the general election. The targets for
31073-478: The same number as the previous Cabinet. Heng Swee Keat was assigned an additional role as Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies while maintaining his other appointments as Minister for Finance and deputy prime minister. Gan Kim Yong , Ong Ye Kung , Josephine Teo , Lawrence Wong , S. Iswaran and Chan Chun Sing were reshuffled into new portfolios as minister. Tan See Leng was appointed as Minister for Manpower after Heng Swee Keat ruled himself out as
31266-597: The signalling system on the MRT is the automatic train control (ATC) system, which in turn is made up of two sub-systems: the automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train protection (ATP). The ATC has trackside and trainborne components working together to provide safe train separation by using train detection, localisation, and end of authority protection. It also provides safe train operation and movement by using train speed determination, monitoring, over-speed protection and emergency braking. The safety of alighting and departing passengers will also be provided by using
31459-430: The speed of the train to maintain safe braking distance, and initiate emergency braking in the event of overspeed. The MRT also uses an automatic train supervision system to supervise the overall operation of the train service according to a prescribed timetable or train interval. The oldest lines, the North–South Line and East–West Line , were the only lines running with fixed block signalling . The North–South Line
31652-403: The standard of living. Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, Communications Minister Ong Teng Cheong came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, as it would have to compete for road space in a land-scarce country. Ong was an architect and town planner by training and through his perseverance and dedication became the main figure behind
31845-415: The station averaged only 1,386 daily riders instead of the expected 6,000. Many residents still traveled to the adjacent Sengkang and Hougang stations due to their amenities. SBS Transit, after saying that it was still "too early to draw a conclusion" about ridership, remained committed to keeping the station open to serve future developments nearby. Woodleigh station, built near the former Bidadari cemetery,
32038-435: The station sites. It was later decided to build these stations in full as it would have been more costly to wait until later to complete the stations from the structural shells. In 1998, the timeline for Punggol station was moved up because of planned housing developments in the area. The decision not to build Sennett station generated political controversy, however, with claims by residents and opposition MP Chiam See Tong that
32231-445: The station would only open if the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) secured the constituency. In 2002, after a revised ridership study, the government decided to open the station with the other NEL stations due to projected developments around the site; the station also received its present name. The NEL was initially expected to be completed by the end of 2002, with SBS staff trained in train maintenance and other technical aspects of
32424-481: The stations' interior architecture, these works aim to promote the appreciation of public art in high-traffic environments. The artwork for each station is designed to suit the station's identity. Subsequently, all stations on the North East, Circle and Downtown lines have taken part in this programme during their construction, with additional artworks installed at stations on other MRT lines. A key component of
32617-467: The system would "go to sleep" if it experiences a severe malfunction. In the event of system failure, drivers would be deployed to manually operate the trains. The NEL maintains its " mean kilometres between failures " target of one million train-km (620,000 train-miles). As part of an NEL refurbishment programme announced on 17 December 2018, parts of the power and signalling systems were serviced and new rail crossings and tracks installed. Every station has
32810-501: The top 1,000 wage earners who are Singapore citizens , with a 40% discount "to signify the sacrifice that comes with the ethos of political service". It also recommended removing the special allowance and public service leadership allowance; capping performance bonuses at six months' salary (with good performers generally receiving three months' salary); and replacing the GDP bonus with a national bonus based on four equally weighted indicators:
33003-460: The train automatically stops if the beams detect larger objects. A 1,500V overhead catenary system (OCS) powers the trains, the MRT network's first electrical system of that type. The OCS provides a safer environment for maintenance workers on the tracks and is less expensive, with a smaller conductor . In an emergency when the train is stopped, the doors on both sides can be opened easily without electricity and ramps lower for passenger evacuation in
33196-492: The transport operators reducing train frequencies and closing stations earlier from 17 April. However, train frequencies were shortly reverted to normal upon review and feedback from the public. Since June 2020, the MRT system has resumed pre-circuit breaker operations. Regulations for social distancing on public transport are no longer applicable by law. Social distancing stickers on seats have been removed. MRT lines operate from 5:30 am to 1:00 am daily, with
33389-401: The tunnels. In 2019, the first-generation trains began undergoing a mid-life refurbishment which is scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2024. Upgrades include the replacement of interior parts and the installation of a new condition-monitoring system which will monitor train performance. The first refurbished train re-entered service on 28 February 2022. With the passenger trains,
33582-454: The upcoming lines and stations that have been officially announced: The MRT system relied on its two main lines, the North–South and East–West lines, for more than a decade until the opening of the North East Line in 2003. While plans for these lines as well as those currently under construction were formulated long before, the Land Transport Authority's publication of a White Paper titled " A World Class Land Transport System " in 1996 galvanised
33775-441: The white paper, the one-third "discount" would be "a visible demonstration of the sacrifice involved in becoming a minister". Although "[s]alaries should never be the motivation for persons to become ministers", the financial sacrifice had to be minimized if outstanding and committed Singaporeans were to be encouraged to take on the "risks and public responsibilities of a political career". The benchmark would also be used to determine
33968-501: The world, his proposed annual pay package exceeding that of the then Chief Executive of Hong Kong Sir Donald Tsang , the political leader with the second-highest salary in the world (around US$ 550,000), by about three times; and that of then president of the United States Barack Obama (US$ 400,000) by over four times. The committee's report was discussed in Parliament from 16 to 18 January 2012. Setting out
34161-520: The year after. The line began operations on 20 June 2003. Two mid-line stations initially did not open with the rest of the line; Buangkok station opened on 15 January 2006, and Woodleigh station began operations on 20 June 2011. A one-station extension to Punggol Coast station , under construction, is expected to be open on December 10, 2024. The driverless line uses the moving-block Alstom Urbalis 300 CBTC signalling system. Three types of Alstom rolling stock – C751A , C751C and C851E – run on
34354-530: Was appointed by the MRTC to look into possible routes for the line. In March 1986, the British consultants drew up a tentative route from Outram Park to Punggol. The line would connect to the existing MRT system at Dhoby Ghaut station and pass through Kandang Kerbau and Hougang , paralleling the major Serangoon and Upper Serangoon Roads. A branch line from Hougang to Jalan Kayu was also proposed. The segment of
34547-538: Was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival for their design of Bras Basah station. Many MRT stations have specially commissioned artworks in a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including sculptures, murals and mosaics. With over 300 art pieces across 80 stations, it is Singapore's largest public art programme. In the early stages of the MRT, artworks were seldom included; primarily consisting of
34740-481: Was built with barrier-free access via lifts and ramps, in contrast to older stations on previous lines which are being retrofitted. The NEL has the MRT's first tactile system. Consisting of tiles with raised rounded or elongated studs, the system intends to guide visually-impaired commuters through a station on a dedicated route from entrance to platforms. Station seats have armrests to assist those who have difficulty getting up. These accessibility features were part of
34933-477: Was composed of "such persons and constituted in such manner as may be directed" by royal instructions, existed to advise the Governor of the Straits Settlements and wielded no executive power (including the Colonial Secretary ). The Governor was required to consult the Executive Council on all affairs of importance unless they were too urgent to be laid before it, or if reference to it would prejudice
35126-431: Was divisive; some leaders felt that it would be unfair to the residents, and others were confident that residents would be willing "to pay for a better quality of life". Increased fares for the entire network were also suggested, but Mah said that it would be more difficult to implement. He assured leaders that he would recommend construction of the line to the government. A white paper released on 2 January 1996 said that
35319-584: Was laid underneath the EWL tunnels to minimise movement. Jet-grout arches were used to support the North-South line (NSL) tunnels when explosives were used to remove rock while tunnelling from Clarke Quay to Dhoby Ghaut. Roads around the line had to be temporarily diverted for construction. When the 16 stations were announced, Potong Pasir (then named Sennett), Woodleigh and Punggol were planned to be built as shell stations due to lack of development around
35512-420: Was made up of fixed components (a monthly salary for 12 months, a non-pensionable annual allowance of one month's salary, a special allowance of one month's salary, and a public service leadership allowance of two months' salary) and variable components (an annual variable component, a performance bonus, and a gross domestic product (GDP) bonus). The annual variable component of up to one and a half-month's salary
35705-408: Was paid based on Singapore's economic performance. In years where economic performance was exceptional, a special variable payment was also made. Each minister's performance bonus was determined by the prime minister and could be up to 14 months' salary, though most good performers received the equivalent of nine months' salary. The GDP bonus depended on the nation's GDP growth rate. No bonus was paid if
35898-403: Was projected to rise to 88% of the private sector benchmark by the end of 2008. Almost half of ministers' pay packages was made up of an individual performance bonus decided by the prime minister, and a variable bonus component based on the country's prevailing gross domestic product and capped at eight months of each minister's annual salary. The pay increases were justified by the Government on
36091-477: Was rated 10 out of 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world by BootsnAll. Various features have been incorporated into the design to make the station aesthetically pleasing to travellers. The station is designed by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill , featuring a large interior space and an illuminated 150-metre (490 ft) link bridge spanning over the island platform. Two Circle Line stations— Bras Basah and Stadium —were commissioned through
36284-579: Was replaced by Lim Yew Hock . The following year, Lim led another delegation to the UK for further talks on self-government. This time, agreement was reached on the composition of an Internal Security Council. Other constitutional arrangements were swiftly settled in 1958, and on 1 August the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the State of Singapore Act 1958 ( 6 & 7 Eliz. 2 . c. 59 (UK)) granting
36477-545: Was scheduled to open seven or eight years after the rest of the line. In January 2011, The Straits Times reported that preparations for the station's opening had been ongoing since the second half of 2010; the newspaper speculated that the station would open in mid-2011 to serve new developments in the area. In a March parliamentary session, Transport Minister Raymond Lim confirmed that the station would open on 20 June 2011. SBS deployed several staff members to assist confused commuters who alighted at Woodleigh station instead of
36670-464: Was set at a fixed ratio to the MR4 salary, and was $ 3,072,200 in 2010. This included a fixed service bonus in lieu of a performance bonus since there was no one to assess the prime minister's individual performance. The fixed service bonus was the same as the performance bonus paid to a good performer at the MR4 grade. On 21 May 2011, following the 2011 general election , the prime minister announced that
36863-427: Was to help select new leaders amidst a better economic position. In 1994, then prime minister Goh Chok Tong received a monthly salary of nearly S$ 96,000 (equivalent to $ 407,773 in 2022, about S$ 1.15 million a year), while other ministers earned about S$ 48,900 (equivalent to $ 207,710 in 2022, about S$ 586,800 a year). This made them among the highest paid government ministers in the world. In October that year,
37056-460: Was undertaken for eight years, including the phases of the study in 1974 and 1977. In 1979, to prepare the third phase of the study, Halcrow , a British firm, was appointed to craft the system; meanwhile, a third phase of the study was published in 1981. However, opposition from the government on the feasibility of the MRT from prominent ministers, among them Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee and Trades and Industry Minister Tony Tan , nearly shuttered
37249-577: Was upgraded to moving block / CBTC in 2017, and the East–West line upgraded in 2018. As of 27 May 2018, all MRT lines use the CBTC/moving block system in normal daily operations and from 2 January 2019, the old signalling system ceased operations. In comparison to the original fixed block system, the CBTC can reduce train intervals from 120 seconds to 100 seconds, allowing for a 20% increase in capacity and
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