Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)

Opening of the various stages (1987–1990)

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. 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.[16][18] On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North South line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres. Within 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 Pasir Ris. By the end of 1990, the Branch line has further linked Choa Chu Kang to 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.[19][20]

Canberra station, an infill station of the North South line

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.[21] The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to the introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network.[21][22] On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation.[23] The Expo and Changi Airport stations were opened on 10 January 2001[24] and 8 February 2002 respectively.[25] The very first infill station of the MRT network to be built on an existing line, Dover station opened on 18 October 2001.[26] The North East line, the first line operated by SBS Transit, opened on 20 June 2003, 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,[27] Buangkok station was opened.[28][29] On 20 June 2011, Woodleigh station was opened.[30] The Boon Lay Extension of the East West line, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon stations, opened on 28 February 2009.[31][32] The Circle line opened in four stages with Stage 3 on 28 May 2009,[33] Stages 1 and 2 on 17 April 2010,[34] Stages 4 and 5 on 8 October 2011[35] and the Marina Bay Extension on 14 January 2012.[36] Stage 1 of Downtown line opened on 22 December 2013[37] with its official opening made on 21 December 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.[38] Stage 2 opened on 27 December 2015, after being officially opened on 26 December by Prime Minister Lee.[39] 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.[40] Stage 3, 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.[41] The second infill station, Canberra station opened on 2 November 2019.[42] Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast line opened on 31 January 2020.[43]

The following table lists the Mass Rapid Transit lines that are currently operational:

Schematic map of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) network in Singapore (an official version can be found at the Land Transport Authority's website).

An SMRT Active Route Map Information System panel showing the current location of a train and upcoming stops

Active Route Map Information System of Downtown line equipped on C951/C951A train

Except for the partly at-grade Bishan MRT station (North South line), the entirety of the MRT is elevated or underground. Most below-ground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters.[48][49][50] Mobile phone, 3G and 4G service are available in every part of the network.[51] Underground stations and trains are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed.

Every station is equipped with General Ticketing Machines (GTMs), 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.[52] Some stations, especially 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.[53] 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 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 2021.[54]

All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps & tactile guidance systems for the elderly and disabled.[55] A retrofitting programme was completed in 2006, with every station provided with at least one barrier-free access route.[56] Works are still ongoing to provide stations with additional barrier-free facilities.[57][58][59]

MRT lines operate from 5:30 am to 1:00 am daily, with 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.[60] Additionally, some stretches of the line ends earlier, opens later and closes on a few days of the weekend.[61] The nightly closures are used for maintenance.

Expo MRT station, situated adjacent to the Singapore Expo exhibition facility, sports a futuristic design by Foster and Partners

Stadium station, located near the Singapore Sports Hub, is imprinted with sports motifs at the station entrance.

Bras Basah station has a water feature to allow sunlight from above the station to filter in.

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 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.[62] 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 the perched roofs at Boon Lay, Lakeside, Chinese Garden, Bukit Batok, Bukit Gombak, Choa Chu Kang, Khatib, Yishun, and Eunos stations.[63][64][65]

Art pieces, where present, are seldom highlighted; they primarily consist of 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.[66] With the opening of the North East line, more series of artworks created under a programme called "The Art in Transit" were commissioned by the Land Transport Authority. Created by 19 local artists and integrated into 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. All stations on the North East, Circle and Downtown lines come under this programme.[67][68] An art contest was held to implement a similar scheme for the Circle line.[69]

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 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.[70][71]

Changi Airport station, the easternmost station on the MRT network, has the widest platform in any underground MRT station in Singapore. In 2011, it was rated 10 out of 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world by BootsnAll.[72] Various features have been incorporated into the design to make the station aesthetically pleasing to travellers.[73] The station is designed by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, featuring a large interior space and an illuminated 150-metre (490 ft) linkbridge spanning over the island platform.[74]

Two Circle line stations—Bras Basah and Stadium—were commissioned through 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 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" was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival.[75]

Wayside signal equipment used on the North South Line, which include a two-aspect signal light and an antenna a distance away

A key component of 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 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 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.[123][124]

The oldest lines, the North South line and East West line, were the only lines running with fixed block signalling. The North South line 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.[125] 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 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.[126][127][128][129]

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 the operations control centre of the respective lines. Trains are equipped with intercoms to allow passengers to communicate with staff during emergencies.[130][131][120]

Several MRT trains and a Deli diesel locomotive stabled at Ulu Pandan Depot

SMRT Corporation has five train depots: Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot for the North South line with train overhaul facilities,[132] while Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight.[133] The newer Tuas Depot, opened in 2017, provides the East West line with its own maintenance facility,[134] while Mandai Depot services trains for the Thomson–East Coast line.[135] The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle and Downtown lines, now jointly managed by the two MRT operators.[136]

SBS Transit has three depots: Sengkang Depot houses trains for the North East line, the Sengkang LRT line, and the Punggol LRT line. Kim Chuan Depot is currently jointly operated with SMRT for the Downtown line. Major operations were shifted to the main Gali Batu Depot in 2015, although the Kim Chuan Depot will continue to operate on a minor capacity.

In August 2014, plans for 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.[137] The new 36ha 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.[138]

The Tengah Depot for 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.[139] 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.[140]

The Changi East Depot will serve the future Cross Island line, and the depot is to be placed at the eastern end of the line.[141]

An Integrated Rail 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.[142][143]

The following table lists 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 the government's intentions to greatly expand the system.[144][145] It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030.[144] It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time.[146]

New lines and extensions are mostly announced as part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which is announced every five years and outlines 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, which 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.[147][148]

Map of the Downtown line

The 42-kilometre, 34 station fully underground Downtown line connects the north-west and eastern regions of Singapore with a loop travelling through the city center. It commenced operations in three stages, with the initial Bugis to Chinatown segment in 2013, Bukit Panjang to Rochor in 2015 and Fort Canning to Expo in 2017.[37][149][150] An extension from Expo is planned to begin operations in 2024, adding an additional 2.2 kilometres and 2 stations to the line, terminating at Sungei Bedok and interchanging with the Thomson-East Coast line.[151] Hume is an infill station between Hillview and Beauty World and expected to open by 2025.[152] By the time Hume is opened, the entire line will be 44 kilometres long and have 37 stations in total.

A proposal has further been mooted to extend the line from Bukit Panjang towards Sungei Kadut to form an interchange station with the North South line. The extension is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.[147]

Map of the Thomson-East Coast line

TEL platforms of Woodlands MRT station.

The 43-kilometre, 32 station fully underground Thomson–East Coast line is designed to connect the northern region of Singapore to the south,[153] running parallel to the existing North South line passing through Woodlands, Sin Ming, Upper Thomson, and Marina Bay[154] before turning east and running through Tanjong Rhu, Siglap, Marine Parade, and Bedok.[138] It commenced operation starting with Stage 1 from Woodlands North to Woodlands South on 31 January 2020.[155] The other four stages follow suit, with Stage 2 from Springleaf to Caldecott in 2020, Stage 3 from Mount Pleasant to Gardens by the Bay in 2021,[156] Stage 4 from Tanjong Rhu to Bayshore in 2023 and Stage 5 from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok in 2024.[138] The northern terminus of Woodlands North is expected to interchange with the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System to provide access to Johor Bahru and the future Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit. Founders' Memorial station is an infill station along Stage 4, but is scheduled to instead open in tandem with the Founders' Memorial in 2027.[157] In addition, the line would be the first in Singapore to provide for only cashless transactions.[158]

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 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.[159][147]

Map of the proposed Jurong Region line

First proposed as an LRT line when originally announced in 2001, the 20-kilometre Jurong Region line has since been upgraded to be a medium capacity line after the project was revived in 2013. The new configuration encompasses West Coast, Tengah and Choa Chu Kang and Jurong.

Besides the original announced alignment of the line, a West Coast extension to the Circle line from the Jurong Region line is currently under study,[160] linking the West Coast region directly to Pasir Panjang, and allowing commuters on the Jurong Region line access to the central area of the city easily. If feasible, the extension would be ready by 2030.[161]

Map of the proposed Cross Island line

The 50-kilometre Cross Island line is expected to span the island of Singapore, passing through Tuas, Jurong, Sin Ming, Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Punggol, Pasir Ris, and Changi. The new line provides commuters with another alternative for East-West travel to the current East West line and Downtown line. Connected to all the other major lines, it is designed to serve as a key transfer line, complementing the role currently fulfilled by the orbital Circle line. Stage 1 of the line has been announced and consists of 29 kilometres and 12 stations, and is planned to be completed in 2029.[141] In addition, the extension to Punggol consists of three stations spanning 7.3 kilometers, and is planned to be completed by 2031.[147][162][163][164] Completion of the line is expected to take an even longer timeframe due to the environmental study aspects, targeted to be completed by 2030.[165]

Map of the Circle line with Stage 6

The 4-kilometre extension Stage 6 from Marina Bay through Keppel, ending at HarbourFront, effectively completes the circle and links the current ends of the line, allowing for thorough service through the future Southern Waterfront City without the need to change to other lines.[165] Stage 6 comprises Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road stations. It is forecast to commence operations in 2025.

Originally scheduled to be completed by 2030, the 1.6-kilometre extension is being built from Punggol through Punggol North including the new Punggol Downtown to the new tentatively named Punggol Coast station. It is projected to open in 2023, a few years ahead of the expected opening date.[166][167] Construction of the extension commenced in the first half of 2018.[168]

Two new stations are planned along the existing North South line. Brickland station is expected to be built between Bukit Gombak and Choa Chu Kang stations, while Sungei Kadut station is expected to be built between Yew Tee and Kranji stations. Both are expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.[147]

As part of the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, a possible new rail line will be studied for feasibility. The proposed line runs from the Woodlands planning area to the Greater Southern Waterfront, passing through areas such as Sembawang, Sengkang, Serangoon North, Whampoa and Kallang. The line would potentially benefit 400,000 households and save up to 40 minutes of travel time to the city centre. If built, the line would be about 30 km long, and be completed as early as 2040.[159][147]

Because the rail operators are government-assisted, profit-based corporations, fares on the MRT system are pitched to at least break-even level.[48][172] The operators collect these fares by selling electronic data-storing tickets, the prices of which are calculated based on the distance between the start and destination stations.[170] These prices increase in fixed stages for standard non-discounted travel. Fares are calculated in increments based on approximate distances between stations, in contrast to the use of fare zones in other subway systems, such as the London Underground.

Although operated by private companies, the system's fare structure is regulated by the Public Transport Council (PTC), to which the operators submit requests for changes in fares.[172][173] Fares are kept affordable by pegging them approximately to distance-related bus fares, thus encouraging commuters to use the network and reduce heavy reliance on the bus system. Fare increases have caused public concern.[174][175] Historically, fares on the fully underground North East, Circle, and Downtown lines had been higher than those of the North South and East West lines (NSEWL), a disparity that was justified by citing higher costs of operation and maintenance on a completely underground line. However, the Public Transport Council (PTC) announced in 2016 that fares for the three underground lines would be reduced to match those on the NSEWL, which took effect along with the yearly-applied fare changes, on 30 December 2016.[176][177]

After the opening of Downtown line Stage 3, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced that public transport fare rules will be reviewed to allow for transfers across MRT lines at different stations due to the increasing density of the rail network. At the time, commuters were charged a second time when they made such transfers. He added that the PTC would review distance-based fare transfer rules to ensure they continue to facilitate "fast, seamless" public transport journeys. The review of distance-based fare rules on MRT lines was completed, and a waiver on the second boarding fee incurred when making such transfers was announced on 22 March 2018. The scheme was implemented on 29 December of the same year.[178][179][180]

The ticketing system uses the EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay contactless smart cards based upon the Symphony for e-Payment (SeP) system for public transit built on the Singapore Standard for Contactless ePurse Application (CEPAS) system. This system allows for up to 4 card issuers in the market.[181] The EZ-Link card was introduced on 13 April 2002 as a replacement for the original TransitLink farecard,[182] while its competitor the NETS FlashPay card entered the smartcard market on 9 October 2009.[183]

A card may be purchased at any TransitLink ticket office or passenger service centre for immediate use.[181][184] The card may be topped up via cashless means at ticketing machines and ATMs or via cash at several stations or convenience stores. Additional credit of a predetermined value may also be automatically credited into the card when the card value runs low via an automatic recharge service provided by Interbank GIRO or credit card. An Adult Monthly Travel Card for unlimited travel on MRT, LRT, and buses may also be purchased and is non-transferable.

In 2017, TransitLink became the first public transport provider in Southeast Asia to accept contactless bank cards, which is called SimplyGo.[185][186][187] Support for EZ-Link cards is expected to be added in the near future.[187]

A Standard Ticket contactless smart card for single or return journeys may also be purchased at the GTM for the payment of MRT and LRT fares. A S$0.10 deposit is levied on top of the fare to be paid. The deposit will be automatically refunded through an offset of the fare to be paid for the third journey on the same ticket while an additional discount of S$0.10 will be given for the sixth journey on the same ticket. No refund of the deposit is provided if the card is used for fewer than 3 journeys. The ticket can be used for the purchase of single or return journeys to and from pre-selected stations up to a maximum of six journeys over 30 days. Fares for the Standard Ticket are always higher than those charged for the stored-valued CEPAS (EZ-Link and NETS FlashPay) cards for the same distance traveled. The ticket is retained by the user after each journey and does not need to be returned. Identical to the usage of CEPAS cards, the ticket is tapped onto the faregate reader upon entry and exit.

For tourists, a Singapore Tourist Pass contactless smartcard may be purchased for use on the public transport network.[188] The card may be bought at selected TransitLink ticket offices and Singapore Visitors Centres.[189]

Social distancing markers in the MRT train, with commuters wearing masks.

Before the Circuit Breaker in Singapore, many commuters have criticized the public transport operators and the LTA for not controlling the crowds and lacked social distancing on public transport.[204] In response, the LTA has rolled out a series of precautionary measures, such as social distancing measures and making the wearing of masks in public transport mandatory.[205][206][207] Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adher to and enforced by Auxiliary Officers and Transport Ambassadors.[208] In addition, in light of the significant reduction of commuters on the MRT network during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period, train frequencies have been reduced and train services are closing earlier, effective from 17 April.[209][210][211] However, the reduced frequencies have been met with public backlash, as it has caused crowding on certain stretches of the MRT system. Revisions were then made to the frequencies to ensure that commuters can maintain a safe distance from one another when on board the trains.[212][213][214] After the end of Circuit Breaker, the trains continue to run at pre-circuit breaker frequencies of three minutes during peak hours and five minutes during off-peak hourse.[215][216]

Cleaning efforts on the trains and MRT stations have been stepped up, with hand sanitizers provided at the stations.[217] Social distancing are retained after the circuit breaker measures are lifted, and mask wearing will remain compulsory, though the stickers have largely been removed since.[216][218][219]

While Singaporeans began to notice some issues with the MRT system in terms of overcrowding, the December 2011 disruptions brought the state of public transportation as a whole to national and international prominence.[231] LTA also noted a marked increase in dissatisfaction with public transport with the release of the 2012 Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey, and promised government action to deal with issues relating to MRT and LRT disruptions.[232]

The government reviewed the penalties for train disruptions,[231] and made free travel available for all bus services passing MRT stations affected during any train disruptions. Exits were also made free.[233]

To increase satisfaction with the public transport, free off-peak morning travel, later changed to a discount, was introduced while improvements are ongoing.[231]

Despite efforts to increase maintenance efforts, on 7 October 2017, a poorly maintained float and pump system at Bishan station caused a tunnel flood from a torrential rainstorm. It was the worst train disruption since 2011 and the first ever flooding incident in MRT history that lasted almost a day, disrupting services underground.[234] This also resulted in further loss of public confidence and a huge debate among netizens and Singaporeans about the "high rankings" that manage the system, with calls being made for the resignation of Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.[235] Urban transport expert Dr Park Byung Joon has said that the negligence displayed by SMRT in this regard is tantamount to a criminal offence, and after an internal investigation, found that the maintenance crew of the Bishan Station's pump system had submitted maintenance records for nearly a year without actually carrying out the works.[236]

Despite these setbacks, efforts in both maintenance and renewal are starting to pay off with the MRT system clocking an average of 690,000 km between delays in 2018 – 3.8 times better than in 2017. The North South line, which was hit by the tunnel flood in 2017, in particular saw its train-km between delays increase by ten-fold from 89,000 km between delays in 2017 to 894,000 km in 2018.[237] By July 2019, the Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) for the North South and East West lines had jumped to 700,000 km and 1,400,000 km respectively, with the latter now on par with the Hong Kong MTR and Taipei Metro.[238] The new challenges encountered by the Government were now on keeping the funding of the renewals required sustainable.[239]