Free MRT rides in Singapore– find out more below
Another reason to head early to work! Starting June 24 this year, SMRT is giving Free MRT rides in Singapore to commuters if you travel before 7.45am on weekdays into city and exit via the 16 specific MRT stations. Commuters travelling at 7:45 and 8am will be given a discount of up to 50 cents on their fare.
Nothing comes for free—why is this happening?
Don’t be suspicious of the free MRT rides in Singapore. Good things do happen. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement: “The objective of the trial is to encourage commuters who are able and willing to make changes to their travel schedule to travel earlier into the city area before the peak hour. It is part of the Government’s effort to try to alleviate the morning peak hour crowding situation on trains in the short term.”
The 16 MRT stations are: Bugis, Chinatown, City Hall, Clarke Quay, Dhoby Ghaut, Lavender, Orchard, Outram Park, Raffles Place, Somerset, Tanjong Pagar, Bayfront, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Marina Bay, and Promenade.
What do you have to say?
We asked theAsianparent readers on our Facebook page, how they felt about the government’s initiative. Here is what they had to say when asked if the free MRT rides in Singapore will reduce how packed the morning train rides are.
Gelyn Foo: Yep, it should help.
Sandra Tan: Yes, this is a good move
Jialing Zhong: I get on the MRT every school day at 6.30a.m. and it is already packed, needless to say when you get on at 7 plus. The government has brought in too many foreigners and they might also travel early in the morning. Also, concession fares remain the same so as a student, I do not enjoy any benefits since I have to transfer to a bus to get to my school. No point in doing that, the condition only gets worse.
Bridget Tan: The free rides applies to commuters getting off the station b4 7.45am, think it’s a good idea, u can get up earlier n meet friends for breakfast b4 work… Hopefully, the next group who’ll have discount is those selling breakfast pple to make it even more attractive…
Karen Kok: Yes, but I wonder if that will materialize… And I’d think giving off-peak rate (attractive discounted rates of course) will be beneficial for both the operator and consumers…
Norma Sahid: Yes I think this will help
Tell us what you think of the free MRT rides in Singapore. Take the poll below.
[polldaddy poll=7042492]