The Six Stages to building an elevated MRT line - Operations (6)

 

It's been a great 5 weeks of exploring the various stages in bringing an elevated MRT line to life. We now head in to the final stage where the line becomes operational. Just prior to this, several key activities need to take place. We explore these activities today that allow the line to function seamlessly with the wider network.

Updating of static in-train route & system maps
The line forms part of a system and updating of the in-train route maps to reflect new connections is crucial. These allow passengers to know which existing stations have become transfer points to the new line or which stations are now accessible through an extension. That said, static in-train route maps are confined to the older lines of the East-West Line (EWL), North-South Line (NSL), North East Line (NEL) and Circle Line (CCL) on the MRT network & all LRT lines only have static in-train route maps.

2 November 2014 - A view of a masked section of
the static map on board an NSEWL train.

10 March 2017 - An unmasked static map showing the Tuas West
Extension stations on an NSEWL train.

18 October 2022 - An in-train system map with a "To be Commissioned"
sticker.

Updating of LED in-train light up maps
Newer or refurbished rolling stock (trains) may feature LED in-train light up maps, known either as Dynamic Route Map Displays (DRMDs) or STARIS 1.0, depending on which lines they serve. These maps feature an LED strip that corresponds to the direction of travel and indicates which stations are remaining en route. A blinking red LED signifies that the train is travelling to that station which would be the next stop, whilst a non-blinking red LED signifies that the train has stopped at said station.

Depending on the number of expected system additions in the following years, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) may decided to perform a one-time update and mask the sections that are not due to come online as soon. This involves placing a sticker or label on top of the new interchange code or station to avoid misleading commuters into thinking that these stations are accessible.

7 August 2013 - A masked portion of the LED in-train light up map.
Image by mdzulkar9.

25 December 2013 - An unmasked portion of the LED in-train light up map. Early updates may be
prone to adhesive solution failure.

7 August 2013 - Upcoming extension to Marina South Pier & upcoming
interchanges at Bugis and Newton are masked on an NSEWL train.
Image by mdzulkar9.

24 August 2013 - Bugis interchange unmasked, albeit before DTL1 had opened in October 2013.

Updating LCD in-train route maps
The most recent rolling stock may use LCD screens, also known as DRMDs, to display the line's route map. These are significantly easier to update without having reprinting costs involved. Spelling errors also do not result in costly fixes as these can be updated digitally on the day of the new line, station or extension openings.

Example of an LCD DRMD on the new TEL.

Example of an LCD DRMD on a refurbished NEL train. There are some notable spelling errors
on the route map.

A mock up of the JRL LCD DRMD at the SITCE in November 2022.

A close up of the mock up JRL LCD DRMD.

Updating station notices & system maps
System maps are displayed at the concourse and platform levels. These are typically updated with a version showing the latest section to open and may carry a small sticker indicating that the new stations are to be opened soon.

19 November 2022 - A system map on display at the concourse level.

26 May 2014 - A notice on the then upcoming opening of the Punggol West LRT loop.
Image by Seloloving.

24 May 2014 - A system map update ahead of the then upcoming Punggol West LRT loop opening.
Image by Seloloving.

Official launch ceremonies
Prior the the opening of the line, launch ceremonies are typically held. These are officiated by guest of honour and distinguished guests invited by the LTA. A speech is usually made, thanking the community and contractors for enduring years of tedious, noisy, inconvenient and difficult works to get to the final stage where the line is ready for operations before a button is pressed to symbolically launch the line for regular service. Occasionally, the ceremony may also include a tour of the station before members of the public can access it.

26 December 2015 - Downtown Line 2 opening ceremony at Botanic Gardens station.
Image by y2koh.

13 January 2023 - Circle Line Extension opening ceremony cum open house.

With the launch ceremony and map updating all completed, the long awaited moment has arrived - the line is ready for service. The first few days are typically where members of the public visit to try out the line, explore the new vistas opened up from being an elevated line and find the best ways of getting from point to point that have become so much more accessible now. If anything is to go from Kuala Lumpur in neighbouring Malaysia, which just opened a new section of the Putrajaya MRT line in March, the large windows at the front and back will be instant favourites. Given that the JRL will be Singapore's first fully automated elevated MRT line, we're sure that many will be flocking to these windows on the JRL as well.

We thus come to the end of this short, but hopefully informative series. However, we're not quite done yet. In conjunction with the series, we have been running a giveaway on our Facebook page. This will be the last week to participate by commenting on the weekly quiz on our Facebook page - all it takes is just 1 comment from any of the posts on the 6 stages to be eligible & you'll stand a chance to win a prize from Japan. Do remember that as this is the last week for participation, you'll need to comment by 14 April 2023, 2359pm to be eligible. Hope to see your entry there!

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