[7] The island-wide heavy rail network interchanges with 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.

[9][10][11][12][note 14] 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.

[13][14] 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 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.

The origins of 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.

[15][16][17] In 1972, a study was conducted by the American firms Wilbur Smith and Associates, Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP USA), Tudor, and Bechtel, which was accounted for by the World Bank on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme.

[27][28][29] 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.

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.

[70] All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps and tactile guidance systems for the elderly and disabled.

[82][83] The first platform screen doors by ST Electronics[84] were installed at Jurong East, Pasir Ris, and Yishun stations in 2009 under trials to test their feasibility.

[92][93][94] Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adhere to; enforced by auxiliary officers and transport ambassadors.

[95] The significant reduction of commuters as remote work increased resulted in the transport operators reducing train frequencies and closing stations earlier from 17 April.

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.

[112] 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.

[115][117] In the early stages of the MRT, artworks were seldom included; primarily consisting of a few paintings or sculptures representing the recent past of Singapore, mounted in major stations.

[118] 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 the stations' interior architecture, these works aim to promote the appreciation of public art in high-traffic environments.

[152] As part of the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, feasibility studies are ongoing for a possible ninth MRT line to link the north and northeastern regions of Singapore to the south of the island.

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.

[192] The legacy card-based system, that utilises the EZ-Link and NETS flashpay cards,[193] on the Symphony for e-Payments (SeP), remains usable beyond 1 June 2024,[194] after the government agreed to spend an extra $40 million for their continued use.

The stored value cards could be topped up from the user's primary accounts (such as bank deposits or credit facilities), via their respective mobile applications, or other options under the terms of use.

The system, named SimplyGo, allows commuters to tap their contactless debit or credit cards, or smartphones/smart watches to pay for fares on the MRT, LRT and Bus network.

[210] A much larger power-related incident than the December 2011 event occurred on 7 July 2015, when train services on both the North–South and East–West lines were shut down in both directions following a major power trip.

[214] They were part of a technical team of 15 staff led by a supervisor and were asked to go down to the tracks to investigate an alarm triggered by a possible signalling equipment fault.

The December 2011 disruptions brought the state of public transportation as a whole to national prominence among Singaporeans, who had previously considered the system to be reliable and robust since its inception in 1987.

[224] In addition, to increase satisfaction with public transport, free off-peak morning travel, later changed to a discount, was introduced with further improvements continuing to be discussed.

In January 2006, Exercise Northstar V involved over 2,000 personnel from 22 government agencies responding to simulated bombings and chemical attacks at Dhoby Ghaut, Toa Payoh, Raffles Place and Marina Bay stations.

[242] The first incident, on 17 May 2010, involved a breach in the perimeter fence of Changi Depot and resulted in the imprisonment and caning of a Swiss citizen, and an Interpol arrest warrant for his accomplice.

[241][242] Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act,[245] acts such as smoking, consumption of any food or drink, including sweets and plain water in stations and trains,[246] misuse of emergency equipment, unauthorised photography or filming of railway assets and trespassing onto railway tracks or into train depots are illegal,[247] with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment and possibly caning.