Public opinion was split on the matter, with several expressing concerns on the high cost and others being more focused on increasing the standard of living.

Ong was an architect and town planner by training and through his perseverance and dedication became the main figure behind the initial construction of the system.

[11][12] On 7 November 1987, the MRTC commenced operating services on Singapore's first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) section, consisting of five stations from Yio Chu Kang to Toa Payoh.

[14][15] The operations of the MRT system were regrouped under SMRT Limited, as a private state-owned company owned by the government's investment arm Temasek Holdings.

The process was executed under a License and Operating Agreement, which stated the maintenance obligation of SMRT Limited covering the infrastructures and assets of the transit system.

Being asset light will allow SMRT to focus on the operational reliability of the public transport system and its business ventures overseas.