Super-functional, modern, and incredibly cutting-edge — that’s Singapore’s MRT system for you. Singaporeans love to travel by MRT because it is not just convenient, fast, and cost-efficient, but fun too. The system boasts of 3.5 million daily ridership. It is estimated that by 2040 the MRT network will extend from the present 203 kilometer rail track distance to 400 kilometers. As of now, there are more than 140 stations and 6 MRT lines in Singapore.
The construction of the MRT network began in October of 1983 but it was only in 1987 that it first started operating on routes, serving as few as five stations. Many phantom stations with hidden platforms are already built to accommodate future connecting lines in Singapore. They are expected to open for operation in the future with rising demand for MRT transportation in the city.
Some of Singapore’s MRT stations are award winners and have been highly commended for their aesthetics, functionality, and avant-garde designs. All of them have tight security systems in place and the MRT trains are popularly conceived to be one of the safest modes of travel in the city-state. Strategic location of multiple CCTVs and good illumination inside the stations help to monitor public movement and zero in on suspicious ones.
To plan your trip, it will be useful to download and use the Singapore MRT app for train routes and fares. The MRT fares in Singapore are cheaper than in other countries. To get the best value and more travel discounts, get the EZ Link card, which is a stored value card. The card will serve a better purpose than single ticket cards. They are available at all ticketing offices at major MRT stations.
How to Report Lost or Missing Item
Singapore’s MRT is efficient, quick, and clean. It is undoubtedly the best way to zip around the city. The train service is unbelievable. It features among the best rapid transit systems in the world.
On a different note — there could be setbacks like losing or accidentally dropping your belongings at Singapore’s MRT stations or on the trains. Public transportation places are amongst the most common spaces to lose items like wallets, hand bags, umbrellas, items of clothing like scarves, hats, or even important ID documents like driving license, passports, official papers, briefcases, electronic devices like phones and laptops, etc.
In the following section we tell you what to do or who to approach under such circumstances instead of pressing the panic button or letting the day be anxiety-filled.
1) Lodge a Lost or Missing Item Report
You must lodge a missing item report with the MRT Lost and Found department immediately upon realizing your loss. The more time lost, the less will be the chance of retrieval. MRT authorities are otherwise extremely proactive and competent. Ensure that you mention all relevant details in the electronic report regarding the lost item/s like their physical description, where you lost them, the train car number, the route you were traveling on (mention the departure and arrival station names), time of loss, your fare card number, etc. Also, remember to leave your email id and phone number.
2) Call SMRT’s Customer Relations Hotline
The officials will keep you updated regularly via phone or email. In case they locate an item matching your description, they will inform you. You can call their Customer Relations Hotline number at 1800-336-8900 to schedule an appointment for collection if you have verified the item.
The SMRT Corporation is the public transport operator in Singapore in charge of rail services and related tasks. If lost items are not claimed within 3 days at a given station, they are handed over to the Lost Property Office at 750A Chai Chee Road, #05-02 ESR Biz Park, Singapore — 469001. You may contact the office directly if you realize your loss later than 3 days. Note that unclaimed items are either disposed of (if perishable) or given away to charity after 3 months.
3) Voice it on Social Media
Another smart way to raise your concern will be to use SMRT’s social media channels for an agent or officer to revert immediately with a plan of action. Social media is brisk and efficient, though in most cases you will not be required to escalate on these platforms. Singapore’s SMRT’s Lost and Found services are proficient but you may consider using the public forums if there’s an inordinate delay on their part. We have listed the links for your convenience — Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
