Written Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran to Parliamentary Question on MRT Stations with Barrier-Free Commuter Route from Station Entrance to Train Platform

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     how many MRT stations have a barrier-free commuter route from station entrance to train platform which is served by (i) just one lift (ii) two or more lifts, respectively; 

b.     what is the operational lifespan of these lifts; 

c.     how many of these lifts are nearing the end of the operational lifespan; and 

d.     what contingency arrangements exist for lift breakdowns especially at MRT stations serving hospitals.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     Based on BCA’s Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment, all 148 MRT stations have at least one barrier free route from the station entrance to the train platform, including at least one lift between the station concourse and train platform levels. In addition, taking into consideration the volume and profile of commuters, as well as technical feasibility, 17 of these stations have two lifts installed. This number will increase as all new MRT stations will be fitted with two lifts wherever possible.

2.     The lifts in our network have an indicative lifespan of twenty to twenty-five years, and their age varies from station to station. In practice, the actual operational lifespan of the lifts depends on several factors, including the inherent design, level of usage and maintenance. Before any lift reaches the end of its operational lifespan, the engineers would closely monitor the condition of the lift and either replace or renew it.

3.     In the event of a lift breakdown, our rail operators have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to inform, help and guide commuters, and to activate their engineers to repair the lifts as soon as possible. They would put up signs to inform commuters about the lift breakdown, provide alerts via mobile apps and station their staff along the train platform and station concourse to provide assistance to commuters. Such assistance would include helping commuters with personal mobility aids use stair lifts, where they have been installed. Commuters would also be advised to travel to adjacent stations and take wheelchair accessible buses or taxis to reach their destination, as an alternative.