Escalators at 42 MRT stations to be upgraded for energy efficiency

SINGAPORE — Transport operator SMRT Corp announced on Tuesday (Aug 16) that it has begun refurbishing escalators at 42 train stations along the North-South and East-West Lines, marking the first major work on escalators at stations since the MRT system began operations in 1987.

According to SMRT, work has commenced at Ang Mo Kio MRT station, and will start at Tanah Merah MRT station later this month and Tanjong Pagar MRT station in November.

The project, which promises “more energy efficient escalators”, is expected to be completed by end 2021. Each escalator will require eight to 10 weeks for refurbishment work to be completed.

Among the work is the installation of new parts such as traction motors and “traffic lights” indicating the direction of travel.

To minimise inconvenience to commuters, the refurbishment work will be carried out only on one escalator at a time at each station, said SMRT. Construction hoardings will also be set up to screen off the work areas for safety and carry information on how the escalator refurbishments will be carried out.

Mr Lee Ling Wee, managing director for SMRT Trains, said: “Many of the escalators used by North-South East-West Line commuters are nearly 30 years old. The refurbishment is timely as it will allow us to change out the old parts and install the latest technology in escalator motors, safety systems and energy efficiency. These include visual indicators that alert commuters of the end of the escalator and more reliable components that ensure downtime for maintenance will be kept to a minimum. Commuters will have escalators that are as good as new once refurbishment is complete.”

The project, which has been contracted to OTIS Singapore for S$47.3 million, will see a total 233 escalators at 42 of the 541 MRT stations along the North-South and East-West Lines being refurbished.