SMRT trials standing on both escalator sides at MRT stations

Nearly all commuters at two of Singapore’s busiest underground transport hubs continue to hug the left side of moving steps, pushing back against a new one-month trial launched by rail operator SMRT to test whether standing on both sides can ease crowding, channelnewsasia.com reported.

SMRT Tests Standing on Both Escalator Sides

The trial, which began on Oct 29, affects City Hall and Raffles Place MRT stations. It aims to reduce slips, trips and falls while assessing whether occupying both sides of an escalator step makes more efficient use of transit capacity, according to SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai.

Audio Loops and Standees Clash With Commuter Culture

At City Hall station, life-sized standees featuring a cartoon station staff member urge passengers to “Share a step, ease the flow,” alongside yellow notices instructing riders to stand on either side. Audio announcements loop near the escalators, reminding travelers to hold the handrail and fill both sides.

Peak Hour Observations at City Hall and Raffles Place

Despite the signs and audio loops, field observations show that old habits die hard. During peak and midday checks by reporters on Nov 6 and Nov 7, the vast majority of commuters continued to stand strictly on the left while leaving the right lane open for walkers.

Commuter Resistance in the Central Business District

Commuters interviewed at the stations expressed strong attachment to the long-standing practice. Several passengers argued that keeping the right side clear is essential for riders running late to work or appointments in the central business district.

Global Precedents From London to East Asia

The push by SMRT mirrors similar trials in major transit systems worldwide. Transport authorities in London conducted a three-week trial at Holborn station in 2016, finding that standing on both sides of an escalator increased passenger capacity by up to 30 per cent. Similar shifts have been attempted or implemented in cities across China, Japan, and Taiwan.

Yet local resistance remains firm among daily riders who view the walking lane as a matter of efficiency.