SG: New system trialled to aid crowds

‘Traffic lights’ have been installed at the entrances of Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar MRT stations to tell commuters how crowded the trains are. The system started off as a trial which began last December. If the light is green, the platform is clear and passengers should be able to board the next train with little difficulty. If it is amber, the platform will be a bit more of a squeeze, and commuters will have to wait for at least 2 trains before they will be able to board. If the red light is on, the platform is crowded and they may have to wait for several trains. If the red light flashes, train service is delayed or disrupted. So why install them? Would it really help commuters? Well, according to SMRT, yes it will. They say that such a system will allow commuters to better make decisions, as to whether they should have breakfast or switch to an alternative mode of transport. There will be a pair of lights at the station, one for each platform. They are updated by station managers in real time.Pictures used for illustration purposes only.