Dwell Times for Trains at Interchange and Non-interchange Stations

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Transport (a) what is the current average dwell time for trains at (i) interchange and (ii) non-interchange stations on each MRT and LRT lines respectively; (b) how do these average dwell times compare with those (i) in 2015 and (ii) other Asian metro systems currently; (c) whether MRT dwell times can be reduced to shorten commutes; and (d) if not, why not.

Dwell times at stations for our mass rapid transit and light rail transit trains depend on operating conditions and passenger loading. They must be long enough to provide sufficient time for all passengers, including elderly commuters as well as commuters using wheelchairs and personal mobility aids, to alight from and board the train in a safe manner. Dwell times range from around 35 to 60 seconds for interchange stations and from around 30 to 50 seconds for non-interchange stations. These dwell times have remained largely constant over the past decade and are comparable to metro systems in Taipei and Hong Kong.