yuuka
@yuuka-miya.bsky.social
Editor, FTRL Blog. Been places, seen things.
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yuuka
@yuuka-miya.bsky.social
· Oct 18
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Media from the FTRL Blog by yuuka_miya.
linktr.ee
I write!
Other socials in linktree here: linktr.ee/ftrlsg
(bluesky still can't let me add a personal website? hmmm)
Other socials in linktree here: linktr.ee/ftrlsg
(bluesky still can't let me add a personal website? hmmm)
Fare modernization in Singapore has put an end to many ticket offices, previously needed to help commuters manage their travel cards.
Some along the Downtown Line may never have been used for their intended purposes at all.
Some along the Downtown Line may never have been used for their intended purposes at all.
February 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Fare modernization in Singapore has put an end to many ticket offices, previously needed to help commuters manage their travel cards.
Some along the Downtown Line may never have been used for their intended purposes at all.
Some along the Downtown Line may never have been used for their intended purposes at all.
When it was being built, the Elizabeth line was criticized for exceeding costs and schedules, in part due to its complexity, with massive stations under London and complex interfaces with existing railway lines.
February 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM
When it was being built, the Elizabeth line was criticized for exceeding costs and schedules, in part due to its complexity, with massive stations under London and complex interfaces with existing railway lines.
In public consultation for the Land Transport Masterplan "refresh", a common request is for for fast express trains.
I think there's a better way, that uses what we have and what we're building. That will help more people for the same investment, while still working for our city.
More in the blog:
I think there's a better way, that uses what we have and what we're building. That will help more people for the same investment, while still working for our city.
More in the blog:
Do you need express trains, revisited
It’s about making the most of what we already have.
medium.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:05 AM
In public consultation for the Land Transport Masterplan "refresh", a common request is for for fast express trains.
I think there's a better way, that uses what we have and what we're building. That will help more people for the same investment, while still working for our city.
More in the blog:
I think there's a better way, that uses what we have and what we're building. That will help more people for the same investment, while still working for our city.
More in the blog:
With the RTS Link scheduled to open by the end of this year, several milestones were recently reached, such as trains entering Woodlands North station.
On the surface, building fitout and architectural works are also well underway, showing just how close we are to opening.
On the surface, building fitout and architectural works are also well underway, showing just how close we are to opening.
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM
With the RTS Link scheduled to open by the end of this year, several milestones were recently reached, such as trains entering Woodlands North station.
On the surface, building fitout and architectural works are also well underway, showing just how close we are to opening.
On the surface, building fitout and architectural works are also well underway, showing just how close we are to opening.
Between Esplanade and Promenade stations is the sharpest curve on the Singapore MRT (for now), with loud noises as the train goes around the bends.
This increases wear and tear, and maintenance workload, as both train wheels and rails must be regularly grinded to keep them literally in shape.
This increases wear and tear, and maintenance workload, as both train wheels and rails must be regularly grinded to keep them literally in shape.
February 10, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Between Esplanade and Promenade stations is the sharpest curve on the Singapore MRT (for now), with loud noises as the train goes around the bends.
This increases wear and tear, and maintenance workload, as both train wheels and rails must be regularly grinded to keep them literally in shape.
This increases wear and tear, and maintenance workload, as both train wheels and rails must be regularly grinded to keep them literally in shape.
Perhaps this is an opportunity to provide better jobs and improve our public transport at the same time.
There should be a scheme for able-bodied delivery riders on PMAs facing loss of income post June 1 to transition into skilled work.
There should be a scheme for able-bodied delivery riders on PMAs facing loss of income post June 1 to transition into skilled work.
Singapore platform operators warn of longer delivery times following tighter laws on mobility aids
The speed limit for personal mobility aids (PMAs) will be reduced from 10kmh to 6kmh from Jun 1, 2026.
www.channelnewsasia.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Perhaps this is an opportunity to provide better jobs and improve our public transport at the same time.
There should be a scheme for able-bodied delivery riders on PMAs facing loss of income post June 1 to transition into skilled work.
There should be a scheme for able-bodied delivery riders on PMAs facing loss of income post June 1 to transition into skilled work.
In around 10 years, these temporary construction walls will come down, paving the way for trains to come through from Changi Airport's upcoming Terminal 5 to the existing MRT station at the airport.
The value of this cannot be further restated.
The value of this cannot be further restated.
February 8, 2026 at 4:00 AM
In around 10 years, these temporary construction walls will come down, paving the way for trains to come through from Changi Airport's upcoming Terminal 5 to the existing MRT station at the airport.
The value of this cannot be further restated.
The value of this cannot be further restated.
I think plenty has happened in the last month to remind us all, just how important open data is, and why operating practices are no substitute for effective systems.
Read more in the blog:
medium.com/from-the-red...
Read more in the blog:
medium.com/from-the-red...
Lessons from the buspocalpyse
Last month, Singaporeans received a grim reminder of just how useful public transport information systems are.
medium.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:14 AM
I think plenty has happened in the last month to remind us all, just how important open data is, and why operating practices are no substitute for effective systems.
Read more in the blog:
medium.com/from-the-red...
Read more in the blog:
medium.com/from-the-red...
With rising Singapore VEP pricing, it may be cheaper to leave a car/motorbike in Malaysia and use public transport to cross the border.
These take effect 1 Jan 2027, by which the RTS Link will be open. Hopefully, making it more expensive to drive in Singapore supports mode shift to the RTS Link.
These take effect 1 Jan 2027, by which the RTS Link will be open. Hopefully, making it more expensive to drive in Singapore supports mode shift to the RTS Link.
Singapore to raise entry permit fees for foreign-registered vehicles from 2027
Singapore to increase Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees for foreign-registered cars, motorcycles, and goods vehicles from January 1, 2027. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:07 AM
With rising Singapore VEP pricing, it may be cheaper to leave a car/motorbike in Malaysia and use public transport to cross the border.
These take effect 1 Jan 2027, by which the RTS Link will be open. Hopefully, making it more expensive to drive in Singapore supports mode shift to the RTS Link.
These take effect 1 Jan 2027, by which the RTS Link will be open. Hopefully, making it more expensive to drive in Singapore supports mode shift to the RTS Link.
In order to handle the fallout from the Circle Line service changes at Mountbatten to Paya Lebar, hilariously overcomplicated crowd management measures have been implemented at MacPherson, and even as far out as Buona Vista.
This shows us just how important is it to maintain service outcomes.
This shows us just how important is it to maintain service outcomes.
February 5, 2026 at 10:01 AM
In order to handle the fallout from the Circle Line service changes at Mountbatten to Paya Lebar, hilariously overcomplicated crowd management measures have been implemented at MacPherson, and even as far out as Buona Vista.
This shows us just how important is it to maintain service outcomes.
This shows us just how important is it to maintain service outcomes.
In Singapore, everyone has a story to tell of trains sitting at stations for what feels like eternity.
That doesn't happen in KL. At quieter stations on the Putrajaya Line, it's common to see trains blast off almost as soon as they arrive, making travelling by train in KL feel faster than in SG.
That doesn't happen in KL. At quieter stations on the Putrajaya Line, it's common to see trains blast off almost as soon as they arrive, making travelling by train in KL feel faster than in SG.
February 3, 2026 at 10:01 AM
In Singapore, everyone has a story to tell of trains sitting at stations for what feels like eternity.
That doesn't happen in KL. At quieter stations on the Putrajaya Line, it's common to see trains blast off almost as soon as they arrive, making travelling by train in KL feel faster than in SG.
That doesn't happen in KL. At quieter stations on the Putrajaya Line, it's common to see trains blast off almost as soon as they arrive, making travelling by train in KL feel faster than in SG.
Sometimes I wonder if MINDEF should provide a scheduled bus from BMT@Pasir Ris, to Tengah Airbase, Gedong Camp, and other military installations in the far west.
That may perhaps help the angsty NSFs going on about express buses and trains, because they're assigned a cross country commute.
(1/5)
That may perhaps help the angsty NSFs going on about express buses and trains, because they're assigned a cross country commute.
(1/5)
February 2, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Sometimes I wonder if MINDEF should provide a scheduled bus from BMT@Pasir Ris, to Tengah Airbase, Gedong Camp, and other military installations in the far west.
That may perhaps help the angsty NSFs going on about express buses and trains, because they're assigned a cross country commute.
(1/5)
That may perhaps help the angsty NSFs going on about express buses and trains, because they're assigned a cross country commute.
(1/5)
In the Pandan Reservoir area, significantly more structures than necessary are being built for the Jurong Region Line.
And some of them point towards the West Coast area, facilitating the future West Coast Extension project, which is supposed to start opening from the late 2030s.
And some of them point towards the West Coast area, facilitating the future West Coast Extension project, which is supposed to start opening from the late 2030s.
February 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM
In the Pandan Reservoir area, significantly more structures than necessary are being built for the Jurong Region Line.
And some of them point towards the West Coast area, facilitating the future West Coast Extension project, which is supposed to start opening from the late 2030s.
And some of them point towards the West Coast area, facilitating the future West Coast Extension project, which is supposed to start opening from the late 2030s.
There is critical work that will need to be done in the foreseeable future.
But what matters is not just whether we need to do it.
What matters is also how we approach these projects.
medium.com/from-the-red...
But what matters is not just whether we need to do it.
What matters is also how we approach these projects.
medium.com/from-the-red...
To renew is not always to rebuild
With plenty of talk about needing to upgrade ageing systems on our rail network, what actually is to be done?
medium.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:50 AM
There is critical work that will need to be done in the foreseeable future.
But what matters is not just whether we need to do it.
What matters is also how we approach these projects.
medium.com/from-the-red...
But what matters is not just whether we need to do it.
What matters is also how we approach these projects.
medium.com/from-the-red...
In Malaysia, e-hailing (aka PHV) drivers must reach a minimum mileage to qualify for additional Budi95 fuel subsidies. Mileage records are compiled by platform operators and submitted to the government.
This model is perhaps something Singapore can apply.
This model is perhaps something Singapore can apply.
E-hailing drivers must clock 2,000km monthly to qualify for Budi95 extra quota | New Straits Times
KUALA LUMPUR: E-hailing drivers who travel less than 2,000km a month will automatically be ineligible for extra petrol under the Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme, with eligibility based on the…
www.nst.com.my
January 30, 2026 at 1:00 AM
In Malaysia, e-hailing (aka PHV) drivers must reach a minimum mileage to qualify for additional Budi95 fuel subsidies. Mileage records are compiled by platform operators and submitted to the government.
This model is perhaps something Singapore can apply.
This model is perhaps something Singapore can apply.
Upgrades to older MRT stations are continuing.
Bugis station seems to be next to get more next train displays.
A program of platform door upgrading is also happening here; replacing life-expired pneumatic door equipment with modern electrical actuators.|
Bugis station seems to be next to get more next train displays.
A program of platform door upgrading is also happening here; replacing life-expired pneumatic door equipment with modern electrical actuators.|
January 29, 2026 at 10:01 AM
Upgrades to older MRT stations are continuing.
Bugis station seems to be next to get more next train displays.
A program of platform door upgrading is also happening here; replacing life-expired pneumatic door equipment with modern electrical actuators.|
Bugis station seems to be next to get more next train displays.
A program of platform door upgrading is also happening here; replacing life-expired pneumatic door equipment with modern electrical actuators.|
At Choa Chu Kang, the next phase of JRL-related station expansion was finished last month.
This sees a new lift and 2 new escalators open at the NSL platforms, putting an end to the construction work during which only one escalator was available at the station.
This sees a new lift and 2 new escalators open at the NSL platforms, putting an end to the construction work during which only one escalator was available at the station.
January 27, 2026 at 10:01 AM
At Choa Chu Kang, the next phase of JRL-related station expansion was finished last month.
This sees a new lift and 2 new escalators open at the NSL platforms, putting an end to the construction work during which only one escalator was available at the station.
This sees a new lift and 2 new escalators open at the NSL platforms, putting an end to the construction work during which only one escalator was available at the station.
According to recent news reports, the mirrors at Bayfront station's underpass to Gardens by the Bay have been frosted, depriving dance groups and TikTokers of a training space.
Over at Marina South Pier, cavernous spaces were built to handle expected crowds from yet-unbuilt skyscrapers.
Over at Marina South Pier, cavernous spaces were built to handle expected crowds from yet-unbuilt skyscrapers.
January 25, 2026 at 4:00 AM
According to recent news reports, the mirrors at Bayfront station's underpass to Gardens by the Bay have been frosted, depriving dance groups and TikTokers of a training space.
Over at Marina South Pier, cavernous spaces were built to handle expected crowds from yet-unbuilt skyscrapers.
Over at Marina South Pier, cavernous spaces were built to handle expected crowds from yet-unbuilt skyscrapers.
So the new digital signs at Serangoon are part of a greater initiative to help commuters in times of train service disruptions.
But only time will tell whether they're backed by the appropriate systems, not just SOPs, that will make these truly effective and useful.
But only time will tell whether they're backed by the appropriate systems, not just SOPs, that will make these truly effective and useful.
New digital signs at Serangoon MRT station aim to ease commuter confusion during train breakdowns
The initiative follows recommendations by the Rail Reliability Taskforce, which called for stronger standard operating procedures to manage service disruptions.
www.channelnewsasia.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:33 AM
So the new digital signs at Serangoon are part of a greater initiative to help commuters in times of train service disruptions.
But only time will tell whether they're backed by the appropriate systems, not just SOPs, that will make these truly effective and useful.
But only time will tell whether they're backed by the appropriate systems, not just SOPs, that will make these truly effective and useful.
We are building things.
And there may be new policies that aim to make commuting better.
But these policies and developments cannot solely target the daily commuter.
We must also ask ourselves why they even need to travel that way
Read more in the blog: medium.com/from-the-red...
And there may be new policies that aim to make commuting better.
But these policies and developments cannot solely target the daily commuter.
We must also ask ourselves why they even need to travel that way
Read more in the blog: medium.com/from-the-red...
Is individual responsibility enough?
Talk about decongesting our public transport system is missing one key player.
medium.com
January 24, 2026 at 4:03 AM
We are building things.
And there may be new policies that aim to make commuting better.
But these policies and developments cannot solely target the daily commuter.
We must also ask ourselves why they even need to travel that way
Read more in the blog: medium.com/from-the-red...
And there may be new policies that aim to make commuting better.
But these policies and developments cannot solely target the daily commuter.
We must also ask ourselves why they even need to travel that way
Read more in the blog: medium.com/from-the-red...
The Keppel Club area is slowly taking shape.
For the past 15 years, the Circle Line along Telok Blangah Road has been among the quieter sections of the MRT, a world away from the chaos of the northern half between Paya Lebar, Bishan, and Kent Ridge.
For the past 15 years, the Circle Line along Telok Blangah Road has been among the quieter sections of the MRT, a world away from the chaos of the northern half between Paya Lebar, Bishan, and Kent Ridge.
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Keppel Club area is slowly taking shape.
For the past 15 years, the Circle Line along Telok Blangah Road has been among the quieter sections of the MRT, a world away from the chaos of the northern half between Paya Lebar, Bishan, and Kent Ridge.
For the past 15 years, the Circle Line along Telok Blangah Road has been among the quieter sections of the MRT, a world away from the chaos of the northern half between Paya Lebar, Bishan, and Kent Ridge.
Singapore would never build something like this.
And we are all the worse off for it.
And we are all the worse off for it.
Also worthy to mention: LPTA is looking to licence coach bus stops at One Utama, Sunway Pyramid, and IOI City Mall, provided the malls fulfil the requirements akin to what Lalaport Transportation Hub has - centralised ticketing, ample bus parking space, and passenger facilities
January 21, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Singapore would never build something like this.
And we are all the worse off for it.
And we are all the worse off for it.
The Circle Line service changes have significant effects on the rest of the network.
Posters have been put up for these works, not only in the CCL itself, but also as far out as Bukit Gombak.
Other information about alternative routes through CBDinterchanges were also put up long before the work.
Posters have been put up for these works, not only in the CCL itself, but also as far out as Bukit Gombak.
Other information about alternative routes through CBDinterchanges were also put up long before the work.
January 21, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The Circle Line service changes have significant effects on the rest of the network.
Posters have been put up for these works, not only in the CCL itself, but also as far out as Bukit Gombak.
Other information about alternative routes through CBDinterchanges were also put up long before the work.
Posters have been put up for these works, not only in the CCL itself, but also as far out as Bukit Gombak.
Other information about alternative routes through CBDinterchanges were also put up long before the work.
This space is being cleared for the western depot for the Cross Island Line, where more details on its third phase should be announced any day now.
Yes, CRL will really be transformational.
Yes, CRL will really be transformational.
January 20, 2026 at 10:01 AM
This space is being cleared for the western depot for the Cross Island Line, where more details on its third phase should be announced any day now.
Yes, CRL will really be transformational.
Yes, CRL will really be transformational.
With the recent closures for tunnel works between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten stations, the flippable signs are back with a vengeance.
Worse still, it appears the next train screens can't even provide timings for the shuttle train at all - as someone else said, making it a case of "heng suay".
Worse still, it appears the next train screens can't even provide timings for the shuttle train at all - as someone else said, making it a case of "heng suay".
January 19, 2026 at 10:01 AM
With the recent closures for tunnel works between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten stations, the flippable signs are back with a vengeance.
Worse still, it appears the next train screens can't even provide timings for the shuttle train at all - as someone else said, making it a case of "heng suay".
Worse still, it appears the next train screens can't even provide timings for the shuttle train at all - as someone else said, making it a case of "heng suay".