Pitch to SMRT

Commutes are meant to be Comfortable.

Our pitch focuses on making commutes comfortable and efficient. This can be done through redesigning the train cars to prioritise: dedicated only-entry and only-exit doors and comfortable seating.

Problem

Singapore's MRT does its job well, but its efficiency and comfort can be improved.

  • UncomfortableSeats discourage sleep, which negatively affects long-distance commuters in the morning and evening.
  • InefficientEntry and exit of train cars are messy because both use the same doors. This slows boarding and disembarking at stations and requires more manpower for crowd control during rush hour.

Solution

Two upgrades that make MRT rides calmer and station flow faster.

01

Dedicated Entry and Exit Doors

Have dedicated only-entry and only-exit doors to reduce messy movement at stations.

02

Cushioned Seats with Headrests

Install cushioned seats with headrests so long-distance commuters can rest more comfortably.

Why It Can Be Done

Dedicated doors can be tested as a peak-hour flow pilot.

Dedicated only-entry and only-exit doors

A dedicated entry-only / exit-only door system could improve MRT peak-hour flow by separating boarding and alighting passengers, reducing doorway conflict by 30-50% and cutting station dwell time by about 5-15%. At a busy station, this could reduce a 45-second stop to around 39-42 seconds, improving overall line reliability during peak periods.

Why It Can Be Done

Cushioned seats with headrests can improve rest without changing the whole train.

Cushioned seats with headrests

Cushioned seats with headrests could improve comfort and rest on longer MRT or rail journeys without redesigning the whole train, starting with modular, easy-clean upgrades in selected long-distance cabins. Under reasonable assumptions, they could raise comfort ratings by 20-40%, reduce neck fatigue by 15-30%, improve commute recovery by 10-25%, and lower end-of-commute fatigue by 10-20%, helping long-distance commuters arrive more alert, less strained, and better able to focus, with a possible wider productivity gain of around 3-8%.

Target User

Initial target users for an MRT comfort pilot.

Long Distance Commuters

Riders who spend longer periods on MRT journeys in the morning and evening.

Disabled Riders and Seniors

Riders who benefit from clearer movement, easier boarding, and more supportive seating.

Value Prop

Make MRT rides feel more restful, orderly, and passenger-friendly.

For riders

Better rest, less crowd stress, and a clearer boarding experience.

For SMRT

Smoother station operations and a stronger passenger experience.

For Singapore

A more comfortable MRT system that supports daily commuting at scale.

Business Model

A practical SMRT pilot that tests comfort upgrades before wider rollout.

SMRT pilot contractStart with selected train cars on high-traffic lines and measure passenger comfort.
Retrofit packageCharge per upgraded train car for door signage, seat changes, and installation.
Operational savingsReduce crowd-control pressure by making boarding and disembarking clearer.
Expansion modelUse pilot results to scale across more trains and lines over time.

Impact

Comfort can change behavior.

+ Rest

Long-distance commuters can recover time and energy during morning and evening rides.

+ Flow

Dedicated doors make entering and exiting train cars more orderly.

- Manpower strain

Clearer movement can reduce the crowd-control burden during rush hour.

+ Inclusion

More supportive seating and calmer boarding help seniors and disabled riders.

Question: Which MRT comfort upgrade should SMRT pilot first?