Barrier free facilities in SMRT stations

From the SMRT website - www.smrt.com.sg/trains/stations.html:

In 2000, LTA embarked on a project to upgrade MRT stations, retrofitting them with barrier free facilities such as lifts, ramps, toilets for the disabled, covered linkways, and where applicable, passenger/taxi drop-off points.

By mid 2006, 45 stations will be retrofitted, bringing the total number of stations with barrier free facilities to 48. Retrofitting of the remaining three stations - Paya Lebar, Bishan and Buona Vista stations - which serve as interchange stations between the Circle Line and the existing line, will be timed to the commencement of the Circle Line.

We have also taken pains to ensure BPLRT stations are safe and accessible to all passengers. A typical BPLRT station is equipped with two lifts, five automatic fare gates, two Integrated Ticketing Machines, five Passenger Help Points, three emergency telephones, four emergency stop plungers located on the platform, ATMs, public phones and kiosks.

Whilst the stations are unmanned, it is under constant surveillance. There are at least eight close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras situated at strategic locations at the station concourse and on the platforms, and these cameras are monitored by Operations Control Centre (OCC) staff. In addition, Roving Operations Officers make regular station checks. Commuters requiring assistance may contact OCC staff using the help phones at the stations or on board the trains.

The stations and trains are built with fire-retardant materials. Each train is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, while guidewheels anchor the train to steel guide beams that prevent the train from dislodging itself from the track.

(Webpage last accessed 1 Dec 2007)