2.2.1. Rapid transit system (RTS)
The current 148 km long RTS network consists of four MRT lines (68 stations) and three LRT lines (33 stations) that accommodate about 1.7 million passenger trips daily (LTA, 2009a). Ibrahim (2003) reported that more than 60% of Singaporeans use the MRT for commuting and other trips. To accommodate the projected demand of 10 million trips on public transports, the MRT network has been planned to be doubled to 278 km by 2020 including two new lines and two extensions on existing lines that will introduce another 36 new MRT stations leading to the RTS density per million people from 31 km today to 51 km. Commuters on the central area will have an access to a RTS station within 400 m or five minutes' walk. Comfort and convenience of the commuters will also be increased by providing more frequent MRT services. Although the average maximum passenger loading (3.7 pax/sqm) on the trains is already lower than other cities like Hong Kong (4.0 pax/sqm) and London (5.0 pax/sqm), the transport authority is looking forward to cooperate with operators to enhance capacity of the existing lines by increasing the frequency of trains (LTA, 2008a). Overall, commuters will enjoy better connectivity and more comfortable rides in the trains, which at the same time help to reduce pressure on the roads.