Singapore Commuters Resist SMRT Escalator 'Stand on Both Sides' Trial
Public habit of keeping left persists despite safety-focused efforts at major MRT stations.
1SMRT Launches Escalator Trial
Transport operator SMRT has initiated a month-long trial at City Hall and Raffles Place MRT stations to encourage commuters to stand on both sides of escalators. The initiative, which began on October 29, 2026, aims to improve safety and assess whether standing on both sides optimizes overall passenger capacity during peak hours.
2Deeply Ingrained Commuter Habits
Despite repeated announcements and signage, most commuters observed between 12:20pm and 1:00pm continued to keep to the left. Interviews with ten commuters revealed a strong preference for the traditional practice of leaving the right side clear for those walking, with many citing efficiency and long-standing social norms as primary reasons for resistance.
3Safety Versus Individual Speed
SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai stated that the trial seeks to reduce slips, trips, and falls on escalators. However, commuters argue that walking on the right is essential for those in a hurry. Observations showed that walkers completed the ride in 20 seconds, while those standing still took approximately 30 seconds.
4Global Precedents for Standing
Other cities have attempted similar shifts to manage congestion and safety. London's 2016 trial at Holborn station reportedly increased capacity by 30 percent. Meanwhile, Japan’s Saitama and Nagoya authorities have introduced rules requiring passengers to remain stationary, prioritizing safety over the ability to walk up or down the moving steps.
5Maintenance and Equipment Wear
Beyond safety, uneven usage impacts infrastructure longevity. South Korean studies indicated that keeping to one side causes 95 percent higher wear on chain wheels and guide rails compared to the other. This imbalance shortens maintenance intervals by up to 20 percent, significantly increasing long-term repair costs for the transit operator.
6Crowd Flow and Obstructions
The trial highlights a trade-off between individual convenience and system-wide efficiency. While walkers move faster, those waiting to join the left-hand queue during busy periods often obstruct the right side. This creates bottlenecks, as commuters attempting to walk are forced to slow down when others shift to the right side.
7Public Perception and Compliance
Commuter reactions remain mixed, with some suggesting that only a formal rule would change behavior. While some elderly passengers feel safer standing on the right, younger commuters often view the 'keep left' practice as a matter of efficiency. Many residents remain skeptical that a voluntary trial will successfully alter deeply ingrained social habits.
8Future Implications for Transit
SMRT will continue to monitor commuter patterns throughout the month to evaluate the trial's effectiveness. The data collected will determine whether the operator adopts a permanent change in escalator etiquette. Success will depend on balancing the public's desire for speed with the operator's goal of reducing accidents and maintenance costs.