Quick answer: This glossary explains the words you meet on the Singapore MRT map and in the stations, from station codes and interchanges to SimplyGo, early bird fares and driverless trains. Every term links to the page on this site that covers it in detail.
MRT terms explained A to Z
MRT
Mass Rapid Transit, the heavy rail metro system that covers Singapore. It has six lines, is run by SMRT and SBS Transit and regulated by the Land Transport Authority. See the Singapore MRT map.
LRT
Light Rail Transit, the three driverless light rail loops in Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol that feed passengers to MRT stations. See the LRT lines and stations.
Station code
A two-letter line code plus a number that identifies every station, such as NS22 for Orchard on the North South Line. Interchange stations carry one code per line. See station codes explained.
Interchange station
A station where two or more lines meet and you can change trains without leaving the paid area. Examples are Dhoby Ghaut, Bishan, Jurong East and Outram Park.
Line colour
Each line has a colour on the map and on station signs: red (North South), green (East West), purple (North East), orange or yellow (Circle), blue (Downtown), brown (Thomson-East Coast), grey (LRT).
Terminal station
The station at the end of a line where trains start and finish, for example Pasir Ris and Tuas Link on the East West Line. First and last train times are published for terminals.
First train and last train
The earliest and latest departures each day. First trains leave terminals between about 5:15am and 5:40am, last full-length trains between about 11:20pm and midnight. See MRT operating hours.
Distance-based fare
Singapore charges by how far you travel, not by zones or by number of stations. Adult card fares run from S$1.28 to S$2.57. See the fare table and calculator.
Early bird discount
A 50 cent discount on card fares when you tap in at any MRT or LRT station before 7.45am on a weekday that is not a public holiday.
Tap in and tap out
Touching your card or phone on the fare gate reader when you enter and when you leave. The fare is worked out from the two taps. Forgetting to tap out charges the maximum fare.
SimplyGo
The account-based ticketing system run by the Land Transport Authority. SimplyGo EZ-Link cards, contactless bank cards and phone wallets all pay through it.
EZ-Link card
The stored-value transit card used for decades in Singapore, now sold as a SimplyGo EZ-Link card. Top up at station machines or in the SimplyGo app.
Contactless bank card
A Visa or Mastercard with tap-to-pay, local or foreign, that can be used directly at the fare gates at the same fare as a local card. See how to pay for the MRT.
Singapore Tourist Pass
A one, two or three day pass with unlimited rides on MRT, LRT and basic buses, sold at selected stations. Worth it only if you take many trips a day.
Concession fare
Reduced fares for students, seniors aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities and Workfare Transport Concession cardholders, paid with a concession card.
General Ticketing Machine (GTM)
The machines at every station for topping up cards and checking the fare matrix. They no longer sell single-trip paper tickets.
Platform screen doors
Glass doors along the platform edge that open with the train doors. Underground stations have full-height doors; elevated stations have half-height doors.
Driverless train
A train with no driver, controlled by the signalling system. The North East, Circle, Downtown and Thomson-East Coast lines and all three LRT lines are fully automated.
CBTC signalling
Communications-based train control, the digital signalling that lets trains run as close as every two minutes at peak hours. All MRT lines now use it.
Peak hours
The busiest periods, roughly 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7:30pm on weekdays, when trains run every two to three minutes.
Feeder bus
A short bus route that links housing estates to the nearest MRT station or bus interchange. Bus and MRT trips with a transfer are charged as one journey.
Bus interchange
A bus terminal, usually next to an MRT station, where many routes start and end. On the MRT map it is shown with a bus symbol.
Changi Airport branch
The two-station branch of the East West Line (Expo and Changi Airport) that connects to the main line at Tanah Merah.
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
The newest MRT line, brown on the map, running from Woodlands North through Orchard and Marina Bay to the east coast. Bedok South and Sungei Bedok are the next stations to open.
Circle Line (CCL)
The orbital line around the city centre that became a full loop in July 2026 when Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward Road opened.
Cross Island Line (CRL)
An MRT line under construction that will run east to west across the north of the island, with the first stage due to open in the early 2030s.
Jurong Region Line (JRL)
An elevated MRT line under construction in the west, serving Jurong, Tengah and Choa Chu Kang, opening in stages from 2027.
RTS Link
The Johor Bahru to Singapore Rapid Transit System, a cross-border shuttle between Bukit Chagar in Johor and Woodlands North, due to open in 2027.
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
The government agency that plans, builds and regulates the rail network and publishes the official system map.
Public Transport Council (PTC)
The body that sets bus and train fares in Singapore through its yearly fare review exercise.
SMRT
SMRT Trains, the operator of the North South, East West, Circle and Thomson-East Coast lines and the Bukit Panjang LRT.
SBS Transit
The operator of the North East and Downtown lines and the Sengkang and Punggol LRT.
Train frequency
How often trains come. Every two to three minutes at peak, every five to seven minutes off-peak, and longer gaps late at night.
Half-day and early closure
On some nights the LTA closes sections of a line early or opens late for maintenance works. These are announced on station posters and the operator websites.
Getting around Singapore? Find any station on the interactive MRT map, or save the PDF map to use offline.
Related guides
- Singapore MRT map with every line and station
- Guide to all MRT lines
- MRT fares table and calculator
- MRT operating hours
- First-time visitor guide to the MRT