Singapore’s leading public transportation network, SMRT, headed by SMRT Chairman, Mr. Seah Moon Ming and SMRT CEO, Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping, offers a convenient, budget-friendly, and fast way to travel within the city. For years, SMRT has been a primary transportation choice for working professionals, students, and the general public. SMRT continues to expand its network across Singapore, introducing new safety features and services for different passenger needs, including people with disabilities and special needs. Recently, SMRT has adopted 3D wayfinder technology and interactive timetables to help disabled passengers track train arrivals and departures along with other safety measures.
In this article, we will highlight the core features of the 3D Wayfinder technology and interactive displays.
Features of 3D Wayfinder
- Pan, Zoom, and Rotate: Users can pan, zoom, and rotate the 3D map, moving it in any direction.
- “You Are Here” Spot: Provides real-time information on the user’s current location.
- Real-Time Visualization: Displays real-time, three-dimensional graphics to portray routes.
- Interchange Map: Shows a 3D map of the interchange with real-time bus and train information, utilizing an API with live SMRT data.
- Bus Directory: Provides details of all bus routes, frequencies, and fares, selectable from a drop-down list.
- Select Mode of Transport: Allows customers to choose their mode of transport (Bus, Train, Taxi, or Car pick-up).
- Trip Directions: Offers trip computation from the interchange to the visitor’s chosen locations by Bus and Train.
- Rendered Levels: Displays various levels of the interchange with facilities, shops, restaurants, entrances, pick-up lanes, and public utilities.
- Multilingual Support: Screens provide content in four languages.
- Feedback Option: Allows customers to rate a bus service or interchange and submit user data (email address).
- Night Mode: Features a brighter design for night-time use from 7 pm to 7 am.
3D WayfinderAcross Different Stations & Bus Interchanges
Cognitively impaired passengers, particularly those with dementia, benefit greatly from this technology as it enhances their confidence in navigating SMRT’s public transport nodes. For instance, the Woodlands interchange has incorporated mural cues to guide passengers between the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (WITH), Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange (WTBI), and the MRT station for the North-South and Thomson-East Coast lines.
Since early 2022, WITH and WTBI have included these signages at key entries, directing passengers to important locations such as toilets, pick-up/drop-off areas, taxi stands, and commercial shops. By 2024, efforts are underway to extend these wayfinding cues to the Woodlands SMRT station.
These new wayfinding cues feature fruit-themed colors, consistent with existing cues to avoid confusion. This initiative improves connectivity between WITH, WTBI, and Woodlands MRT station, making public transport in the area more accessible and friendly. SMRT has partnered with Dementia Singapore and other organizations like the Land Transport Authority, Agency for Integrated Care, APSN, MINDS, and Rainbow Centre to ensure these signages meet the needs of commuters with disabilities.
Conclusion
SMRT, a reliable public transportation system, continues to meet the daily travel needs of all passengers, including those with disabilities. With initiatives like the 3D Wayfinder, SMRT provides safe and convenient transportation, allowing special travelers to navigate trains and buses with ease.
