If you’ve been on SMRT’s rail network recently, you might have noticed a pleasant new sound. SMRT has partnered with The TENG Company, a local arts no
If you’ve been on SMRT’s rail network recently, you might have noticed a pleasant new sound. SMRT has partnered with The TENG Company, a local arts nonprofit, to introduce melodic chimes in selected trains and stations, marking train arrivals and departures. These chimes not only offer a refreshed experience for daily commuters but also provide auditory cues for visually impaired travelers.
The chimes, recorded by TikTok user @adiel_rusyaidi at stations like Somerset and Changi Airport, were carefully arranged with inspiration from three well-loved local tunes: the Chinese children’s song The Tricycle (三轮车), the Malay folk classic Chan Mali Chan, and the Tamil National Day piece Singai Naadu by Shabir Sulthan. Each tune represents Singapore’s multicultural identity and is tailored to different lines: North-South, Circle, and East-West.
Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains, shared that the initiative, which began on Oct. 29, aims to make commuting more inclusive by enhancing the auditory experience, especially for those who rely on sound for safer travel. The pilot will run for three months across selected locations, with unique chimes to discover along each line.
These local melodies add a uniquely Singaporean touch to the daily commute and have drawn positive responses from the public, with many noting that the new chimes evoke a feel similar to those on international train systems.
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