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Nov 8, 2026 • 00:17 WIB
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Social IssuesSingapore45 out of 100 viral activity score

SMRT Trial Encourages Commuters To Stand Anywhere On Escalators

The story has gained significant attention due to a high search volume regarding escalator usage and broad coverage across major Singaporean media outlets.

First detected · Updated in batch

Executive AI summary

  • Signs placed at City Hall MRT station encourage commuters to stand on both sides of the escalator steps.
  • The traditional practice in Singapore has been to stand on the left and keep the right side clear for walking.
  • Observations indicate that walking on the right takes approximately 20 seconds, while standing on the left takes 30 seconds.

Context: why it’s trending

The public transport operator SMRT has initiated a trial at City Hall MRT station, which aims to change long-standing escalator etiquette among commuters. Traditionally, passengers in Singapore adhere to a custom of standing on the left side of the escalator, which keeps the right side open for those who wish to walk. New signage has been installed to encourage commuters to occupy both sides of the steps regardless of their intent to walk or stand. Observations conducted during the trial period revealed differences in transit times between the two methods. Those who choose to walk up the right side generally complete the ascent in approximately 20 seconds, whereas passengers remaining stationary on the left side typically require 30 seconds to reach the end of the escalator. This trial reflects ongoing efforts to optimize passenger flow within the transit network.

Coverage timeline & original sources

EarthViral summarises; the reporting belongs to these publishers. Read the full stories at the source.

  1. The Straits Times

    Stand on either side of the escalator: Signs spotted at City Hall MRT station (opens straitstimes.com in a new tab)
  2. CNA

    Stand on either side of escalators? Commuters reluctant to ditch 'keep left' habit in SMRT trial (opens channelnewsasia.com in a new tab)

This page is an AI-assisted summary of reporting by the publishers listed above, generated in the 00:17 WIB batch. It is refreshed every 3 hours while the story remains active.

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