As the first of Asia’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems approach 50-years of service, a critical question emerges: how do we upgrade ageing infrastructure to meet modern demands for security, passenger information, and enhanced travel experiences while ensuring operational continuity? 

Future-proofing stations for the next half-century means improving resilience, reducing maintenance, and integrating cutting-edge technology without disrupting daily journeys. Lessons from updating the UK’s heritage rail system, which has evolved since 1863 within complex urban settings, offer valuable insights and transferable expertise for this transformation.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are vitally important sustainable transportation systems that enable people to live active, engaged and valued lives within their preferred environments. They are drivers of development and as a form of public transport, can significantly reduce airborne pollutants in densely populated areas.

However, time does not stand still, and many of these systems are now reaching a critical life-cycle stage. Particularly in cities such as Seoul where the first MRT line opened in 1974, Hong Kong’s opened in 1979, Busan in 1985, Singapore in 1987, and the LRT in Kuala Lumpur opened in 1996. Whilst still functional and effectively serving the needs of millions of people a day, architectural finishes on older stations are likely to be nearing life expiry, and in many cases like-for-like replacement products are not available. 

Station security and passenger information systems have also changed significantly in the last 40–50 years. Considering a system-wide programme for these lines creates opportunity to enhance passenger experience, operator resilience, and reduce future maintenance. 

Key programme considerations and coordination 

Any upgrade of existing infrastructure will start with a review of latest legislation and recent developments in operational and passenger requirement. It is paramount that accessibility and fire safety within underground and railway systems remain at the forefront of all design decisions, and that finishes are specified for longevity - typically a 40-year service life - and with inherent flexibility to meet the needs of both users and operators now and in the future.

Looking beyond the red line of the immediate site is important too and involves building a cross-city consensus for line-wide elements and developing line-wide specification systems to drive value while allowing for individual design response.
 
MRT system owners should consider the cultural significance of the networks that they operate. Stations often become cherished landmarks in residents’ lives and part of their psychogeographical maps of the city.  Line-wide cultural and architectural assessment of stations can identify any culturally and historically important architectural and engineering features that may warrant protection.  

Balancing upgrades with operational continuity

The difficulty with carrying out such works to these stations is that whilst it would be easier to shut them during construction, those hundreds upon thousands of people who have built their lives around using the MRT are left to considerable inconvenience. 

Careful consideration of construction methods, coordination of MEP and communications, and the specification of materials is key to facilitating operational continuity for as long as possible while ensuring legislative and operator standards and requirements are met.

The successful upgrade of existing rail stations depends on a holistic forward-thinking approach and a deep understanding of the inherent complexities these projects entail. As specialists with over 50 years’ experience of working within the rail sector, Scott Brownrigg can assist network operators in understanding how they can upgrade and futureproof rail stations to extend their life-span, enhance user experience, whilst also making them safer and easier to operate.

Written by Andrew Postings, Head of Rail & Infrastructure, Scott Brownrigg.