Tips When Taking the Train During Rainy Seasons

The 1st-gen Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 train arriving Jurong East MRT station during a thunderstorm. (Photo: SGTrains File)

Singapore’s rainy seasons usually feature ‘short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers with frequent lightning’ in the late morning and early afternoon on most days.

Let’s brave the prevailing monsoon conditions with these three useful tips when taking the train during rainy seasons!

Taking the Train During Rainy Seasons

Avoid Rushing for The Train – Safety First!

A weather radar depicting intensive heavy rain from a Sumatra Squall along many MRT stations. (Image: Screengrab from MSS)

Exercise care and caution by not running for the train at overground stations, as platform flooring may be slightly wet and slippery during a heavy downpour.

Additionally, alert station staff if you spot an area you feel might be overly wet and unsafe for other commuters.

Plan for More Travelling Time

An LED display at an MRT station entrance showing Train Arrival Timings. (Photo: SGTrains)

Thanks to the versatile signalling system used on the North-South and East-West MRT lines (NSEWL), trains travelling on overground stations can operate fully automatically, with the attendance of a train captain, rain or shine when permitting.

Trains are configured to use an alternate ‘wet weather’ braking profile that provides better braking controllability during wet weather, reducing the likelihood of wheels on the trains from locking up on brake demand for the safety and comfort of passengers on board.

With that in mind, do plan for additional travelling time, as trains require slightly more time to align correctly with the platform screen doors (PSDs) and stop safely at stations.

LEARN MORE: Planning Your Journey »

Bring Along a Jacket if You Get Cold Easily

“So I heard that it’s cold outside…” (Photo: Reddit r/Singapore)

The air-conditioning systems on MRT trains are configured to a pre-set temperature, between 22°C and 24ºC, and could hover more frequently at lower temperatures during rainy weather.

Bring a jacket or sweater if you get cold easily, especially during a long commute – for better comfort! (but not until so OP/overpowered like in the picture la ?)

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Related Links
North-South Line (NSL) – SGTrains
East-West Line (NSL) – SGTrains
Signalling Systems – SGTrains
Platform Screen Doors – SGTrains
Planning your journey – SGTrains
Train Service Status – SGTrains
Train Network Map – SGTrains

External Links
Wet and Cool Conditions Likely During the Lunar New Year Period – MSS
Safety and Security – SMRT
FAQs – SMRT

Images: SGTrains, MSS, Reddit r/Singapore.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.
Last updated on 19 Sep 2024.