SMRT and SPH Media bring Straits Times news bulletins to 68 stations

Commuters traveling across Singapore can now listen to English news bulletins from The Straits Times on 68 train and light rail stations operated by SMRT, zaobao.com.sg reported. The rollout represents the first official implementation under a memorandum of understanding signed by SMRT Corporation and SPH Media in January.

Broadcast Schedules Across MRT and LRT Lines

The audio briefings run for approximately three to four minutes and are broadcast at the top of every hour between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. The Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit system follows a different schedule, with broadcasts timed from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Most stations along the North-South and East-West lines carry the bulletins, excluding Bedok, Tanah Merah, Gul Circle, Tuas Crescent, Tuas West Road, Tuas Link, and Braddell. On the Circle Line, the audio is currently limited to Keppel, Guangdong Minhe, and Prince Edward Road stations, with SMRT planning to expand coverage.

SPH Media Managing Director Kuik Shze Guan stated that the project brings reliable journalism directly into daily commutes. This is an important first step to integrate trusted news reporting into passengers’ daily travel, Kuik said, noting that the initiative delivers timely information while passengers are on the move, according to zaobao.com.sg.

SMRT Group CEO Ngien Hoon Ping emphasized the shared public service mission of both organizations. We believe that this partnership will enrich the commuting experience, and we are glad to be a bridge bringing quality news content to our passengers, Ngien said.

SMRT and SPH Media to Install Screens and Vending Machines

The audio briefings form the initial phase of a broader multi-service collaboration between SMRT and SPH Media. A second phase will display news highlights from The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao on digital screens across station concourses, platforms, and select bus stops.

A third phase introduces newspaper vending machines at SMRT stations, starting at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Commuters will be able to purchase The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Berita Harian, and Tamil Murasu, with the network expanding to additional stations following the initial rollout.