SMRT Corporation (SMRT) hosts the bi-annual Taiwan Metro Alliance Meeting in Singapore for the first time.

Held from 4 March to 6 March, the programme convened metros of the 6-member Alliance, including five Taiwanese rail operators, namely Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC), New Taipei Metro Corporation, Taoyuan Metro Corporation, Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation.

The Taiwan Metro Alliance was formalised in July 2023, and SMRT joined officially in September 2024 on the invitation of the group. It is the only rail operator outside of Taiwan to be included.

SMRT’s relationship with the Taiwan metros dates to 1990. At that time, SMRT received a group of eight core employees from TRTC, who were based at Bishan Depot for three months to gather experience from SMRT. The Taiwanese team learnt about operations management systems and practical day-to-day operations to gear up for the start-of-service for Taipei Metro. Today, Taipei Metro is widely recognised as one of the leading metros in the world, and SMRT is happy to have played a small part in its early history.

This relationship between Singapore and Taiwan metros has deepened over the years, and today, members of the Metro Alliance continue with this culture of open sharing and mutual learning to benefit the wider rail eco-system. 

During the bi-annual meeting in Singapore, conversations were focused on establishing joint procurement initiatives, strengthening asset life cycle management and exploring innovative approaches to grow non-fare businesses.

SMRT also participates in quarterly teleconferences with members of the Alliance. Regular discussions are centred on the sharing of technical expertise to enhance operations and maintenance, collaborations such as joint procurement, as well as exploring commercial opportunities in advertising, marketing and transit retail.

Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Group Chief Executive Officer, SMRT Corporation said, “We are honoured to host the Metro Alliance Meeting outside of Taiwan for the first time. Today, urban rail transit systems face increasingly complex challenges, including rising commuter expectations, accelerating technological transformation, greater demands for climate resilience, and mounting pressure for financial sustainability. With open sharing of experience and expertise, the Metro Alliance provides us with a platform for systematic collaboration. This allows us to move collectively towards greater alignment of technical standards, supply chain coordination, accelerated digital transformation, and shared management experience.”

The closing dinner was attended by Commissioners of Departments of Transportation and Rapid Transit Systems from the Taipei City Government, New Taipei City Government, Taoyuan City Government, Taichung City Government; and distinguished guests from the Taiwan Railway Economy Development Association. Also in attendance were key stakeholders from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA), Temasek Holdings, National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU) and Public Transport Council (PTC).

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Annex: SMRT Chairman Mr Seah Moon Ming's Closing Speech