Singapore — It’s been almost two years since many former and wannabe’ travellers last transited an airport.
But if you’re missing the pre-flight delights of placing shoes and personal belongings on trays to be put through a scanner and stepping through a scanner yourself, hey, you can indulge in a spot of nostalgia at an MRT station. No passport required.
Enhanced security screening has been introduced since Apr 1 this year at selected MRT stations across Singapore. And that’s no April Foolery about that.
LTA explained that checks like those that travellers go through at airports will be implemented as there is a “need to remain vigilant against evolving security threats”.
“This is key to safeguarding our public transport network against potential security threats,” said LTA.
LTA revealed through a Dec 7 Twitter post that those travelling to and from Serangoon MRT station on the North East and Circle Lines may be asked to participate in the security screening dubbed Exercise Station Guard.
“Do factor in additional travel time for the screening and avoid bringing bulky items,” said LTA.
The exercise reportedly lasted from 10 am to 4 pm. Selected commuters were ushered to several fare gates set up like an airport.
They were subjected to metal detector checks as well as being asked to have their belongings scanned.
Exercise Station Guard has also been conducted at Holland Village, Ang Mo Kio, Hougang, Harbourfront and Jurong East MRT stations.
And here’s another acronym for you. The Threat-Oriented Person Screening Integrated System (TOPSIS) programme has been set up to meet security threats. It involves more than 30,000 personnel being trained to keep a lookout for suspicious items, persons and activities, LTA had said earlier on.
“The TOPSIS programme works hand in hand with the implementation of enhanced security measures at public transport nodes to deter possible threats.”
LTA added, “This is why we are deploying security screening equipment at selected MRT stations, so don’t be worried if you are asked to go through these checks.”
Reports noted that the TOPSIS equipment would be rotated periodically across MRT stations on all MRT lines.
So if you’re planning a trip or just fantasizing about one, here’s your chance to rehearse what it’s like to take a VTL (that’s for Vaccinated Travel Lane) flight.
Several netizens who have gone through these checks, admitting they got confused and said it felt like being at Changi Airport airport.
“Two weeks ago Queenstown MRT Station also same…for a moment I was searching for my Passport,” commented Facebook user Hydro Sea. /TISG
#HappeningNow Travelling to/from Serangoon MRT station on the 🟣 #NEL or 🟠 #CCL today?
You may be asked to go through a security screening as part of Exercise Station Guard.
Do factor in additional travel time for the screening and avoid bringing bulky items. pic.twitter.com/UGLruHREo4
— LTA (@LTAsg) December 7, 2021
Read related: Security measures at selected MRT stations to include X-ray scans and body checks beginning April 1