MRT trains chartered for rugby final by ACS(I)

The Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) [ACS (I)] has chartered five MRT trains to ferry supporters from its school to Kallang for today's Schools National C Division rugby championship clash at the new Singapore Sports Hub, the first school final to be held there.

According to The Straits Times, the match pits ACS(I) against defending champions St Andrew's Secondary (SAS). The match is expected to be witnessed by more than 5,000 spectators, and the large turnout is the key reason why ACS(I) has chartered MRT trains to shuttle their students.

ACS(I) Principal, Winston Hodge, told the English daily that students, parents and alumni had expressed interest in attending the 'special game', which starts at 4:00pm. "As we would have needed at least 80 buses to transport our students and staff, the trains are a cost-efficient way of taking them from school to the Sports Hub safely and with ease," Mr. Winston told The Straits Times.

While both ACS(I) and rail operator, SMRT, declined to reveal the cost for the train charter, The Straits Times understands it works out to be around $2 per head.

This is not the first time SMRT has chartered out trains to schools for the transportation of students for large-scale events. In response to queries from the English daily, SMRT's Vice President for Corporate Information and Communication, Patrick Nathan, revealed that requests for train charters are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, to ensure there is no interference with regular services. He also added that requests are carried out during off-peak hours.