Only two out of fifty polled woke up early to enjoy free train rides

On the first day of a year long project - only two out of fifty commuters that were interviewed by the local paper revealed they woke up earlier to benefit from the free or discounted train rides to the city. It seems a handful will consider starting their journey earlier to take advantage of the scheme but most are sticking to their normal routines for now.

58-year old Administrative Assistant, Elizabeth Anthony, revealed she left her home in Sembawang 15 minutes earlier. "Usually I take a bus, but I think this is good savings which I can then donate to charity, I'll save about $1.70 a day. I hope I can continue this for as long as possible," she added.

The $10 million year-long trial which started today is expected to ease morning congestion on the city-bound trains. Commuters who exit one of the 16 stations within the city before 7:45am need not have to pay MRT fares while those exiting between 7:45am and 8:00am will get a $0.50 discount.