Four MRT stations to cater for free phone charging

Commuters will be able to charge their mobile phones or electronic devices at four MRT stations in the coming weeks, as part of a trial by SMRT, reported The Straits Times.

The transport operator installed a charging point at City Hall station last week, and will outfit Orchard, Tanjong Pagar and Kent Ridge stations with similar power points over the next few weeks.

SMRT Vice President for Corporate Information and Communication Patrick Nathan said it will gather feedback and suggestions through a survey before deciding whether to extend the service to more MRT stations on its rail network. He said the new service is one of several initiatives that SMRT is rolling out to 'enhance travel experience, at no additional cost to its commuters'.

Each charging point has three low-voltage charging outlets. Of these, two have USB ports. The Taipei Metro offers similar charging points at its stations. Charging points became a point of controversy early this year after a student was fined $400 for using an electrical socket at an MRT station to charge her mobile phone.