The Singapore Mobility Gallery, also known as the SG Mobility Gallery, offers you a captivating journey through the world of land transport and its evolution in Singapore. The gallery is conveniently divided into seven zones, each offering unique experiences and insights.
The galleries are located near Hampshire road in central Singapore within a gated compound behind security lines. Admission is free, but you need to register for your visit beforehand on LTA’s website (gov.sg link) beforehand to enter the compound due to its location within a government institution. All you need is to show your booking confirmation email to the security counter who will ask for some personal information before allowing you in with a visitor sticker.
Furthermore, starting with Zone 1, you are introduced to the Land Transport Hero Academy, which pays tribute to the unsung heroes of land transport.
This interactive zone engages young visitors, particularly children aged 7 and below, with activities and a mini play area. It serves as an introductory area, providing a glimpse of what lies ahead in the galleries.
Try a hand at transport planning
In Zone 2, visitors step into the shoes of an Operations Executive and take charge of managing congestion on Singapore’s roads. This small self-contained gallery features four controller input screens. Also, it allows you to play a congestion management game with family or friends. It has an interactive element similar to modern museum galleries we see today like the SINGAPO人 permanent exhibition at the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC).
Moving on into Zone 3, titled “Connected Towns of Tomorrow”. Here, the gallery explores the complexities involved in planning an efficient transport system that caters to diverse public needs.
In an interactive game, you can immerse themselves in the role of an urban transport planner. Also, on screen, you can work as a planner to design virtual infrastructures and strategising to keep residents connected, happy and content.
Also ,the galleries are thoughtfully arranged in a linear order. Here you can find marked signs and stickers on the floor guiding visitors through the interconnected rooms. Singapore’s transport story is told through mix of display boards, interactive exhibits and screens.
Furthermore, fast-forwarding leading into Zone 5, the “Future Forward Theatre”. Here, you can find a large 270-degree vase movie theater narrates the captivating story of Singapore’s land transport system.
Also, it offers a chance to sit down and appreciate various video clips showcasing transport initiatives in Singapore. Also, these clips include drone inspections for underground MRT lines and behind-the-scenes operations of rail operations. It provides for an immersive experience through a 270° panoramic projection theatre.
A glimpse into future transport
Transitioning back to Zone 4, “Future Mobility”, allows you to witness how the Land Transport Authority (LTA) harnesses technology to achieve an efficient and inclusive transport system. This zone features various innovative initiatives. Examples includes the Autonomous Vehicles, Smart Lamp Posts, Hands-free Ticketing System, and Future Traffic Management System.
A notable display highlights the difference between traditional incandescent bulb street lamps and the more energy-efficient LED lamps.
Accessibility in our Transport
There is also an accessibility section showcasing improvements for the elderly and modern electric battery-powered buses. Additionally, you can have a go at the new RFID-enabled tap-less MRT gantries for wheelchairs, an accessibility enhancement for commuters on wheelchairs to pass through the gantries without reaching out to tap.
You can also find a life size Future Concept Bus. It is also decked in the SGbus green livery, and is also where you can slide a screen to view all the technologies within, such as having smart sensors, electric propulsion on top of 3 separate passenger doors.
Within the LTA campus HQ, several peculiar sights, such as MRT train carriages, a cable car gondola capsule, and classic vintage cars, can be found. Also, the campus ambience resembles that of a school, with short 2-3 floored buildings.
The campus was built from the old vacated KK Hospital grounds, when the hospital moved across the street. It has an enclosed tranquility with green spaces sheltered from the buzzing city within.
Peculiar items here are a collection of historical transport items, besides classic cars, but old basic sheltered bus stops mainstream in the 80-90s period too with their iconic fan-shaped orange seating benches.
Equipping and training the transport force
Zone 6, “Training the Workers of Tomorrow,” takes you back to the entrance of the gallery to explore the training zone. Here, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the up-skilling of public transport workers. You can try out a simulation of trainer systems using Augmented and Virtual Reality headsets.
These mock-ups of the actual trainers are utilized to offer valuable insights into the day-to-day tasks of four public transport workers in diverse settings, such as rail maintenance trainer.
Notably, there is a bus driving simulator you can try out too. It allows you to drive through a small HDB estate and pick up passengers.
The journey culminates in Zone 7. Here you can make a personal commitment on the pledge wall to contribute to a car-lite Singapore. Also, this commitment highlights the integration of walking, cycling, and riding as integral parts of their way of life. Join in the collective effort to shape the future of land transport in Singapore.
Also, the MRT trains showcase their capacity as large people movers, able to transport the equivalent of 400 cars in one train.
Wrapping up
Overall, a visit to the Singapore Mobility Gallery is a fulfilling experience that can take around an hour or even two if you choose to engage with all the interactive exhibits and games. Additionally, the gallery is designed to be self-guided, allowing you to explore the galleries their own pace. Also, admission to the gallery is free.
All in all, the SG Mobility Gallery offers an enriching and interactive experience. It takes you on a comprehensive journey through the past, present, and future of land transport in Singapore. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this small museum gallery is one to visit to appreciate the advancements and efforts in shaping a sustainable and efficient land transport system for Singapore.
