Singapore Bids Farewell to First MRT Trains After 31 Years

On September 26, 2023, Singapore marked the end of an era as the last of its first-generation MRT trains was officially decommissioned. Train captain Mohd Zaidi Sulaiman, who has operated these trains for over three decades, expressed deep emotion as he bid farewell to the iconic fleet that has been a significant part of his life.

After starting his career with the Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 trains in 1994, Zaidi reflected on his journey, having witnessed the evolution of Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. “It’s very sad because we grew up on this train,” said the 52-year-old, who began driving at the age of 20. “I started off as a bachelor, fresh from National Service, got married, had children, and until today… I’m proud to say, it was a beautiful journey.” His farewell coincided with the decommissioning of the last C151 train, which has been in service since its launch in November 1987.

The Legacy of the C151 Fleet

The fleet, consisting of 66 trains, served the North-South and East-West Lines, fundamentally shaping public transport in Singapore. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SMRT began phasing out these trains in 2020, with plans to replace them by the end of 2026. According to then-Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, the C151 trains reached the end of their 38-year service life.

In total, 106 older-generation trains, including the second-generation Siemens C651 and third-generation Kawasaki-Nippon Sharyo C751B trains, will be replaced by the new R151 Alstom fleet. As of September 18, 79 R151 trains have arrived in Singapore, with 70 handed over to SMRT and the remaining nine undergoing testing.

A Train Captain’s Reflections

For many commuters, the first-generation trains evoke nostalgia. Social media users have shared memories of childhood rides, calling for a fitting send-off. Zaidi, speaking after one of his final shifts, noted that the C151 trains were distinct in their operation. “They were the smoothest to operate,” he explained, reminiscing about the manual braking skills that were once essential during rainy weather. “The older train captains, we are basically champions of driving manually,” he asserted, recalling friendly competitions among colleagues.

With upgrades to the signalling system completed in 2018, the need for manual braking has diminished, giving way to increased automation. “As the system upgrades, the automatic features come in,” Zaidi remarked. Nevertheless, some operational differences remain, such as the manual brake tests still required on older trains.

The C151 trains also underwent mid-life upgrades between 2004 and 2009, enhancing capacity and introducing wider seats, a significant improvement for commuter comfort. Zaidi’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn when he chose to become a train captain over pursuing his initial ambition of becoming a chef. “If I were to miss this opportunity to become a train captain, I didn’t know when I would be given this chance again,” he shared, highlighting his passion for the role.

Looking ahead, Zaidi will transition to operating the new R151 trains, which he describes as easier to manage. “The learning journey continues with the new fleet of trains today,” he said, expressing anticipation for the technological advancements that lie ahead.

Despite the changes, the core of Zaidi’s motivation remains steadfast. “The most fulfilling part is where once you complete your job safely, and you see your passengers… go to work, come back from work safely to their family,” he concluded. The C151 trains, he added, will always hold a special place in his heart. “It is just like my wife. My second wife,” he said, affectionately acknowledging the long-standing connection he has formed with the trains he has operated for so many years. “Sorry you have to go,” he concluded, poignantly bidding farewell to a beloved chapter of his life.