Differences Between LRT And MRT

calendarDec 3, 2022 · 3 min read  ·
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LRT vs MRT

Over the years, men have discovered new ways how to provide a better mode of transportation. Asian countries like the Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan have LRT and MRT as their modes of transportation in this modern age. “LRT” stands for “light rail transit” while “MRT” stands for “metro rail transit” or “mass rapid transit.” Since both modes of transportation work and look the same, how are they exactly different from each other?

Both LRT and MRT are very rapid transportation systems. For example, if you travel by Jeepney to your destination, it can consume a full 30 minutes before you ever get there. However, if you ride the LRT or MRT, you can reach your place of destination in just a matter of three to five minutes. Rapid, right?

Actually, the LRT and MRT are very similar to each other. In the Philippines, the only differences between the two modes of transportation are the routes and the company that runs them. The LRT is mostly ridden by commuters who are along the Taft Avenue-Rizal Avenue and Ramon Magsaysay Blvd-Aurora Blvd routes. On the other hand, the MRT is mostly ridden by commuters from EDSA. The LRT is owned by the Philippine government, while the MRT is owned by Fil-Estate, a private company. If you are in Singapore, both the LRT and MRT are operated by SBS Transit, also a bus network company.

The LRT in Singapore is usually preferred by people if they are traveling inside the city. Since the LRT is meant to help passengers reach their destination point in the city, there are many stops. The LRT is also smaller in length compared to the MRT. However, the LRT is slower in speed. Since 1999, Singapore already uses LRT as one of their modes of transportation.

In Singapore, MRT is called mass rapid transit. The MRT looks like a system of cars that are bound together to travel at rapid speeds. People from Singapore prefer riding the MRT in the daytime to travel along long distances which are very congested. The MRT is located underground. The MRT route in Singapore is about 130 km and has around 87 stations. When you get off the MRT, you can then ride a bus to get at your specific location since the MRT stations are built away from the main areas.

Riding the LRT and MRT offers great advantages. First of all, they are cheap modes of transportation. If they are cheap, then you can save a lot of money. Both the LRT and MRT are also environmentally friendly. They don’t emit fumes or create air pollution. They are also very convenient since you can reach your destination in a matter of few minutes. You won’t be stuck in traffic.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Since several people want to flee from the traffic, the LRT and MRT are usually overcrowded. When it is overcrowded, there are many physical assaults. Women are often touched by perverted men passengers. And the stench of the people mixes all together. It is also noisy on the LRT and MRT despite reminders to remain quiet during the traveling hours.

Summary:

  • “LRT” stands for “light rail transit” while “MRT” stands for “metro rail transit” or “mass rapid transit.”
  • In the Philippines, the only differences between the two modes of transportation are the routes and the company that runs them.
  • In Singapore, both the LRT and MRT are run by the same company, SBS Transit.
  • An LRT is smaller in length and slower than the MRT.

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