There are 134 operational stations (30 of which are interchange stations) dispersed across six lines arrayed in a circle-radial topology. The MRT network encompasses 230 km (140 mi) of grade-separated route on standard gauge. The network has since grown to span the length and breadth of the country's main island – with the exception of the forested core and the rural northwestern region – in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system, averaging a daily ridership of 3.4 million in 2019. The system commenced operations in November 1987 after two decades of planning with an initial 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch consisting of five stations. The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by the initialism MRT, is a rapid transit system in Singapore and the island country's principal mode of railway transportation. From top, left to right: Entrances of the Toa Payoh, Little India stations Exterior of Jurong East station East–West Line (EWL) platforms at Expo station and Thomson–East Coast Line platforms at Caldecott stationĥ79 trains comprising >2,600 carriages ġ,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1⁄ 2 in) standard gaugeĤ00–500 m (1,312.34–1,640.42 ft) (mainline),
