Member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been actively incorporating cutting-edge ticketing and signalling technologies into metro rail projects over the past few years. This trend is driven by the need for modern, efficient transportation networks that can support economic growth and integration within the SEA region. Ticketing systems are being modernised, with many countries adopting electronic payment systems and smart cards for convenience and efficiency. These systems reduce congestion at ticket counters and make it easier for passengers to use public transport. They also provide valuable data on passenger patterns, which can be used to optimise service schedules and capacity. Further, member nations have plans to modernise and expand connectivity with the help of technology, making them future ready and boosting their local economies. Southeast Asia Infrastructure takes a look at recent initiatives across metro rail projects in the SEA region…
Indonesia
Indonesia is investing heavily in its metro rail infrastructure, including the Jakarta mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT) projects. The use of advanced signalling systems will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of Indonesia’s metro rail operations. Modern signalling systems, including communications-based train control (CBTC), have already been implemented for Jakarta MRT Line 1 to improve its operational efficiency.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s metro rail infrastructure is well developed, and innovations continue with new technologies to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency. The Kuala Lumpur LRT Ampang and the Sri Petaling lines are equipped with the Thales SelTrac CBTC signalling system, enhancing operational efficiency and safety. The Sarawak metro has pioneered the Kuching urban transportation system (KUTS), which features the hydrogen-powered autonomous rapid transit system (ART). This system integrates bus, train and tram technologies, utilising virtual track technology and advanced signalling systems to improve urban mobility and reduce emissions.
The Malaysian government is also focusing on integrating smart ticketing solutions across its metro systems to enhance passenger experience. The contactless smart card is the most widely used ticketing system in Malaysia. It enables users to pay for several forms of transport, such as buses and trains, with a single card. For Malaysian transport operators, the implementation of open-loop fee payments offers a substantial chance to boost consumer satisfaction, increase efficiency and improve convenience while obtaining data-driven insights for better decision-making.
The Philippines
The Philippines is implementing advanced signalling systems, which will significantly enhance safety and efficiency by allowing for automatic train protection and more precise control over train movements. Manila’s MRT Line 3 uses the CITYFLO 250 fixed block system supplied by Alstom. Besides, Line 7’s signalling system is being supplied by Hyundai Rotem, while the Metro Manila Subway will employ a CBTC system based on Nippon Signal’s SPARCS solution. LRT Line 2 employs a fixed block system with automatic train control, incorporating subsystems like automatic train protection, automatic train operation and the Rail 9000 automatic train supervision system.
The country’s department of transportation has also replaced the magnetic-based ticketing system with a contactless smart card solution, the Beep card, to smoothen transactions and streamline revenue collection and management. The Beep card is equipped with security measures, including encryption and authentication protocols to protect transactions and mitigate risks associated with fraud or data breaches.
Singapore
The country continues to improve its metro rail infrastructure with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that its transportation network remains one of the most efficient and reliable in the world. Singapore’s metro system is highly advanced, utilising CBTC systems for efficient operations. Siemens Mobility has provided the CBTC signalling system for Singapore’s Downtown Line. The company has made the signalling system, including onboard computer (OBC) and printed circuit board (PCB), more compact. Besides, the radio system was made more robust and the diagnostic tools of the CBTC signalling system were enhanced to ensure ease of operation and maintenance.
Furthermore, two new Alstom-supplied trains have been installed by SMRT Trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT), and 17 more are scheduled to be added by the end of 2025. Additionally, Alstom is improving signalling with the CITYFLO 650 CBTC system and retrofitting 13 trains. The CITYFLO 650 system enables shorter headways and increased line capacity. The BPLRT upgrade, which is expected to be finished by 2026, consists of operations control centre (OCC) renovation and power supply improvement.
Thailand
Thailand is enhancing its metro network as well, including Bangkok’s MRT systems. The project incorporates modern systems like the radio frequency identification (RFID) contactless technology for ticketing, offering single-trip tokens and stored-value cards. A joint ticketing system is also planned to allow passengers to use a single ticket across both the MRT and the Bangkok mass transit system, commonly known as bus transit system (BTS) Skytrain. Thailand’s metro rail infrastructure is extensive and ongoing modernisation efforts aim to improve efficiency and capacity.
Vietnam
Vietnam is also focusing on enhancing its urban rail infrastructure. The Hanoi metro has deployed internet of things (IoT)-enabled sensors for predictive maintenance, enhancing safety and reducing breakdowns. The most populated city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, has a rapid transit system called the Ho Chi Minh City Metro. Line 1, which commenced operations in December 2024, connects Bến Thành Market to the Eastern Bus Terminus. Sacombank collaborated with HURC1 and Mastercard to deploy a cashless payment system for Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien Metro Line 1 after realising the substantial benefits of open-loop technology. In order to pay for rides, customers can just swipe contactless payment cards issued by any bank or organisation, such as Mastercard, Visa, JCB, UnionPay, American Express and Napas. There are plans to further expand the metro network.
Challenges and the way forward
There are challenges associated with the integration of these advanced signalling and ticketing systems into metro rail infrastructure. One of the major hurdles is the cost of implementing new technologies, which can be prohibitively expensive for some countries. Additionally, there is a need for skilled personnel to manage and maintain these systems, which requires significant investment in training and education.
Despite these challenges, there are numerous benefits of modernising infrastructure. Improved efficiency and safety lead to increased passenger confidence and usage, which in turn supports economic growth across the member countries of the SEA region. Furthermore, metro rail can help reduce the environmental impact in the fast developing nations by providing a cleaner alternative to private vehicles; this is a crucial element for modern transport, given that the growing climate crisis and stricter pollution norms affect traditional modes of transportation.
As these technologies continue to evolve, the SEA region will continue to innovate, leveraging technology to build a more connected and prosperous future for its citizens.
