This short article compares Singapore’s MRT with the New York subway. It shows why the Singapore system feels cleaner, more comfortable and easier to use for travelers.

Instagram user thegeekygastro said the MRT trains and stations are air‑conditioned, “super clean” and have no “weird and mechanical smells.” She also said trains arrive about every three minutes and many stations, such as One‑North, open directly onto shopping malls.

The MRT network covers more than 200 km, has 146 stations and carries about 3.5 million passenger trips each day. The Land Transport Authority reported that 99.4 % of trains ran on schedule in 2025.

The New York subway opened in October 1904. A netizen described it as hot, unsafe and filthy, and also mentioned rusted beams, rats, spider webs and occasional unpleasant smells.

Overall, Singapore’s MRT provides a cleaner, cooler and more reliable ride than the older New York system. This makes daily commuting in Singapore feel much more pleasant.