Singapore’s Circle Line signs
Practise B1 reading with a report on Singapore’s Circle Line signs, six useful words and five questions with answers.
Singapore’s Circle Line extension opened to passengers on 12 July 2026. Three new stations completed a loop, joining HarbourFront and Marina Bay. This changed more than the railway map: passengers also needed clear information about which way trains were going.
On 20 August, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, or LTA, explained the new signs. A train travelling around the continuous loop has no final station to name its direction after. The signs therefore use “clockwise” and “anticlockwise”. Clockwise means following the hands of a clock; anticlockwise means going the other way.
However, the Circle Line also has three stations on a separate branch outside the loop. These have different services, so the loop words are only part of the information passengers need. Maps, screens and announcements work together to explain the journey.
LTA said it had improved the signs after receiving passenger feedback. On the screens, the names of upcoming stations where passengers can change lines, or where a service ends, became easier to notice. Larger station codes in different colours also helped show the direction of travel.
Passengers could check a diagram on the platform to confirm their route because it showed the next station. LTA said it would keep listening to suggestions. Its August update showed how a new train service could also require clearer information for the people using it.
Words to take with you
- loop
- A route that goes around and returns to where it started.The walking path forms a loop around the lake.
- clockwise
- Moving in the same direction as the hands of a clock.Turn the round handle clockwise to close the door.
- anticlockwise
- Moving in the opposite direction to the hands of a clock.The players pass the card anticlockwise around the table.
- direction
- The way that someone or something moves or points.The arrow shows the direction of the exit.
- feedback
- Comments about something that can help people improve it.The visitors gave feedback about the museum map.
- confirm
- To check that something is correct.I read the email again to confirm the meeting place.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer, then check each question.
Use your English
Think of a station or another public place you know. Suggest one change to its signs and explain how it could help visitors. Use direction and feedback.
Say your answer aloud or write two or three sentences.