Forum: Let people freely take photos of MRT public areas for personal use
A recent article on AsiaOne with
- by autobot
- July 25, 2024
- Source article
Publisher object (23)
A recent article on AsiaOne with tunning images of Singapore MRT stations went viral, with the photographer reported as saying many people do not notice the unique designs. I would like to share my experience taking photographs in MRT stations. I checked the FAQs provided by SMRT and noted that photographs in MRT stations for personal use and within areas that are publicly accessible are allowed. I chose a time in the morning when the rush-hour crowd had reduced significantly. While taking photographs at the first station, I was approached by a man wearing a “Security” vest. He told me I could not take photographs inside the MRT station. I pointed out there were no signs prohibiting photography. He became uncertain and directed me to speak to the station master. The station master was pleasant and was surprised that I was told I couldn’t take photographs. I showed him the ones I had taken and was told I could continue with my photography. In other stations, security staff gave similar instructions that I could not take photographs. One of them wanted me to leave the station immediately without even allowing me to clarify matters with the station master. The most baffling experience, however, was with one station master, who said taking photos was a safety and security issue. He wasn’t interested that the photographs were taken in public access areas and were for personal use. He declined to look at my photographs and told me to leave the station and take my photography elsewhere. I feel that we have built amazing and wonderful MRT stations. The architecture within the stations would rival the best in the world. I hope station staff are made aware of the guidelines and let us take photos and capture the awe-inspiring interior and architecture of our MRT stations.