Facial recognition gantries tested at Punggol Coast MRT station

Facial recognition technology is currently being tested at the Punggol Coast MRT station in Singapore as part of a closed trial conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The trial is limited to public sector officers and aims to evaluate the use of facial recognition for fare payment.

During a visit to the station, which is located in Singapore's inaugural smart district, two priority-use gantries were observed to have screens installed. A designated "facial recognition detection zone" was marked on the ground in front of these gantries. According to an LTA spokesperson, the modified gantries are part of a trial involving a "selected group of LTA and other public officers."

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Facial profiles of participants are linked to their SimplyGo cards, to enable them to enter and exit Punggol Coast MRT station via facial scan

Participants in the trial have their facial profiles linked to their SimplyGo cards. This integration allows them to enter and exit the Punggol Coast MRT station using a facial scan. For travel to and from other stations, users can continue to use their linked SimplyGo cards in the conventional manner. The LTA emphasized that this is an early technology trial, and "we have no plans to expand the trial at this time."

The screens atop the gantries provide instructions, guiding users to stand within the marked detection zone and look at the camera. Station staff indicated that the setup was installed approximately one week prior to the observation. The priority-use gantries are wider fare gates designed for passengers with strollers, bulky items, or those using personal mobility aids.

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As this is an early technology trial, we have no plans to expand the trial at this time.