Facial recognition gantries are currently being tested at Punggol Coast MRT station in Singapore as part of a closed trial involving a selected group of Land Transport Authority (LTA) and other public officers.

During a visit on Wednesday, July 29th 2026, CNA observed two priority-use gantries equipped with screens and marked "facial recognition detection zones" on the ground. Station staff indicated that the setup had been installed about a week prior.

An LTA spokesperson explained that participants' facial profiles are linked to their SimplyGo cards, allowing them to enter and exit Punggol Coast MRT station via facial scan. These users can continue to use their linked SimplyGo cards normally at other stations.

The trial is an early-stage technology test, and the LTA currently has no plans to expand it beyond the selected group.

This initiative is part of Singapore's efforts to integrate advanced technology within its first smart district.

Sources