From late November to the end of December 2024, SBS Transit scented six Downtown Line MRT stations with a pine-inspired festive fragrance called Frosted Fir, working with a Singapore scent company. Diffusers built into standees on the platforms at Stevens, Newton, Little India, Downtown, Telok Ayer and Bencoolen released a light mist of scent, and passengers could give feedback by QR code. SBS Transit described it as the first initiative of its kind on the MRT network.
What happened
- Where: six Downtown Line stations, on the platforms.
- When: late November to the end of December 2024, for the festive season.
- What: a pine-inspired scent, released from diffusers built into standees.
- Feedback: a QR code at each station invited passengers to respond. SBS Transit reported an overwhelmingly positive response, with some passengers asking for it to be permanent.
- Preparation: the scent company said the project followed a year of approvals and months of planning.
- Next step: SBS Transit said it was working on a scent for the Downtown Line itself.
What it shows
Public operators take sensitivities seriously
SBS Transit said it was mindful of passengers with sensory sensitivities when choosing the scent. In a space nobody can avoid, that care is essential.
A time-limited trial is the right way to start
A festive pilot with built-in feedback let the operator test reaction before committing to anything permanent.
Approvals take time
A year of approvals for six platforms shows how carefully public spaces are managed, and why scenting them is a job for specialists.
From seasonal scent to identity
The move towards a Downtown Line scent mirrors how brands progress from a pleasant scent to a scent identity.
Lessons for other operators and landlords
- Keep scent light and widely acceptable.
- Pilot, measure and listen before scaling up.
- Plan for sensitivities and give people a way to respond.
- For permanent scenting of large spaces, deliver through ventilation rather than platform units. See HVAC and ACMV scent diffusion.
For the wider picture, read scent in Singapore’s MRT and public spaces and scent in transport worldwide. Building owners can see our corporate real estate scenting page.
Frequently asked questions
Were MRT stations in Singapore scented?
Yes, as a trial. Six Downtown Line stations were scented from late November to the end of December 2024.
What was the scent?
A pine-inspired festive fragrance called Frosted Fir.
Will MRT stations be scented permanently?
SBS Transit said it was developing a scent for the Downtown Line. Check SBS Transit for the latest.
Further reading: SBS Transit on Wikipedia.
