The London mayor called the MRT 'Singapore's gleaming tube'. So which is better: London Tube or the MRT?

On Friday (Nov 28), the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, rode the MRT on his way to a meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Seemingly impressed with the MRT, Johnson posted a photo on Twitter - and even called it "Singapore's gleaming tube".

We know many Singaporeans have their gripes about the public transport system here - particularly the MRT. But the London Underground (also known as The Tube) has its fair share of detractors too.

So here, we pit the two transport systems together to see who comes out on top.

1) Which transport system has nicer people?

London Underground

or The MRT?

 

Our pick: London Underground

The Tube has some train stations that don't have step-free access making it difficult for commuters in wheelchairs. But here, people are more than willing to help. Meanwhile, the battle for the reserved seat still rages on.

2) Which group of commuters are more inconsiderate?

Singapore MRT

 

London Underground

 

Our pick: London Underground

This was a tough choice but the fact that germs can be spread easily gave The Tube the dubious honour of having the more inconsiderate commuters.

3) Which transport system has better staff?

London Underground

Singapore MRT

 

Our pick: DRAW!

We love it when the staff steps in on behalf of commuters in need. But we also love it when the staff says something that makes our commute just a little better. After all, don't you hate it when someone just says "MOVE IN! MOVE IN!" at 8 in the morning?

4) Which system is more efficient?

London Underground

Singapore MRT 

Our pick: Singapore MRT

Yes, we do have the occasional train delays - sometimes lasting hours. But they are not as commonplace as the delays in London. In fact, sometimes entire lines are not in service for days and commuters have to take the replacement bus service or find another route to get to their destination. 

5) Which has cuter commuters? (Yes, this matters)

To ascertain this, we checked out Tube Crush and searched for #MRTCrush (MRTcrush.com has since shut down).

London Underground

Singapore MRT

Our pick: London Underground

Look at those eyes! I rest my case.

6) Which is cleaner?

London Underground

Singapore MRT

Our pick: Singapore MRT (Just watch the video).

​Overall winner?  We say Singapore's MRT.

How about you?

Sources: Twitter, TubeCrush