Ok ok, there is no current law stating explicitly that
photography is banned in RTS stations. The last ammendment of the
Railway Act was in 1991, 1 year before I was born.
However, there seem to be a verbal consensus or an internal
consensus within SMRT (I say this because I have had no
problems with SBST lines so far, but actually neither with
SMRT.) that photography should not be allowed. In the
Singapore Law, a verbal agreement can also be considered a
contract, should the case be taken to court. Just with albeit more
lawyer fees and a longer trial I guess. So I would say, yes it is
not allowed for SMRT stations.
To play safe, just ask. Would it kill to use 20 seconds of your
time to say "Hello, is it possible for me to take pictures in the
station?" If they ask why, just say that you like trains or
something. Lies can only be supported with more lies and the whole
thing collapses. If the guy/lady says no, then walk away. I'm sure
if even you were really thirsty with only 1 drink stall in sight,
and the uncle behaves like he is against the entire world holding a
parang in his hand, you won't go by the mantra of "I came here for
a drink, I leave here with a drink." right? Same thing applies
here. Although it won;t get you into some serious penal offence, is
that 1GB of pics worth your time and frustration?
As I say, this is definetely an abuse of authority by some
station managers if there are no such law exist. But since you have
mentioned about internal consensus within SMRT, so why dont put
like trespass into tracks also no need to state is not allowed, or
rather no food and drinks allowed also no need to state clearly one
leh?
Sure, it does not kill by asking. But, have u thought of station
to station video. How can one ask permission from both station
first without actually overstay or asking in advance, where chances
are, in the term of office politics (You know when you go to work),
where the day or time in duty likes to give trouble leh.
Eg: You come 3 days ago in Station A and B and asked nicely say
I 3 days later wana take videos for my train project as an train
enthu identity. 3 days later, either or both of the station manager
on off day (All staff got an off day per week or 8 days or sort of,
unless the station manager is your friend or relative, how would
you know?) and the other guy say HELL NO! WTH are you trying to do?
You explain nicely, and he give a condemned looked. Now, tell me,
who is contradicating? Or rather, both are station manager (Most
likely) and why is that the now station manager / CSO got higher
authority than the previous one despite being same position.
Even no need 3 days, you can change it to like morning tell them
say afternoon or evening (Avoid public crowd please)/ night, also
can.
Sometimes, while I wont say is worth the effort, and I avoid a
flame war, but it is matter of rights because the fate lies on
tricky lawyers' mouth.