Singapore: Tiny Pod, a pop-up hotel and coliving brand, is set to expand its hospitality portfolio with the opening of Train Pod @ one-north, made from a decommissioned MRT carriage, in the second half of 2025.
Train Pod @ one-north will feature eight ensuite rooms, each equipped with an attached bathroom, located at JTC’s LaunchPad in the city’s one-north business district.
Each room is fitted with Murphy-style single bunkbeds that can accommodate two people, alongside air conditioning, WiFi and Netflix access.
Guests will also have access to shared facilities including vending machines, an outdoor kitchen and a washing machine.
The hotel has been converted from a Kawasaki-Nippon Sharyo C751B train car – the same model used on SMRT’s North-South and East-West MRT lines from 2000 to 2024.
Additionally, LCD panels mounted inside the driver’s compartment will depict real-life footage of the train’s earlier journey.
The refurbishment took eight months and cost approximately S$300,000 (£182,000), according to developer JTC.
Parts of the train not used in the hotel interiors have been repurposed elsewhere on site – with original MRT seats turned into public park benches.
Yap Eai-Sy, director for new estates business development and marketing at JTC, said: “Train Pod @ one-north is a progression from Tiny Pod’s shipping container hotel testbed at one-north. More than just a space to test new concepts, LaunchPad can also facilitate growth and product development.”
Seah Liang Chiang, founder and CEO of Tiny Pod, said: By transforming underutilised spaces into unique accommodation experiences, we unlock new revenue streams and minimise our environmental footprint. This endeavour aligns seamlessly with evolving consumer preferences, where conscientious travellers seek authentic and eco-friendly alternatives.
“With the support of our partners JTC, LTA and MTI, and the growing momentum of eco-conscious tourism, this project demonstrates our commitment to catalyse positive change within the industry while delivering memorable experiences for our guests,” he added.
Tiny Pod operates similar compact hotels using repurposed shipping containers at sites including Haw Par Villa and Gardens by the Bay.
