Agreed with you on the possibility of whether population to 7 mil can be achieved during this bad time is questionable.
However, looking at the S'pore population stats, (according to News report):
Total population: 4.85 million
Biggest population increase per annual since 1871: 5.5%
% of foreigners increase since last year: 19%
Working Permit Holders: 757,000
Employment Pass Holder: 143,000
Student Pass: 85,000
Total Population: 4.85 million
Current foreigners in Singapore: 1.2 million
Local citizen: 3.65 million
Total percentage occupied by foreigners in Singapore: 32%
Figures shows that the customer base for the public transport have grown substantially during 2007to 2008!
I've no comments on the quality of stalls at the MRT stations whether they are good or bad. However, I believe the main concern is whether they can generate more revenue from the rental. :bsmilie: