SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
22 March 2018
Stations Along the East-West Line will Continue to Close Earlier, Open Later on April Weekends
Singapore, 22 March 2018
Stations Along the East-West Line will Continue to Close Earlier, Open Later on April Weekends
1. All 35 MRT stations along the East-West Line (EWL) from Tuas Link to Pasir Ris, and from Tanah Merah to Changi Airport, will continue to close earlier and open later for all weekends in April 2018.
2. Train services along the EWL have been ending earlier and starting later on weekends since 2 March 2018 to provide more time for engineering staff to intensify testing of the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. The extended engineering hours allow more time to run the line fully on the CBTC system, and to test the system’s integration with the North-South Line (NSL). Up to 100 trains have been deployed on both the EWL and NSL on selected nights to stress-test the system. This progressive approach prepares the system for eventual tests during EWL passenger service hours in the coming months.
3. The additional engineering hours have also allowed us to step up maintenance and inspection of the rail network, and enabled us to accelerate improvement works, such as the replacement of track circuits, rail grinding and track tamping. These also include the replacement of the existing concrete track bed near Raffles Place MRT station earlier this year. Similar works are being carried out along the stretch between Outram Park and Tiong Bahru MRT stations. To facilitate these works and as a safety precaution, trains will travel at a slightly lower speed along the affected stretch during the morning peak period.
Commuters advised to check on train and shuttle bus timings
4. The 35 MRT stations on the EWL will continue to close earlier at approximately 11.00pm every Friday and Saturday, and open later at approximately 8.00am every Saturday and Sunday, in the month of April 2018. As the timing of the first and last trains departing each station along the EWL may vary, commuters are advised to check on the station-specific timings when planning their journeys, or to approach station staff for assistance.
5. During the early closure and late opening of MRT stations, the six shuttle bus services and four express bus services will continue to serve as an alternative travel option for commuters along the EWL.
6. Information on train service timings during the early closure and late opening of MRT stations along the EWL, as well as details on shuttle bus and express bus services can be found in the Appendices attached.
7. Commuters are reminded to cater for additional travel time when using the shuttle bus services, while those travelling longer distances may wish to plan their journeys using other operational MRT lines, or seek alternative travel options, for a faster journey. Updates on affected train services and alternative transport arrangements will be available on SMRT’s website, as well as through SMRT’s Facebook, Twitter feed and the SMRTConnect app.
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