Thomson-East Coast Line stations open for preview
13 Jan 2020|2,658 views
The Woodlands North MRT station, meant to connect to the delayed cross-border Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Singapore and Johor Baru, welcomed visitors yesterday as Singapore's new MRT line opened for preview.
For now, people will be able to visit the Woodlands North, Woodlands and Woodlands South stations to familiarise themselves with the various entrances, exits and amenities.
Those who went to the open house yesterday got to ride the trains between the three stations for free. There will also be free train rides from 31 January to 2 February 2020.
The Woodlands North station, located between Woodlands Avenue 9 and Admiralty Road West, is among the biggest of the 32 stations on the TEL and was designed with the RTS Link in mind. The station is about 270m long, 48m wide and 22m below ground level.
The RTS Link agreement, first signed in 2018, has been delayed several times after Malaysia requested a suspension to review the project last year. Malaysia has since proposed amending the scope and structure of the S$1.3 billion project to cut costs, and both sides are discussing the changes.
Mr. Khaw's comments on the RTS Link came a day after he met his Malaysian counterpart Anthony Loke in Singapore. Mr. Loke later said in a Facebook post that they had a "fruitful discussion" and both sides were committed to concluding the RTS Link agreement by April. The 4km cross-border MRT link from Woodlands in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor was envisioned to help alleviate congestion on the Causeway.
As he opened the three stations in Woodlands town in Stage 1 of the TEL, Mr. Khaw thanked residents in the area for their patience and understanding since construction started in 2014. "Now it is time for you to enjoy the fruits of your patience," he said.
Singapore's sixth MRT line will span more than 43km and have 32 stations when completely open by 2024. It will be the longest MRT line, linking up neighbourhoods such as Thomson, Toa Payoh, Marine Parade and Bedok to the Central Business District.
While the $25 billion construction cost is a "financial burden on taxpayers... it is money well spent", said Mr. Khaw. He also said he has asked the Land Transport Authority for a briefing on the progress of the rest of the TEL, and will share more details in due course.
He quipped, "Like many of you, I am keen to know the estimated completion date of Stage 2. Stage 2 is of personal interest as Lentor station is near my house."
Stage 2 comprises six stations from Springleaf to Caldecott, with two interchange stations - Bright Hill, which will link to the future Cross Island Line, and Caldecott, which will link to the Circle Line.
Yesterday's open house drew Singaporeans from other parts of the island and train enthusiasts such as Presbyterian High School student Isaac Kong, 15. "I have been checking the train map updates," he said. "I hope to try out all the MRT lines."
While the $25 billion construction cost is a "financial burden on taxpayers... it is money well spent", said Mr. Khaw. He also said he has asked the Land Transport Authority for a briefing on the progress of the rest of the TEL, and will share more details in due course.
He quipped, "Like many of you, I am keen to know the estimated completion date of Stage 2. Stage 2 is of personal interest as Lentor station is near my house."
Stage 2 comprises six stations from Springleaf to Caldecott, with two interchange stations - Bright Hill, which will link to the future Cross Island Line, and Caldecott, which will link to the Circle Line.
Yesterday's open house drew Singaporeans from other parts of the island and train enthusiasts such as Presbyterian High School student Isaac Kong, 15. "I have been checking the train map updates," he said. "I hope to try out all the MRT lines."
The Woodlands North MRT station, meant to connect to the delayed cross-border Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Singapore and Johor Baru, welcomed visitors yesterday as Singapore's new MRT line opened for preview.
For now, people will be able to visit the Woodlands North, Woodlands and Woodlands South stations to familiarise themselves with the various entrances, exits and amenities.
Those who went to the open house yesterday got to ride the trains between the three stations for free. There will also be free train rides from 31 January to 2 February 2020.
The Woodlands North station, located between Woodlands Avenue 9 and Admiralty Road West, is among the biggest of the 32 stations on the TEL and was designed with the RTS Link in mind. The station is about 270m long, 48m wide and 22m below ground level.
The Woodlands North station is among the biggest of the 32 stations on the TEL and was designed with the RTS Link in mind
The RTS Link agreement, first signed in 2018, has been delayed several times after Malaysia requested a suspension to review the project last year. Malaysia has since proposed amending the scope and structure of the S$1.3 billion project to cut costs, and both sides are discussing the changes.
Mr. Khaw's comments on the RTS Link came a day after he met his Malaysian counterpart Anthony Loke in Singapore. Mr. Loke later said in a Facebook post that they had a "fruitful discussion" and both sides were committed to concluding the RTS Link agreement by April. The 4km cross-border MRT link from Woodlands in Singapore to Bukit Chagar in Johor was envisioned to help alleviate congestion on the Causeway.
As he opened the three stations in Woodlands town in Stage 1 of the TEL, Mr. Khaw thanked residents in the area for their patience and understanding since construction started in 2014. "Now it is time for you to enjoy the fruits of your patience," he said.
Singapore's sixth MRT line will span more than 43km and have 32 stations when completely open by 2024. It will be the longest MRT line, linking up neighbourhoods such as Thomson, Toa Payoh, Marine Parade and Bedok to the Central Business District.
While the $25 billion construction cost is a "financial burden on taxpayers... it is money well spent", said Mr. Khaw. He also said he has asked the Land Transport Authority for a briefing on the progress of the rest of the TEL, and will share more details in due course.
He quipped, "Like many of you, I am keen to know the estimated completion date of Stage 2. Stage 2 is of personal interest as Lentor station is near my house."
Stage 2 comprises six stations from Springleaf to Caldecott, with two interchange stations - Bright Hill, which will link to the future Cross Island Line, and Caldecott, which will link to the Circle Line.
Yesterday's open house drew Singaporeans from other parts of the island and train enthusiasts such as Presbyterian High School student Isaac Kong, 15. "I have been checking the train map updates," he said. "I hope to try out all the MRT lines."
While the $25 billion construction cost is a "financial burden on taxpayers... it is money well spent", said Mr. Khaw. He also said he has asked the Land Transport Authority for a briefing on the progress of the rest of the TEL, and will share more details in due course.
He quipped, "Like many of you, I am keen to know the estimated completion date of Stage 2. Stage 2 is of personal interest as Lentor station is near my house."
Stage 2 comprises six stations from Springleaf to Caldecott, with two interchange stations - Bright Hill, which will link to the future Cross Island Line, and Caldecott, which will link to the Circle Line.
Yesterday's open house drew Singaporeans from other parts of the island and train enthusiasts such as Presbyterian High School student Isaac Kong, 15. "I have been checking the train map updates," he said. "I hope to try out all the MRT lines."
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