115-448: The Thomson–East Coast Line ( TEL ) is a high-capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore . Coloured brown on the rail map, it is fully underground. When fully completed, the sixth line on the country's MRT network will serve 32 stations around 43 kilometres (27 mi) in length, becoming one of the world's longest driverless rapid transit lines. It runs along a combined north–south and east–west corridor, starting in
230-546: A circle-radial topology . Two more lines and 46 stations are currently under construction, in addition to ongoing extension works on existing lines. In total, this will schedule the network to double in length to about 460 km (290 mi) by 2040. Further studies are ongoing on potential new alignments and lines, as well as infill stations in the Land Transport Authority 's (LTA) Land Transport Masterplan 2040. The island-wide heavy rail network interchanges with
345-695: A Homespun Journey is displayed on the walls of the TEL station. After the Branch line (from the Jurong East to Choa Chu Kang stations) opened in 1990, the government made plans for the Woodlands MRT line that would connect between Yishun and Choa Chu Kang stations. The station was among the six Woodlands line extension stations announced in November 1991. The contract for the construction of Woodlands station, along with
460-467: A branch has been implied for trains going to Mandai depot . It continues heading south-east, bypassing Ang Mo Kio , towards Lentor before curving south towards Mayflower station. After Bright Hill station, the line curves south towards Caldecott station before curving west passing the unopened Mount Pleasant towards Stevens station, which it has an interchange with the Downtown line. From Napier station,
575-607: A cumulative S$ 150 billion in 2021, making the network one of the world's costliest on both a per-kilometre and absolute basis. The system is managed in conformity with a semi-nationalised hybrid regulatory framework; construction and procurement fall under the purview of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), a statutory board of the government that allocates operating concessions to the for-profit private corporations SMRT and SBS Transit . These operators are responsible for asset maintenance on their respective lines, and also run bus services, facilitating operational synchronicity and
690-668: A different way every time they pass through the station. There is also a mural created by participants of the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled (MINDS) craft at the Woodlands Employment Centre. As part of the heritage-themed Comic Connect public display by SMRT, the mural shows the evolution of Woodlands and features local landmarks such as Kampung Fatimah (a former village), the Woodlands Town Centre,
805-562: A few days of the weekend. The nightly closures are used for maintenance. During the COVID-19 pandemic across the country , train services ended earlier from 7 April 2020 to 1 June 2020 and service extensions on the eves of public holidays ceased from 7 April 2020 until 28 September 2024 except New Year's Eve. Train service extensions were reinstated back to before the pandemic began in 2020 as mentioned earlier. Train frequencies are 2 - 3 mins during peak hours and 5 - 6 mins during off-peak hours. If
920-668: A few paintings or sculptures representing the recent past of Singapore, mounted in major stations. The opening of the Woodlands Extension introduced bolder pieces of artwork, such as a 4,000 kg sculpture in Woodlands . With the opening of the North East Line in 2003, a series of artworks under a programme called "Art in Transit" were commissioned by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Created by 19 local artists and integrated into
1035-459: A large visual opening. The linkway that connects the TEL platforms to the NSL platforms have gaps in the roof to allow sunlight into the station. Largely naturally ventilated, the station utilises minimal energy. The four entrances of the TEL station are also naturally ventilated, with transparent structures to allow sunlight into the entrances. They are intended to function as "lanterns" that will light up
1150-399: A pedestrian bridge near the residential blocks, were relocated closer to the station. This relocation saved evacuation costs by about S$ 60 million (US$ 48 million) and minimised road traffic disruption and inconvenience to residents. The excavated space above the crossover tunnels was converted to a pedestrian retail link rather than backfilling it. Two new linkways were constructed to connect
1265-556: A plan to introduce dual speeds to escalators along the North–South and East–West lines, to make it safer for senior citizens using them. As a result, all escalators on the two lines, through a refurbishment programme, will be able to operate at a different speed of 0.5 m/s during off-peak hours, with completion being targeted for 2022. All stations constructed before 2001 initially lacked barrier-free facilities and wider AFC faregates such as lifts, ramps and tactile guidance systems for
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#17328484176701380-671: A preference. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) had considered other naming methods in June 2007, whether by name, colour or numbers. After the survey, however, the naming scheme was retained and used for subsequent future MRT lines. Except for the partly at-grade Bishan MRT station ( North–South Line ), the entirety of the MRT is either elevated or underground. Most below-ground stations are deep and hardened enough to withstand conventional aerial bomb attacks and to serve as bomb shelters . Mobile phone, 3G, 4G and 5G services are available in every part of
1495-565: A series of automated guideway transit networks localised to select suburban towns — collectively known as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system — which, along with public buses , complement the mainline by providing a last mile link between MRT stations and HDB public housing estates . The MRT is the oldest, busiest, and most comprehensive metro system in Southeast Asia . Capital expenditure on its rail infrastructure reached
1610-496: A station interlocking system. The ATO drives the train in automatic mode, providing the traction and braking control demands to the train rolling stock system, adjusts its speed upon approaching the station, and provides the control of opening and closing of train and platform screen doors once the train has stopped at the station. The ATP ensures safe train separation by using the ATP track circuit status and by location determination, monitors
1725-462: A two-year contract for consultancy in November 1982. The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC)—later renamed SMRT Corporation—was established on 14 October 1983 and took over the roles and responsibilities of the former provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority. On 7 November 1987, the first section of the North–South Line started operations, consisting of five stations over six kilometres. Within
1840-485: A year, 20 more stations had been added to the network and a direct service existed between Yishun and Lakeside stations, linking up Central Singapore to Jurong in the west by the end of 1988. The direct service was eventually split into the North–South and East–West lines after the latter's completion of the eastern sector to Tanah Merah station. By the end of 1990, the Branch line has further linked Choa Chu Kang to
1955-613: Is a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) interchange station on the North–South (NSL) and Thomson–East Coast (TEL) lines in Singapore . Located in Woodlands , the MRT station was the first to feature an underground bus interchange underneath the NSL station. The station is also integrated with surrounding developments, including Causeway Point and the Woodlands Civic Centre. The NSL station was first announced in November 1991 as part of
2070-581: Is able to support bidirectional train operations on a single track, enabling trains to be diverted onto another track in the event of a fault on one track. The CBTC system also permits for improved braking performance in wet weather as compared to the original fixed-block ATC. All new MRT lines built since the North East Line in 2003 were equipped with CBTC from the outset, and have the capability to be completely driverless and automated, requiring no on-board staffing. Operations are monitored remotely from
2185-562: Is an interchange on the NSL and TEL. The official station code is NS9/TE2. On the NSL, the station is between the Marsiling and Admiralty stations. On the TEL, the station is between the Woodlands North and Woodlands South stations. NSL services have a frequency of 2 to 5 minutes, while TEL services have a frequency of 3 to 6 minutes. A 15-metre (49 ft) high stainless steel by Min Chen
2300-685: Is currently used for the Downtown line . While major operations were shifted to the main Gali Batu Depot in 2015, the Tai Seng Facility Building resumed stabling operations with the extension of the Downtown line in 2017. It currently operates independently from Kim Chuan Depot. Gali Batu Depot is the first MRT depot in Singapore to achieve the certification of Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Gold. In August 2014, plans for
2415-459: Is displayed at the NSL station. The sculpture, Faces II , is a spiral of triangular geometric surfaces, intended to represent the various expressions of people's faces. Selected among six submissions, the judges were impressed by the artist's ability to “incorporate a human feel” in a cubist style. The sculpture takes inspiration from origami , the Japanese art of paper folding. The judges hoped that
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#17328484176702530-547: Is equipped with Alstom Urbalis 400 Communications-based train control (CBTC) moving block signalling system with Automatic train control (ATC) under Automatic train operation (ATO) GoA 4 (UTO). The subsystems consist of Automatic train protection (ATP) to govern train speed, Iconis Automatic Train Supervision (ATS) to track and schedule trains and Smartlock Computer-based interlocking (CBI) system that prevents incorrect signal and track points to be set. Alstom supplies
2645-491: Is planned to begin operations in 2026, adding an additional 2.2 kilometres (1.4 miles) and 2 stations to the line, terminating at Sungei Bedok and interchanging with the Thomson–East Coast Line. Upon opening, the entire line will be 44 kilometres (27 miles) long and have 37 stations in total. A proposal has been further mooted to extend the line from Bukit Panjang towards Sungei Kadut which will interchange with
2760-596: Is starting architectural and engineering consultancy studies for the Eastern Region Line, which will eventually connect to the Thomson Line. The director of rail services from LTA, Melvyn Thong, said on 29 May 2013 at the Modern Railways conference that there are plans to extend the Eastern Region Line to the future Changi Airport Terminal 4 which was at that time, set to be ready by 2017 but on 1 June that year,
2875-582: Is the first time the LTA outsourced these non-fare businesses. On 19 September 2019, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed that the opening of the first stage of the Thomson–East Coast Line from Woodlands North to Woodlands South stations was delayed to January 2020 from the indicative time of 2019 announced earlier, subsequently confirmed as 31 January 2020. Self-assistance kiosks were installed at all TEL MRT stations and will be rolled out to all stations. On 11 January 2020, SMRT and LTA hosted an open house for
2990-488: The Downtown line. Station codes for the line are brown, corresponding to the line's colour on the system map. Most stations are island stations, with the exception of Napier , Maxwell , Shenton Way , Marina Bay , Katong Park and Tanjong Katong , which have stacked side platforms whilst Tanjong Rhu station has side platforms. A station box is located in between Springleaf and Lentor station provisionally named "Tagore". Legend List The Thomson–East Coast Line
3105-591: The East Coast Integrated Depot , the world's first four-in-one train and bus depot were announced. It will be built at Tanah Merah beside the original Changi Depot site to serve the East–West , Downtown , and Thomson–East Coast lines. The new 36 ha depot can house about 220 trains and 550 buses and integrating the depot for both buses and trains will help save close to 66.12 acres (26.76 ha), or 60 football fields of land. The Tengah Depot for
3220-669: The Jurong Region Line will be situated at the western perimeter of Tengah , and an additional depot facility will be added near Peng Kang Hill station to support the operations of the JRL. Rolling stock for the Jurong Region Line will be stabled at both facilities. Tengah Depot will house the JRL Operations Control Centre and have a bus depot integrated with it to optimise land use. The Changi East Depot will serve
3335-413: The Land Transport Authority clarified that the Eastern Region Line will not provide an MRT link to the planned Terminal 4. On 30 August that year, Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo unveiled plans that it will be linked to the future Changi Airport Terminal 5, a mega terminal, which will be the largest terminal in Singapore upon completion in the 2030s. The Eastern Region Line was merged with
3450-664: The Mandai Depot and the future East Coast Integrated Depot (shared with the Downtown and the East West lines ). Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore) [REDACTED] The Mass Rapid Transit system, locally known by the initialism MRT , is a rapid transit system in Singapore and the island country's principal mode of railway transportation . The system commenced operations in November 1987 after two decades of planning with an initial 6 km (3.7 mi) stretch consisting of five stations. The network has since grown to span
3565-678: The Marsiling , Admiralty and Sembawang stations, was awarded to a joint venture between Hyundai Engineering and Koon Construction and Transport Co in December 1992 at S$ 233.1 million (US$ 143.1 million). The contract included 8.7 kilometres (5.4 miles) of track work. On 28 April 1995, then Communications Minister Mah Bow Tan made a visit to the station site, along with the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) chairman Wesley D'aranjo and Minister of State for Communications Goh Chee Wee. Mah made another visit during his inspection of
Thomson–East Coast MRT line - Misplaced Pages Continue
3680-643: The National Fire Protection Association in the United States . Full-height platform screen doors were already installed in underground stations since 1987, supplied by Westinghouse . There were calls for platform screen doors to be installed at elevated stations after several incidents in which passengers were killed by oncoming trains when they fell onto the railway tracks at elevated stations. The authorities initially rejected such calls by casting doubts over functionality and concerns about
3795-609: The North-South and Circle lines. The line then heads north-east towards Gardens by the Bay, passing underneath the Kallang Basin, before heading north passing Founders’ Memorial station, which is scheduled to be opened in 2028. It then curves eastwards between Tanjong Rhu and Bayshore station, paralleling Marine Parade Road. In 2026, the line will continue east towards Sungei Bedok, the future terminus with which it will have an interchange with
3910-621: The Singapore-Johor Causeway , and the Woodlands Regional Centre (a collection of buildings including this station as well as the Woodlands Bus Interchange). The NSL station was designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff and Mausell Consultants. Adopting a beige and green colour scheme, the station exterior has a modern outlook featuring a circular barrel-like roof (unlike the other Woodlands MRT extension stations). This
4025-481: The Thomson–East Coast line (TEL). Woodlands station would be part of the proposed line. The station would be constructed as part of Phase 1 (TEL1), consisting of three stations from Woodlands North to Woodlands South . Construction was expected to be completed in 2019. The TEL station was constructed near the operational NSL station with complex soil conditions. There were also future developments planned for
4140-442: The north at Woodlands town, passing through Upper Thomson and the towns of Ang Mo Kio and Bishan , heading south to the city-centre at Orchard Road and Marina Bay , subsequently heading eastwards along the eastern coast of the country through Kallang , Marine Parade and southern Bedok before ending at Upper East Coast . The line was first announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 15 August 2014, merging
4255-548: The platform screen doors for the Thomson–East Coast Line. The first generation of rolling stock being introduced onto the Thomson–East Coast Line is the T251 , built by Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries and China's CRRC Qingdao Sifang in Qingdao, China. The trains are built with 5 doors per side per car, which is the very first in Singapore to have this configuration. They are also completely automated and driverless. The trains are housed at
4370-501: The 2nd half of 2022. On 17 August 2022, LTA handed over Stage 3 stations along the line to SMRT to get the section ready for operations by the end of 2022. On 7 October 2022, during a visit to the Outram Park and Maxwell TEL stations, Transport Minister S. Iswaran announced that the third stage of the line will commence operations on 13 November 2022. On 13 December 2023, LTA announced that it would hand over Stage 4 stations along
4485-476: The Christmas and New Year's Eve falls on the weekday, train frequencies will remain the same as weekdays only during morning peak whereas it will become 5 - 6 mins until 3pm and standardised to 5 min frequency throughout the whole period until the last train. Early stages of the MRT's construction paid scant attention to station design, with an emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. This is particularly evident in
4600-590: The Eastern Region Line became the third stage of the Downtown Line . The southern part of the Eastern Region Line became the East Coast stretch of the Thomson-East Coast line. Sungei Bedok would become an interchange between the Downtown and the Thomson-East Coast lines. On 11 July 2012, Josephine Teo , Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport, announced that the Land Transport Authority
4715-808: The East–West Line with its own maintenance facility, while Mandai Depot services trains for the Thomson–East Coast line. The underground Kim Chuan Depot houses trains for the Circle and Downtown lines, now jointly managed by the two MRT operators. SBS Transit has three depots: Sengkang Depot houses trains for the North East line , the Sengkang LRT line , and the Punggol LRT line . Tai Seng Facility Building , connected to and located east of Kim Chuan Depot ,
Thomson–East Coast MRT line - Misplaced Pages Continue
4830-493: The Founders' Memorial in 2028. In addition, this line and Canberra MRT station were the first to use top-up kiosks (TUK) that only allows cashless payments, while GTMs were retained for traditional modes of payment. In addition to the previously announced alignment of the Thomson–East Coast Line, an extension has been proposed to connect it to Changi Airport , with the line passing through Terminal 5 , and eventually absorbing
4945-529: The Marina Bay Extension on 14 January 2012. Stage 1 of Downtown line opened on 22 December 2013 with its official opening made on 21 December 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong . Stage 2 opened on 27 December 2015, after being officially opened on 26 December by Prime Minister Lee. The Tuas West Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Gul Circle , Tuas Crescent , Tuas West Road , and Tuas Link stations, opened on 18 June 2017. Stage 3,
5060-567: The Marina Line Architectural Design Competition, which was jointly organised by the Land Transport Authority and the Singapore Institute of Architects. The competition did not require any prior architectural experience from competitors and is acknowledged by the industry as one of the most impartial competitions held in Singapore to date. The winner of both stations was WOHA . In 2009, "Best Transport Building"
5175-650: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) were derived from a forecast by the country's planners back in 1967 which stated the need for a rail-based urban transport system by 1992. In 1972, a study was conducted by the American firms Wilbur Smith and Associates, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Tudor, and Bechtel, which was accounted for by the World Bank on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme . The study
5290-476: The NSL and TEL along with the underground bus interchange. The NSL concourse was redesigned to avoid having to replace the four existing supporting structures at the area. The redesign allowed the load to be transferred to new supporting columns and piles. Another column was underpinned and removed for the construction of the direct linkway between NSL and TEL. On 19 September 2019, it was announced by then Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan that TEL1 will open before
5405-546: The North–South Line. The extension is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. Stage 5 from Bedok South to Sungei Bedok is planned to be operational by 2026. The northern terminus of Woodlands North is expected to interchange with the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System for greater connectivity between Johor Bahru and Woodlands , while Founders' Memorial station is an infill station along Stage 4, scheduled to open in tandem with
5520-579: The TEL station is located between Woodlands Avenue 2 and Woodlands Square. The NSL station is directly above the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (previously Woodlands Regional Bus Interchange ) and is beside the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange. Other surrounding developments include Causeway Point and Woods Square and schools such as Woodlands Primary School and Riverside Secondary School. Woodlands station
5635-530: The TEL to the existing Changi Airport MRT station , which is a terminal station of the East West MRT line commenced in 2020. The stretch of East West MRT line between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport will be converted to form part of the Thomson–East Coast Line extension. The extension is expected to begin construction after 2022, with train services commencing by 2040. In May 2024, LTA confirmed modification works for existing stations will start from 2025 after
5750-475: The Thomson Line on 15 August 2014 to form the Thomson–East Coast Line, extending the project from three to five stages, with nine more stations. The groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast stretch took place at Marine Parade on 21 July 2016. All the working station names, including Xilin on the Downtown Line extension, were confirmed as the final names except for Amber station which was changed to Tanjong Katong . The authorities are also considering extending
5865-523: The Thomson–East Coast line to all terminals at Changi Airport , including the upcoming Terminal 5, announced Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan . SMRT Trains Ltd was appointed as the operator of the line on 15 September 2017. On 28 August 2019, the Land Transport Authority awarded several non-fare businesses along the line, with Asiaray Connect awarded an advertising contract and a consortium, made up of SMRT Experience, JR Business Development SEA and Alphaplus Investments appointed to run retail space. This
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#17328484176705980-535: The Woodlands MRT extension. Completed on 10 February 1996, the elevated station has a circular, barrel-like roof with beige and green tiles. Min Chan's Faces II sculpture is displayed near the station. With the opening of TEL Stage 1 on 31 January 2020, Woodlands station became an interchange station with the TEL. Designated as a Civil Defence Shelter, the TEL platforms have a brown, grey and green scheme designed to be spacious and well-lit. Terence Lin's The Day's Thoughts of
6095-462: The artwork intends to illustrate the everyday commuting experiences in an imaginative way. Through the artwork, the artist hoped that people would be more aware of what they do in transit while reminding them of their own home. In addition to the vehicles, other illustrations include those of various landmarks in Woodlands. Alluding to a homey experience, various fabric patterns were incorporated into
6210-435: The artwork. The two walls have a dark and light theme, alluding to the binary of day and night. These walls share a blend of colours at their ends, to reflect the transition from day to night. For further inspiration for the artwork, Lin collated his friends' experiences in Woodlands and had visited the neighbourhood to learn more about Woodlands. Lin hoped that commuters through the station would get to experience his artwork in
6325-528: The assets owned by the Land Transport Authority , a statutory board of the Government of Singapore . The network was planned to be constructed and opened in stages, even as plans had already indicated the decision for two main arterial lines. The North–South Line was given priority because it passed through the Central Area that has a high demand for public transport. De Leuw Cather was appointed to undertake
6440-505: The construction of bored tunnels connecting from Woodlands Station to Mandai Depot via Woodlands South station, was awarded to Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co. Ltd. Construction of the TSL began with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Woodlands station construction site on 27 June 2014. On 15 August 2014, the LTA further announced that TSL would merge with the Eastern Region line to form
6555-424: The contract for addition and alteration works is awarded. The 43-kilometer (26.7 mi) Thomson-East Coast line runs in a north-south direction between Woodlands North and Gardens by the Bay stations and west-east direction between Gardens by the Bay and Sungei Bedok stations. Beginning at Woodlands North, the line runs south passing the neighbourhood of Woodlands. Between Woodlands South and Springleaf ,
6670-418: The deaths of four workers. On 15 November 2017, two trains, one being empty, collided at low speed at Joo Koon station due to a malfunction with the communications-based train control (CBTC). Prior to the 2020 circuit breaker measures during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic , the public transport operators and LTA were criticised by some commuters for its delayed actions of crowd control and
6785-511: The doors and are operational. These doors prevent suicides and unauthorised access to restricted areas. There were a few major incidents in the history of the MRT, which opened in 1987. On 5 August 1993, two trains collided at Clementi station because of an oil spillage on the track, which resulted in 132 injuries. During the construction of the Circle Line on 20 April 2004, a tunnel being constructed under Nicoll Highway collapsed and led to
6900-663: The early network is elevated above ground on concrete viaducts , with a small portion running at-grade; newer lines are largely subterranean, incorporating several of the lengthiest continuous subway tunnel sections in the world. A number of underground stations double as purpose-built air raid shelters under the operational authority of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF); these stations incorporate deep-level station boxes cast with hardened concrete and blast doors fashioned out of reinforced steel to withstand conventional aerial and chemical ordnance. The origins of
7015-403: The elderly and disabled. A retrofitting programme was completed in 2006, with every station provided with at least one barrier-free access route. Over the years, additional barrier-free facilities have been constructed in stations. Since 2020, newer MRT stations have been fitted with a minimum of two lifts. Operators and authorities have stated that numerous measures had been taken to ensure
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#17328484176707130-605: The electrical maintenance rooms relocated to the concourse level. The two-level TEL station is designed by Arup and Aedas. At 330 metres (1,080 ft) long and 24 metres (79 ft) deep underground, the station is designed to be integrated with surrounding developments and other transportation modes. A reference to Woodlands' past as a rubber plantation, the station has a colour scheme of brown and grey with "streaks of green" shared by rubber trees. The station columns are designed to resemble tree-like branches. The TEL platforms are accessible via many escalators and stairs, with
7245-576: The elevated station's platforms. Woodlands station was first announced to interchange with the 22-station Thomson line (TSL) on 29 August 2012. Contract T203 for the design and construction of Woodlands Station was awarded to GS Engineering & Construction Corp at S$ 292 million (US$ 233.4 million) in October 2013. The contract includes the construction for the associated cut-and-cover tunnels. Earlier in July, another S$ 421 million (US$ 336.5 million) contract, for
7360-488: The end of January 2020. The LTA later announced in December that the TEL1 stations would be opened on 31 January 2020. Before the stations commenced operations on that day, an open house for the TEL 1 stations was held on 11 January 2020. Woodlands station, as the name suggests, is located in the Singapore residential town of Woodlands. The NSL station is on a 6 m (20 ft) hilllock surrounded by Woodlands Square, while
7475-484: The enforcement of social distancing on public transport. In response, the LTA rolled out a series of precautionary measures, such as social distancing measures and making the wearing of masks in public transport mandatory. Social distancing markers were progressively implemented in the MRT trains and stations which commuters must adhere to; enforced by auxiliary officers and transport ambassadors. The significant reduction of commuters as remote work increased resulted in
7590-421: The exception of selected periods, such as New Year's Eve , Chinese New Year , Deepavali , Hari Raya , Christmas , eves of public holidays and special occasions such as the state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew (2015), when most of the lines stay open throughout the night or extended till later (before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020). Additionally, some stretches of the line end earlier, open later and close on
7705-573: The existing Changi Airport branch on the East–West Line . With such an extension, there would be a direct connection between Changi Airport and the city. This extension is expected to start operating by 2040. Tunneling works are tendered out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore and Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Corporation was awarded with the tunneling package for Terminal 5. Woodlands MRT station Woodlands MRT station
7820-420: The final stage of the Downtown Line, opened on 21 October 2017 with its official opening made on 20 October 2017 by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan . The second infill station, Canberra station opened on 2 November 2019. Stage 1 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 31 January 2020. Stage 2 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 28 August 2021, extending
7935-493: The first few stages of the North–South and East–West lines that opened between 1987 and 1988 from Yio Chu Kang to Clementi . An exception to this was Orchard , chosen by its designers to be a "showpiece" of the system and built initially with a domed roof. Architectural themes became more important only in subsequent stages, and resulted in such designs as the cylindrical station shapes on all stations between Kallang and Pasir Ris except Eunos , and west of Boon Lay , and
8050-577: The first line operated by SBS Transit, opened on 20 June 2003, is one of the first fully automated heavy rail lines in the world. On 15 January 2006, after intense two-and-a-half years lobbying by the public, Buangkok station was opened, followed by Woodleigh station much later on 20 June 2011. The Boon Lay Extension of the East–West Line, consisting of Pioneer and Joo Koon stations, opened on 28 February 2009. The Circle Line opened in four stages with Stage 3 on 28 May 2009, Stages 1 and 2 on 17 April 2010, Stages 4 and 5 on 8 October 2011 and
8165-406: The first stage of the line, with the stage opening for revenue service on 31 January 2020. The opening of the second stage was initially delayed to the first quarter of 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic circuit breaker period ; the project was subsequently further delayed to the third quarter of 2021. On 30 April 2021, LTA handed over Stage 2 stations along the line to SMRT to get
8280-528: The future Cross Island Line , and the depot is to be placed at the eastern end of the line. A Singapore Rail Test Centre (formerly known as Integrated Train Testing Centre) with several test tracks for different situations and workshops for maintenance and refurbishment is also to be built at Tuas by 2022, with the main function being to test trains and integrated systems robustly before they are deployed on operational lines. The following table lists
8395-570: The government's intentions for the future of the transport network in Singapore. The latest plan, the Land Transport Master Plan 2040, was announced on 25 May 2019, and provides for line extensions to the Downtown and Thomson–East Coast lines, a new MRT line under study, and 2 new stations on the North–South Line . Hume is an infill station between Hillview and Beauty World and expected to open by 2025. An extension from Expo
8510-400: The government's intentions to greatly expand the system. It called for the expansion of the 67 kilometres of track in 1995 to 360 in 2030. It was expected that daily ridership in 2030 would grow to 6.0 million from the 1.4 million passengers at that time. New lines and extensions are mostly announced as part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which is announced every five years and outlines
8625-421: The high installation costs. Nevertheless, the LTA reversed its decision and made plans to install half-height platform screen doors in all elevated stations on 25 January 2008. The first platform screen doors by ST Electronics were installed at Jurong East , Pasir Ris , and Yishun stations in 2009 under trials to test their feasibility. By 14 March 2012, all elevated stations have been retrofitted with
8740-421: The horizontal integration of the broader public transportation network. The MRT is fully automated and has an extensive driverless rapid transit system . Asset renewal works are periodically carried out to modernise the network and ensure its continued reliability; all stations feature platform screen doors , Wi-Fi connectivity , lifts , climate control , and accessibility provisions, among others. Much of
8855-494: The initial construction of the system. An MRT System Designs Option Study was also conducted to refine the technical details and the recommended measures for the MRT system - these include: Singapore's MRT infrastructure is built, operated, and managed in accordance with a hybridised quasi- nationalised regulatory framework called the New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF), in which the lines are constructed and
8970-443: The initial years before rising to one million in the long-term. It is the fourth MRT line to be operated by SMRT Trains Ltd and also the fourth to be completely automated and driverless . The line is currently served by Mandai Depot , with the East Coast Integrated Depot opening in 2026, and services are operated by the T251 electric multiple unit (EMU) rolling stock manufuactured by Kawasaki – CRRC . New and improved signage
9085-497: The introduction of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connecting with the MRT network. On 6 November 1999, the first LRT trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT went into operation. The Expo and Changi Airport stations were opened on 10 January 2001 and 8 February 2002 respectively. The very first infill station of the MRT network to be built on an existing line, Dover station opened on 18 October 2001. The North East Line ,
9200-560: The length and breadth of the country's main island – with the exception of the forested core and the rural northwestern region – in accordance with Singapore's aim of developing a comprehensive rail network as the backbone of the country's public transportation system , averaging a daily ridership of 3.45 million in 2023. The MRT network encompasses approximately 241 km (150 mi) of grade-separated route on standard gauge . As of 2024, there are currently 141 operational stations dispersed across six operational lines arrayed in
9315-418: The length of the station platform. This complements a smaller 40-metre reflective stainless-steel disc overlapping the titanium ellipse and visually floats over a glass elevator shaft and the main entrance. The other station with similar architecture is Dover . Changi Airport station, the easternmost station on the MRT network, has the widest platform in any underground MRT station in Singapore. In 2011, it
9430-423: The line from Woodlands South to Caldecott. Stage 3 of the Thomson–East Coast Line opened on 13 November 2022, extending the line from Caldecott to Gardens by the Bay. On 23 June 2024, the line was extended eastwards terminating at Bayshore. The lines are named based on their directions and/or locations. The names were envisioned to be user-friendly, as shown in a survey in which 70% of the respondents expressed such
9545-675: The line heads east towards Orchard station, also interchanging with the North-South line. It continues heading south between Orchard and Havelock stations, cutting underneath the Singapore River before heading south-east towards Outram Park station, which has an interchange with the East-West and North-East lines. It then enters the Downtown Core, by heading in a south-east direction towards Marina Bay station, which has an interchange with
9660-412: The line to SMRT in early 2024, in preparation for the opening of the stations. Acting Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat said in an interview with Lianhe Zaobao that the authorities hope to open the sector in the first half of that year. The Stage 4 stations were handed over to SMRT on 6 February 2024. On 5 March 2024, LTA announced that Stage 4 would open on 23 June that year. A preview of Stage 4
9775-405: The major ones, have additional amenities and services, such as retail shops and kiosks, supermarkets, convenience stores, automatic teller machines, and self-service automated kiosks for a variety of services. Most heavy-duty escalators at stations carry passengers up or down at a rate of 0.75 m/s, which is 50% faster than conventional escalators. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced
9890-544: The network while the inauguration of Boon Lay station on 6 July 1990 marked the completion of the initial system two years ahead of schedule. The MRT has been continuously expanded ever since. On 10 February 1996, a S$ 1.2 billion expansion of the North–South Line into Woodlands was completed, merging the Branch Line into the North–South Line and joining Yishun and Choa Chu Kang stations. The concept of having rail lines that bring people almost directly to their homes led to
10005-417: The network. Underground stations and trains are air-conditioned, while above-ground stations have ceiling fans installed. Every station is equipped with Top Up Kiosk (TUKs), a Passenger Service Centre and LED or plasma displays that show train service information and announcements. All stations are equipped with restrooms and payphones; some restrooms are located at street level. Some stations, especially
10120-447: The number of stations from 18 in the initial announcement to the current 22 and length of the line from 27 to 30 km (17 to 19 mi). On 16 June 2011, LTA announced the location of the depot for the line, which was due to begin construction at the end of 2012. It also announced Woodlands as an interchange with the existing North South Line and an additional station located near to Republic Polytechnic . On 29 August 2012, it
10235-437: The operations control centre of the respective lines. Trains are equipped with intercoms to allow passengers to communicate with staff during emergencies. SMRT Corporation has six train depots: Bishan Depot is the central maintenance depot for the North–South Line with train overhaul facilities, while Changi Depot and Ulu Pandan Depot inspect and house trains overnight. The newer Tuas Depot , opened in 2017, provides
10350-520: The perceived lack of developments in the area at this given time. In January 2019, an infill station known as Founders' Memorial was announced to complement its namesake , with the LTA additionally considering to integrate the Changi Airport Branch that is currently a part of the East West Line (EWL) into the TEL. When fully opened, it is expected to serve about 500,000 commuters daily in
10465-581: The perched roofs at Boon Lay, Lakeside , Chinese Garden , Bukit Batok , Bukit Gombak , Choa Chu Kang , Khatib , Yishun , and Eunos stations. Expo station , located on the Changi Airport branch of the East–West Line , is adjacent to the 100,000-square-metre Singapore Expo exhibition facility. Designed by Foster and Partners and completed in January 2001, the station features a large, pillarless, titanium-clad roof in an elliptical shape that sheathes
10580-527: The previously planned and distinct Thomson (TSL) and Eastern Region (ERL) lines. By then, construction of the TSL had already begun in January 2014. The line is being opened in stages, beginning with Stage 1 on 31 January 2020. Stage 2 opened on 28 August 2021 and Stage 3 opened on 13 November 2022. Stage 4 opened on 23 June 2024 while Stage 5 is scheduled to open sometime in 2026. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant and Marina South stations, which were structurally completed as part of Stage 3, remains non-operational due to
10695-418: The programme due to financial grounds and concerns of jobs saturation in the construction industry. Dr Goh instead endorsed the idea of an all-bus system recommended by Harvard University specialists, who argued this would reduce the cost by 50% compared to the proposed MRT system. Public opinion was split on the matter: several expressed concerns about the high cost while others were more focused on increasing
10810-400: The safety of passengers, and SBS Transit publicised the safety precautions on the driverless North East Line before and after its opening. Safety campaign posters are highly visible in trains and stations, and the operators frequently broadcast safety announcements to passengers and to commuters waiting for trains. Fire safety standards are consistent and equivalent with the guidelines of
10925-814: The section ready for operations. On 30 June 2021, Transport Minister S. Iswaran announced that Stage 2 will open on 28 August 2021. LTA announced on 13 August 2021 that there would be a virtual open house held from 23 to 27 August 2021 since all physical open houses were disallowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 28 August 2021, Stage 2 of the line opened, extending the line from Woodlands South to Caldecott . On 23 November 2021, LTA announced that Mount Pleasant and Marina South stations will only open when housing developments in these areas are ready, instead of opening as part of Stage 3. On 9 March 2022, Transport Minister S Iswaran announced in Parliament that TEL 3 would open in
11040-597: The signalling system on the MRT is the automatic train control (ATC) system, which in turn is made up of two sub-systems: the automatic train operation (ATO) and automatic train protection (ATP). The ATC has trackside and trainborne components working together to provide safe train separation by using train detection, localisation, and end of authority protection. It also provides safe train operation and movement by using train speed determination, monitoring, over-speed protection and emergency braking. The safety of alighting and departing passengers will also be provided by using
11155-475: The site. Arup, the consultant for TEL1, recommended the realignment of the northern end of the station. While allowing a shorter linkway for commuters transferring between the two lines, it avoided the risks of tunnelling under the live substations (which were relocated for the construction) powering the NSL station and the bus interchange. The new alignment also minimised damage to the soil while allowing provisions for future developments. Rock blasting simulation
11270-548: The six MRT stations on 13 January 1996 when he announced the opening date of the Woodlands extension. The station opened on 10 February 1996 along with the other stations on the Woodlands Extension. In 2012, half-height platform screen doors were installed at this station as part of the Land Transport Authority 's (LTA) programme to improve safety in MRT stations. Between 2012 and 2013, high-volume low-speed fans were installed at this station to improve ventilation at
11385-430: The speed of the train to maintain safe braking distance, and initiate emergency braking in the event of overspeed. The MRT also uses an automatic train supervision system to supervise the overall operation of the train service according to a prescribed timetable or train interval. The oldest lines, the North–South Line and East–West Line , were the only lines running with fixed block signalling . The North–South Line
11500-403: The standard of living. Following a debate on whether a bus-only system would be more cost-effective, Communications Minister Ong Teng Cheong came to the conclusion that an all-bus system would be inadequate, as it would have to compete for road space in a land-scarce country. Ong was an architect and town planner by training and through his perseverance and dedication became the main figure behind
11615-475: The stations' interior architecture, these works aim to promote the appreciation of public art in high-traffic environments. The artwork for each station is designed to suit the station's identity. Subsequently, all stations on the North East, Circle and Downtown lines have taken part in this programme during their construction, with additional artworks installed at stations on other MRT lines. A key component of
11730-492: The transport operators reducing train frequencies and closing stations earlier from 17 April. However, train frequencies were shortly reverted to normal upon review and feedback from the public. Since June 2020, the MRT system has resumed pre-circuit breaker operations. Regulations for social distancing on public transport are no longer applicable by law. Social distancing stickers on seats have been removed. MRT lines operate from 5:30 am to 1:00 am daily, with
11845-454: The upcoming lines and stations that have been officially announced: The MRT system relied on its two main lines, the North–South and East–West lines, for more than a decade until the opening of the North East Line in 2003. While plans for these lines as well as those currently under construction were formulated long before, the Land Transport Authority's publication of a White Paper titled " A World Class Land Transport System " in 1996 galvanised
11960-521: The urban landscape around the entrances at night. The station design won the LTEA 2022 under the Infrastructure and Development category. Designated as a Civil Defence (CD) shelter, its large interior is designed to accommodate up to 9,000 people in emergencies. The walls, floor and roof slabs are strengthened with reinforced concrete, and the station has facilities for people to undergo decontamination. As
12075-408: The work would reflect Singapore's Asian background. Terence Lin's The Day’s Thoughts Of A Homespun Journey Into The Night is displayed on two walls of the TEL station interior. The artwork contains illustrations of various public transport vehicles, with the commuters' thoughts and aspirations illuminated by the vehicles' headlights. Keeping to the theme of transit most associated with Woodlands,
12190-563: Was announced that the completion of the TSL was pushed back to 2019 onwards instead of the indicative timeline of 2018 announced in the Land Transport Masterplan. Construction of the TSL began in January 2014. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 27 June that year at Woodlands . All the working station names were confirmed as the final names except for Sin Ming station which was changed to Bright Hill . The Eastern Region Line (ERL)
12305-527: Was awarded to the designers at WOHA Architects at the World Architecture Festival for their design of Bras Basah station. Many MRT stations have specially commissioned artworks in a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including sculptures, murals and mosaics. With over 300 art pieces across 80 stations, it is Singapore's largest public art programme. In the early stages of the MRT, artworks were seldom included; primarily consisting of
12420-633: Was first announced on 23 October 2001. In its preliminary plans, ERL was to have been a 40 kilometre rectangular loop that would complement the existing East West line and enhance inter- and intra-town travelling in the eastern region. It would have looped around the Jalan Besar and East Coast areas, intersecting the Circle Line and other lines along the way, benefiting residents in Tampines, Bedok, Marine Parade, MacPherson and Kaki Bukit. The northern part of
12535-493: Was held on 21 June, with free rides for all 7 stations, with a free shuttle train running from Gardens by the Bay to Tanjong Rhu to ferry riders to the Stage 4 stations. On 23 June 2024, the fourth stage of the line opened, extending from Gardens by the Bay to Bayshore . On 25 May 2019, LTA confirmed that it will extend the Thomson–East Coast Line from Sungei Bedok to Changi Airport Terminal 5 . Construction works to extend
12650-528: Was introduced to alI stations along the TEL, which saw less text and wordiness in place of more illustrations and visualisations. Moreover, ever since the TEL began operations, all the other MRT lines on the wider network have since been represented by their initials in addition to the exits being represented numerically rather than alphabetically. The Thomson Line (TSL) was first announced on 25 January 2008. Several architectural and engineering consultancy packages were released in 2010 which indicated an increase in
12765-477: Was rated 10 out of 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world by BootsnAll. Various features have been incorporated into the design to make the station aesthetically pleasing to travellers. The station is designed by architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill , featuring a large interior space and an illuminated 150-metre (490 ft) link bridge spanning over the island platform. Two Circle Line stations— Bras Basah and Stadium —were commissioned through
12880-434: Was to ensure that the station would blend in with the surrounding future modern developments. Woodlands station is the first MRT station in Singapore to feature an underground bus interchange directly underneath it. In addition to the bus interchange, the station has at least 50 bicycle parking spaces and taxi stands, integrating the station with other transportation modes. The platforms are designed to be more spacious, with
12995-460: Was undertaken for eight years, including the phases of the study in 1974 and 1977. In 1979, to prepare the third phase of the study, Halcrow , a British firm, was appointed to craft the system; meanwhile, a third phase of the study was published in 1981. However, opposition from the government on the feasibility of the MRT from prominent ministers, among them Finance Minister Goh Keng Swee and Trades and Industry Minister Tony Tan , nearly shuttered
13110-567: Was upgraded to moving block / CBTC in 2017, and the East–West line upgraded in 2018. As of 27 May 2018, all MRT lines use the CBTC/moving block system in normal daily operations and from 2 January 2019, the old signalling system ceased operations. In comparison to the original fixed block system, the CBTC can reduce train intervals from 120 seconds to 100 seconds, allowing for a 20% increase in capacity and
13225-399: Was used to ensure a safe evacuation for the TEL station, with enhanced monitoring for vibrations of potentially affected structures. The Earth Retaining Stabilising Structure wall used for the TEL construction was kept to be reused for future basement evacuation, reducing future construction costs and further impact on the environment. The crossover tunnels, originally planned to be underneath
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