SINGAPORE – Exciting news for commuters!

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that regular train services on the East-West Line (EWL) will resume on December 10, a full day ahead of schedule following expedited track works.

Initial Service Suspension Details

Initially, LTA had scheduled a service suspension from December 7 to December 10 for critical upgrades at six stations: Tanah Merah, Simei, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Expo, and Changi Airport. This suspension was necessary to connect the EWL to the new East Coast Integrated Depot, a significant development aimed at enhancing Singapore’s public transport network.

Successful Completion of Works

In a recent Facebook update, LTA shared that the work teams successfully completed rigorous testing on the tracks, power supply, and train signaling systems, ensuring safety and reliability for all passengers. Over 500 personnel from LTA, public transport operator staff, contractors, and crowd marshals dedicated their efforts since December 7 to replace and test the infrastructure and assist affected commuters.

Minister's Acknowledgment

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat took to social media to express gratitude to all involved, including engineers and technicians. He particularly recognized the bus captains and ground staff who helped guide commuters through the disruption. "I appreciate all commuters for your patience and understanding during this period," he stated, highlighting the collective effort of both workers and passengers.

Future Track Closures

While December 10 brings relief to daily commuters, LTA hinted that additional track closures will be necessary in 2025 and 2026 to finalize works at the East Coast Integrated Depot, which is expected to fully open by 2026. Currently, construction on the depot is 97% complete, which will serve as a home for 220 trains from the Downtown Line, Thomson-East Coast Line, and EWL, along with a bus depot capable of housing over 500 buses.

Alternative Shuttle Services

During the service disruption, alternative shuttle train services maintained operations at intervals of every five to eight minutes between key stations, including a dedicated shuttle bus service that connected several locations with great frequency.

Commuter Reactions

The news of the early reopening has been met with enthusiasm among commuters. Ms. Junaidah Abdul Rahman, a nurse at Parkway East Hospital, expressed her relief: "This is definitely good news! It saves me both time and money on my commute. While private-hire options are quicker, I prefer the MRT for its affordability."

Conclusion

As the EWL gears up to resume its normal schedule, commuters can look forward to a smoother journey, marking a significant step forward in Singapore’s commitment to enhancing public transport reliability. Stay tuned for future updates from LTA regarding system improvements and additional depot works in the coming years!