If you haven’t heard, it was announced that the north-east line extension (read: purple line) will be arriving in 2023.

That’s 7 years earlier than planned. Seven. Years.

So, what brought this on? Here are 7 facts you need to know about the north-east line extension.

1. Despite the name, it’s an ONE-Station extension

This is for folks (like me) who are confused at the current reports. Is it just one new station or a whole new extension of stations?

Unlike the Tuas West extension which has 3 new MRT stations, the north-east line extension consists of one new MRT station, Punggol Coast MRT station.

The construction of the train station was brought forward because of housing and mixed-use developments in the area. 

2. The new station was built with customers’ feedback

If you’re wondering why the Punggol Coast MRT station is so much better than the others, it’s not because it’s new. 

LTA claimed that when they were conceptualising the new station, they used the concept of design thinking for the first time. 

This means conducting commuter-behaviour studies and testing the features before incorporating them into the station’s designs. 

3. The exact distance of the station from Punggol and what it can do

The extension will be 1.6km long and it will cut down travel time for residents from the area to town by at least 15 minutes. 

4. More than just a train station

The station will come equipped with more “open public spaces” where you can showcase exhibitions or hold activities.

They want the station to be more than an MRT station; they wanted a vibrant community hub that brings commuters together. 

5. People who got a BTO in Punggol North kio tio sai (got lucky)

The first batch of BTO units in the Northshore and Punggol Point District, all 5,300 of them, are scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Lucky buggers.

I had to stay in Pioneer for more than 10 years before Pioneer MRT was built.

6. Improve access to SIT New Campus and Punggol Digital District

The train station will also serve people working or studying in Punggol Digital District. If you haven’t heard, it’s a mixed-use development with digital and cyber security industries, and also where SIT will set up their new campus right next to JTC business parks.

7. The Estimated Timeline

For those who are interested, this is what’s going on.

LTA will call for tenders this month (June 2017) and construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2018.

Hopefully (fingers crossed), completion of the train station will be in 2023.

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Feature Image: channelnewsasia.com

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com