In Jan 2018, Some MRT Stations Will Operate Shorter Hours On Weekends

During this festive period, there’s a lot of travelling to do.

Family dinners to attend, gatherings with classmates…

For those that do not own a car and have already spent too much on taxis this year, here’s another piece of unfortunate news for you before we even welcome 2018.

According to TODAY, the eastern stretch of the East-West Line (EWL) will have shorter operating hours and 2 full-day closures in January.

This is the 2nd full-day closure announced by SMRT this year.

10 stations from Paya Lebar to Pasir Ris, as well as Expo and Changi Airport, will have shorter operating hours on all 4 weekends.

Image:channelnewsasia

What’s happening

Close earlier: Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm

Open later: Saturdays and Sundays at 8 am

Full-day closures: Jan 21 and Jan 28

To facilitate passenger flow, shuttle buses will be deployed between Aljunied and Pasir Ris, as well as between Expo and Changi Airport T3.

They will operate at bus stops nearest to the affected MRT Stations.

Not only that

Those travelling on the North-South Line (NSL) will also be affected.

SMRT said that train service between Orchard and Marina South Pier will operate on a single track on late Friday and Saturday nights, as well as early Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Train journey along the line will see an additional 10 to 15 minutes on certain days.

Image:channelnewsasia

During this period, there will be no service between City Hall and Raffles Place on the North-South Line.

Commuters will need to use the East-West Line instead.

This will be effective for all 4 weekends in January.

Why is it happening

When asked, SMRT replied that these changes are to facilitate the maintenance works in the tunnel.

This gives the engineers more time for maintenance and renewal works, and checks on the new signalling system.

The testing of the new signalling system was responsible for multiple train delays this year on the NSL.

The new system allows trains to arrive at closer intervals during peak hours as compared to the old one.

“Night bus services and some regular bus services along the affected stretch will be enhanced during this time,” SMRT stated.

According to Channel News Asia, more information on the exact train service timings and alternative transport arrangements will be released soon.

Changes to MRT operating hours for February 2018 will also be announced next month, SMRT said.

Mr Lee Ling Wee, SMRT Trains CEO said: “We would like to thank commuters for their patience and support, especially those who rely on North-South and East-West Lines daily.”

“All hands are on deck to ensure that the inconvenience is kept to a minimum during this time.”

If you’re still lost, here’s all the info you need:

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This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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