Longer Train Intervals & Early Closure of 7 MRT Stations from Apr to Jun 2019

To all the night birds who try their best to catch the last train home at 12 plus every night so that you don’t have to Grab home, I have bad news for you:

Your pockets are going to get much lighter very soon.

“… Oh no. I think I know what’s coming. Ugh!! Please don’t even tell me.”

Yup… early train closures strike once again.

And for early birds, well, you’re gonna have to start being even earlier.

For the X number of times (how many times has it been already in the past 12 months alone?), SMRT has announced early train closures and longer train intervals just yesterday, 25 March 2019.

The Facts (So You Don’t Get Caught Off Guard Once Again)

Just in case you prefer scrolling through the trashy Goody Feed app instead of actually trying to understand the convoluted details on the official SMRT site, here are the facts on the changes in easy-to-read form. 

So don’t let us catch you stranded at one of the affected stops late one night, claiming you didn’t know.

You’re welcome.

How long can you expect this whole thing to last: April to June 2019

Longer Train Intervals: North-South Line Only

In April 2019, train services at the 4 stations of Orchard to City Hall will have longer intervals of 10-15 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays from the start of train operations till 7:00 am.

That’s:

 

Times affected on Saturdays: 

From Jurong East: 06:11 – 7:00
From Marina South Pier: 05:49 – 7:00

Times affected on Sundays: 

From Jurong East: 06:36 – 7:00
From Marina South Pier: 06:14 – 7:00

Dates:

April 2019: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Basically: All weekend mornings in April

Which is:

What does this mean: Basically, it means that if you’re out early on a weekend in April, the trains will take 10-15 minutes to arrive at the station instead of the usual 3-5 minutes.

So, leave the house earlier to allow additional waiting time for the trains. 

Early Closures: East-West Line Only

In May and June 2019, expect early closures at 11 pm for stations Lavender to Bedok.

That’s:

Basically, central to east on the East-West Line.

Days: Selected Fridays and Saturdays

Dates:
May 2019: 3, 4 3, 4, 10, 11, 31
June 2019: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29

Which is:

and

Shuttle Buses for Early Closures

On affected dates, SMRT will provide shuttle buses between the stations Bugis and Tanah Merah so as to maintain connectivity between the stations.

However, SMRT cautions passengers to allow additional travelling time on shuttle buses as compared to the usual train journey.

SMRT assures passengers that should there be any changes, they will be giving updates on the SMRT site, on the SMRT Facebook, Twitter Feed and SMRTConnect app, which is currently only available in the App Store for iOS devices.

Sorry, Android users.

Why Closures?

On the SMRT site, it states that these inconveniences will have to be born to facilitate maintenance works and power supply renewal along the North-South and East-West lines.

If for some reason, you choose not to take the shuttle buses or can’t wait for the 10-15 minute intervals, there are alternative, not-so-expensive options to get you to your destination:

GrabShare

Grabshare is a much cheaper option compared to Grab and regular taxi. However, as this is a carpool option with regular drivers, the availability can fluctuate greatly.

It is recommended to book your ride at least 10 minutes beforehand and you can book for up to 2 passengers.

Night Rider

Night Rider is a late-night bus that plys Singapore street till 2 am.

For additional information, check out this website here.

Walk Home

No lah just kidding. Trying to hit my word count only.