How the MRT Disruption Affected Businesses in Jurong East

While many worried about commuters during the massive MRT disruption, businesses in the area were also affected, albeit unexpectedly.

Contrary to expectations, businesses near Jurong East MRT Station didn’t benefit from increased foot traffic. Instead, they experienced a significant downturn.

How the MRT Disruption Affected Businesses in Jurong East

According to a Lianhe Zaobao report, some shop owners reported a 60% decline in business over the past few days, primarily due to the absence of office workers and student commuters.

For instance, a fruit shop less than a 10-minute walk from Jurong East MRT station saw a 60% drop in sales. Normally bustling with people by 11 am on weekdays, the shop remained quiet during the disruption.

A nearby durian stall experienced a 20% decrease in business. Their regular customers these days were mostly elderly residents, while students and foreigners—who often stopped by for durians on their way home—were noticeably absent.

However, there’s a silver lining to this situation.

Higher Demand for Food Delivery in Jurong East

Food delivery orders in the area increased, likely due to the inconvenience of public transport. A local hawker reported a 20% rise in delivery orders.

Interestingly, business owners in Clementi, where train service was completely suspended, reported minimal impact. They attributed this to their customer base consisting mainly of nearby residents and students from local schools.

You can watch this video to know more about the disruption: