Dunno if this is supposed to be the pleasant surprise, but I know liao leh...:D

East-West MRT line to be extended to Jurong Industrial Estate

SINGAPORE : Those working in the Jurong Industrial Estate will eventually be able to take the MRT to work. The Government says it is planning to extend the East-West Line to the industrial estates in the western part of the island. So far there are no details on where the stations will be. The aim is to ease congestion at Boon Lay MRT station and cut travel time for workers in the Jurong and Tuas industrial estates.

As for train and bus fares, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announced that the formula used by the Public Transport Council to set fares will be re-looked. "The Review Committee will study and propose improvements to the framework for the annual fare review exercise, including the CPI+X formula," Mr Yeo told Parliament. - CNA

Originally posted by huaiwei

Dunno if this is supposed to be the pleasant surprise, but I know liao leh...:D

East-West MRT line to be extended to Jurong Industrial Estate

SINGAPORE : Those working in the Jurong Industrial Estate will eventually be able to take the MRT to work. The Government says it is planning to extend the East-West Line to the industrial estates in the western part of the island. So far there are no details on where the stations will be. The aim is to ease congestion at Boon Lay MRT station and cut travel time for workers in the Jurong and Tuas industrial estates.

As for train and bus fares, Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong announced that the formula used by the Public Transport Council to set fares will be re-looked. "The Review Committee will study and propose improvements to the framework for the annual fare review exercise, including the CPI+X formula," Mr Yeo told Parliament. - CNA This was brought up last year. expected an answer this year. was expecting more... Why nobody talk about the line between AMK and Hougang? :bleep: then next year will get an ans. :D

how much will be extended? will it reach the 2nd link? quite unlikely. take train to 2nd link then how 2 go to M'sia after that?

Originally posted by kenmin

This was brought up last year. expected an answer this year. was expecting more... Why nobody talk about the line between AMK and Hougang? :bleep: then next year will get an ans. :D

how much will be extended? will it reach the 2nd link? quite unlikely. take train to 2nd link then how 2 go to M'sia after that?

Good. It is a guess game for us - figuring the next stations to be located.

My prediction

1) a station either along Jurong West St 63.
or near upper Jurong Road due to the location of new Jurong West Sport Complex at Jurong West St 93 / Pioneer Road North
2) a possible station near SAFTI Mliltary
3) a station along AYE (after the junction of AYE and PIE) with possible bus bays provided for private buses to transport workers to and from factories)
4) a station near Tuas Checkpoint/Raffles Marina, or adjacent to Tuas Bus terminal (may be an interchange with LRT network if this happens in future).

Cool..besides benefitting the workers there, it might be useful for the army guys at our camps there. I remember from Pasir Laba Camp had to take the bus all the way to Boon Lay MRT.:cheers:

Finally, MRT is rolling westward - to Tuas

Extension of the East-West Line may be completed in two years; it will improve public transport for those in Jurong West

By Christopher Tan

AFTER years of requests from people living and working at Singapore's west end, the Government is finally building a rail link to the Jurong and Tuas industrial areas.

The extension of the East-West Line, which now stops at Boon Lay, is 'in the final stages of planning', Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said yesterday.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) added that the extension would also 'enhance the public transport system for residents in Jurong West Town area'. However, The Straits Times understands that the extension would be about 4km, which is shorter than the 6.4km Changi Airport extension that was opened in 2002.

The new line would be above ground, may be completed in two years, and have 'a couple of stations', said a source. It will be operated by SMRT Corp. Mr Yeo said it would reduce heavy congestion at the Boon Lay MRT station and bus interchange.

Beyond this, all other rail lines are still being studied, he said. 'Because of our experience with the NEL system, we are now proceeding very carefully with future rail projects,' he said, referring to the controversial, loss-making North-East Line run by SBS Transit.

Asked for an update of the proposed merger of rail and bus operations between SBS Transit and SMRT, the minister said there have been no proposals.

He reiterated he has not directed the two listed companies to merge their rail operations, but would not stand in their way if they decide to do so. But he said he would be less ready to accept a merger of bus services as the Government still wants competition for buses.

When Mr Chay Wai Chuen (Tanjong Pagar GRC) criticised the 'CPI+X' formula used for bus fare revisions, Mr Yeo was swift to make him head a committee to review the six-year-old system.

CPI is the consumer price index and is an inflation measure. X represents a myriad of components, including operators' cost increases and discounts for productivity. The X factor has long been criticised for 'penalising' an operator for being efficient because it has less grounds for a fare hike than one which has runaway costs.

Nominated MP and former bus operator Ng Ser Miang said any new formula 'must reward a company for being efficient'.

SMRT president Saw Phaik Hwa welcomed the review. 'If there's a good formula, all operators will be encouraged to be more efficient.'

Mr Chay said that although the task was 'unenviable', he would take it on. His Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport would refine this 'blunt' formula within a year, he added.

As expected, it won't be extended to 2nd link... but 4km only?! think this can only call it Jurong IE extension... Tuas extension? gotta wait again... haizzzz...

btw, according to LHZB, it will terminate near Joo Koon Road.

Beyond this, all other rail lines are still being studied, he said. 'Because of our experience with the NEL system, we are now proceeding very carefully with future rail projects,' he said, referring to the controversial, loss-making North-East Line run by SBS Transit.

feasibility studies on ERL, BTL and JRL again?! seems that we gotta wait long long for more rails. :(

I wonder how they are going to extend the EWL line if its aboveground....I visited the end of the EWL line before, and there was no rail reserve for the line?

Originally posted by huaiwei

I wonder how they are going to extend the EWL line if its aboveground....I visited the end of the EWL line before, and there was no rail reserve for the line? what rail reserve?:?

Originally posted by kenmin

what rail reserve?:? Land reserve I mean....there is simply no space allocated for the line to continue onwards along Jurong West St 63.

Originally posted by huaiwei

Land reserve I mean....there is simply no space allocated for the line to continue onwards along Jurong West St 63. u mean the flats r very near to the road?

Sort of. I went to recee the place before as my camp was in Jurong. The rail line would continue running till in front of Block 662A at its elevated height, and stop right there with Block 659 blocking its end.

Originally posted by huaiwei

Sort of. I went to recee the place before as my camp was in Jurong. The rail line would continue running till in front of Block 662A at its elevated height, and stop right there with Block 659 blocking its end. is Blk 659 the only problem? heard it's a carpark. can tear it down.

btw, they need not extend fr where they stop. the can chop off part of the track and the make a slight diversion.

if the whole road pose a problem, mayb the will take Boon Lay Way instead?:?

Dont be silly....that precinct is only like...2 years old??

The entire stretch dont have the needed rail reserve either anyway.

If they need to divert, where can they divert to?

Originally posted by huaiwei

Dont be silly....that precinct is only like...2 years old??

The entire stretch dont have the needed rail reserve either anyway.

If they need to divert, where can they divert to? I was talking about the carpark only not the whole area... if necessary, they will do it... since the problem does not lie with the carpark only, but on the whole road, they have 2 find an alternative..

building above the road dun seem possible. never been to the area but the word "street" already suggested it's not that wide.

maybe they would tunnel through that area only?? will it be too steep?? seems a short distance to go fr 2nd flr to underground.

worse come to worse, construct a new Boon Lay station, aligned to Boon Lay Way... the difficulty will be joining up to the existing tracks w/o disrupting the service. quite unlikely though... :D

The whole area is indeed only about 2 years old, including the roads. That also includes the entire stretch of developments on both side of the road.

I would think the only way for it to go is to dive underground!

Originally posted by huaiwei

The whole area is indeed only about 2 years old, including the roads. That also includes the entire stretch of developments on both side of the road.

I would think the only way for it to go is to dive underground! yar. for that stretch only. so it is still aboveground for the stations.

Hmm.....then I supppose the station at Pioneer Road North is justified? Although the road system dont seem to favour high traffic for it...

I wonder if the link the NTU is going to materialise too?

Just makes the point that NTU is ridiculously far away!:cheers:

Originally posted by huaiwei

Hmm.....then I supppose the station at Pioneer Road North is justified? Although the road system dont seem to favour high traffic for it...

I wonder if the link the NTU is going to materialise too?

The Sports Complex nearby at Pioneer North is being constructed. New bus service may be added to take residents from this station to homes in Jurong West St 91/93. This would cut down their travelling time.

NTU may get only LRT system running into it after Jurong LRT is materialised. NTU is too far away from the alignment of East-West extension.

Originally posted by huaiwei

Sort of. I went to recee the place before as my camp was in Jurong. The rail line would continue running till in front of Block 662A at its elevated height, and stop right there with Block 659 blocking its end.

Either road would be altered to give allocation space for the MRT viaducts or engineers may build viaducts over the road. The engineers always do things that seem impossible in first place.

The engineers and LTA planners probably did their recee and surveyed the land there.

So in coming months, we may be hearing more specific location of stations.

Blk 695 is a multi-storey carpark (MSCP). I think the engineer will do something to this as well.

Originally posted by JediAlf

Either road would be altered to give allocation space for the MRT viaducts or engineers may build viaducts over the road. The engineers always do things that seem impossible in first place.

The engineers and LTA planners probably did their recee and surveyed the land there.

So in coming months, we may be hearing more specific location of stations.

Blk 695 is a multi-storey carpark (MSCP). I think the engineer will do something to this as well. I m not familiar with the area. but it's only a street so I presume it's not very wide. at most 4 lanes? if they r going to build a viaduct, isn't it reducing the space for the road? i wonder if there is any space left...

****

I measured the distance between Boon Lay and Benoi Road near Joo Koon Road.. the route is indeed around 4km.

I think there r only 2 stations along the way. Yunnan and Joo Koon.

Actually if I remember correctly, the road in question is only one lane per side!! :eek:

And its not just the carpark posing a problem. The entire stretch of buildings are built right up to the roadside, from what I saw when I recced the place 2 years ago.

This is jus a big mystery!! :bash: :D

Originally posted by JediAlf

The Sports Complex nearby at Pioneer North is being constructed. New bus service may be added to take residents from this station to homes in Jurong West St 91/93. This would cut down their travelling time.

NTU may get only LRT system running into it after Jurong LRT is materialised. NTU is too far away from the alignment of East-West extension. This is sidetracking, but I wondered why they build that sports complex there when there is supposed to be a new mega sports complex at Jurong West Street 21?

Originally posted by RafflesCity

Just makes the point that NTU is ridiculously far away!:cheers: Far from where?? :D Not that far if you happen to be living in the west of Singapore..just as Changi Airport is ridiculously far to them! :D

Originally posted by huaiwei

Far from where?? :D Not that far if you happen to be living in the west of Singapore..just as Changi Airport is ridiculously far to them! :D

True lah :bash:
But I used to meet many NTU people who grumbled that their campus was so far away, or like if I want to meet them in Orchard in the evening they will say give them at least 1 hour to get down from there:D

btw I thought the NEL is now having good ridership level? I am sure the authorities learned from the fiasco anyway.

In May, I was in Hamamatsu, Japan, attending TRANSED2004 (conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People) with a few Singaporeans including LTA officer.

On the last day of the conference, I had a talk with LTA officer. She refused to tell me the exact location of two stations for East-West line extension to Tuas. Her department was in process to complete the design of two new stations.

She nodded in affirmation after I guessed the locations of two new stations - one in Jurong West Extension Town and other one in Jurong Industrial area with bus terminal. Nine bus services would be probably relocated from Boon Lay Interchange to this new bus terminal.

Abroad "Hikari" Shinkansen (bullet train), on way to Tokyo, she told me that it is likely that the Singapore Government would announce the exact location of two new stations on EW extension before end of 2004.

why is she so secretive..LOL

anyway this is good news for the EW extension..time for an MRT ride to the wild west :cheers:

In May, I was in Hamamatsu, Japan, attending TRANSED2004 (conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled People) with a few Singaporeans including LTA officer.

On the last day of the conference, I had a talk with LTA officer. She refused to tell me the exact location of two stations for East-West line extension to Tuas. Her department was in process to complete the design of two new stations.

She nodded in affirmation after I guessed the locations of two new stations - one in Jurong West Extension Town and other one in Jurong Industrial area with bus terminal. Nine bus services would be probably relocated from Boon Lay Interchange to this new bus terminal.

Abroad "Hikari" Shinkansen (bullet train), on way to Tokyo, she told me that it is likely that the Singapore Government would announce the exact location of two new stations on EW extension before end of 2004.end of this year then announce this project?! when will i hear about BTL and ERL? :(

why is she so secretive..LOL

anyway this is good news for the EW extension..time for an MRT ride to the wild west :cheers:
cos of OSA lor.

end of this year then announce this project?! when will i hear about BTL and ERL? :(

LTA planners are probably still studying the alignment of rail lines of BTL and ERL.

As the "Hikari" Shinkansen pulled into fringes of Tokyo, LTA officer told me that developments and planning of Jurong LRT has run into problems - conflicts between LTA and National Parks - row over trees in Jurong West and Jurong East towns. Sigh...

LTA planners are probably still studying the alignment of rail lines of BTL and ERL.

As the "Hikari" Shinkansen pulled into fringes of Tokyo, LTA officer told me that developments and planning of Jurong LRT has run into problems - conflicts between LTA and National Parks - row over trees in Jurong West and Jurong East towns. Sigh...

I hope they can resolve the problem soon........ :)

LTA planners are probably still studying the alignment of rail lines of BTL and ERL.

As the "Hikari" Shinkansen pulled into fringes of Tokyo, LTA officer told me that developments and planning of Jurong LRT has run into problems - conflicts between LTA and National Parks - row over trees in Jurong West and Jurong East towns. Sigh...

i believe the alignments r more or less fixed; stations' location already determined. the problem now is the ridership... as the minister has mentioned, after NEL fiasco, they will be more careful with future projects... just wondering when there will be enough population to justify for the construction of these new lines... :?

These r my guesses for the locations of the JRL stations. 12 in total

1. NIE Station: between North Spine and NIE
2. NTU Station: Innovation Centre
3. Nanyang Station: Blk 953
4. West Grove Station: Blk 816
5. Gek Poh Station: Blk 736
6. Boon Lay Station
7. Savoy Station: Blk 176
8. Westwood Station: Blk 454
9. Huayi Station: Blk 440
10. Jurongville Station: Jurong Polyclinic
11. Shuqun Station: Shuqun Sec
11a. Toh Guan Station: Blk 236 (fr the route in the concept plan, the line doesn't pass by this area but it will mean no rail transport for those flats in toh guan area. I believe they final rerout it there.)
12. Jurong East Station

following the route in the concept plan, it will cut through a lot of flats, esp for the part between NTU and Boon Lay. I modified a bit so that it runs along the road as i m not sure if there r enough space to build the tracks between the blocks.

another area not served by the LRT will be the flats along Jln Bahar, near PIE. according to the concept plan, there will b an MRT line passing through that area so i did not propose an alternative route.

jedialf you sound alot like a spy haha no wonder she was so apprehensive about revealing info

another area not served by the LRT will be the flats along Jln Bahar, near PIE. according to the concept plan, there will b an MRT line passing through that area so i did not propose an alternative route.

MRT going to serve there? I thought there is Pasir Laba camp and the flats there are mainly foreign workers? Will it be under utilised?

MRT going to serve there? I thought there is Pasir Laba camp and the flats there are mainly foreign workers? Will it be under utilised?
in the future mar.

wouldn't foreign workers be more inclined to take the mrt because less or none of them have cars?

These r my guesses for the locations of the JRL stations. 12 in total

1. NIE Station: between North Spine and NIE
2. NTU Station: Innovation Centre
3. Nanyang Station: Blk 953
4. West Grove Station: Blk 816
5. Gek Poh Station: Blk 736
6. Boon Lay Station
7. Savoy Station: Blk 176
8. Westwood Station: Blk 454
9. Huayi Station: Blk 440
10. Jurongville Station: Jurong Polyclinic
11. Shuqun Station: Shuqun Sec
11a. Toh Guan Station: Blk 236 (fr the route in the concept plan, the line doesn't pass by this area but it will mean no rail transport for those flats in toh guan area. I believe they final rerout it there.)
12. Jurong East Station

following the route in the concept plan, it will cut through a lot of flats, esp for the part between NTU and Boon Lay. I modified a bit so that it runs along the road as i m not sure if there r enough space to build the tracks between the blocks.

another area not served by the LRT will be the flats along Jln Bahar, near PIE. according to the concept plan, there will b an MRT line passing through that area so i did not propose an alternative route.

I asked LTA officer in Hamamatsu if Taman Jurong is served by Jurong LRT, she said yes. This means Jurong LRT is larger than existing LRT system, maybe more than 12 stations that u have proposed.

Jurong West Extension is very very huge. Boon Lay bus interchange will be demolished and make way for new executive condo with new bus interchange beneath, just like Sengkang's Compass Point. Seems there is no plan to include LRT station there in the planning of Executive Condo.

http://www.ura.gov.sg/pr/graphics/pr04-18a11.jpg

Wow....thanks for the info......That's good news for the Boon lay area..... :)

I am still wondering how in the world they can extend the line westwards when there are obstacles in the way....clearly shown in the map above once again...

I asked LTA officer in Hamamatsu if Taman Jurong is served by Jurong LRT, she said yes. This means Jurong LRT is larger than existing LRT system, maybe more than 12 stations that u have proposed.

Jurong West Extension is very very huge. Boon Lay bus interchange will be demolished and make way for new executive condo with new bus interchange beneath, just like Sengkang's Compass Point. Seems there is no plan to include LRT station there in the planning of Executive Condo.

I predicted based on what was announced. The LRT at Taman Jurong, though shown on concept plan, was not publicly announced. hence, thought it might be a later project. maybe LTA wanna build all at once now?

I am still wondering how in the world they can extend the line westwards when there are obstacles in the way....clearly shown in the map above once again...

map not accurate lar. photos better?? who has pics of the vicinity??

map not accurate lar. photos better?? who has pics of the vicinity??
Told you I was there physically to inspect the site mah! :D

Seems like not much news on the westward extension lately......

has anyone seen any construction on the westward extension? I have not actually been to Boon Lay station for years, and I'm sure Boon Lay is the westernmost station still.

Dont think it has started at all. They didnt even call for the tender yet?

Dont think it has started at all. They didnt even call for the tender yet?

Yes correct. It has not started yet. According to my friend from LTA in last May 2004, designs of two stations including interiors and exteriors were being carried out. She told me that LTA has to wait for approval from the Government to allocate funds for construction of two stations.


She did told me that the line to Tuas is expected to be ready by 2008... No concrete details yet...

Yes correct. It has not started yet. According to my friend from LTA in last May 2004, designs of two stations including interiors and exteriors were being carried out. She told me that LTA has to wait for approval from the Government to allocate funds for construction of two stations.


She did told me that the line to Tuas is expected to be ready by 2008... No concrete details yet...

haven't reached tuas lar. only 4km long...

Here's proof it hasn't started yet ;-)

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/04/040717_boon_lay_mrt.jpg

There's still a few things going on in this area... Pioneer Place shopping centre nearing completion, a stadium being built on Pioneer Road North, some student houses growing at NTU, and a few condos being built around Lakeside MRT. I'll try to take some pics and start a thread, but I don't know if i'll have time ^ ^

I wish AMK had a LRT!

Pioneer Rd seems to be rather 'far-out' at this moment, probably one of the newest towns in Sg. ^^

I wish AMK had a LRT!
Well...try planning your own route and you will realise how difficult it is! :D

Somehow they managed to squeeze the tracks into Bt Panjang! :D

Here's proof it hasn't started yet ;-)

http://membres.lycos.fr/pengui/tour/boon_lay_mrt.jpg

There's still a few things going on in this area... Pioneer Place shopping centre nearing completion, a stadium being built on Pioneer Road North, some student houses growing at NTU, and a few condos being built around Lakeside MRT. I'll try to take some pics and start a thread, but I don't know if i'll have time ^^the road looks rather wide. furthermore the divider is also quite wide... definitely enuf space to build the track along the road.

:hi:

Nice to see you again!

Somehow they managed to squeeze the tracks into Bt Panjang! :D
Didnt anyone tell you Bukit Panjang was built with a rail reserve already in place??

Oh, they had it all planned many years ago? :?

Oh, they had it all planned many years ago? :?

I'm not surprise they had it planned.....:yes:

Look at all the masterplans we had.......

the road looks rather wide. furthermore the divider is also quite wide... definitely enuf space to build the track along the road.
Was it supposed to be an MRT or LRT? I dont think there is much space for an MRT loh. And how is the train supposed to do a sudden turn?

like, just click your heels together and go 'abracadabra'

Was it supposed to be an MRT or LRT? I dont think there is much space for an MRT loh. And how is the train supposed to do a sudden turn?
of cos MRT lar. it's an extension of EWL. just need to take away 1 lane fr the road and there is enuf space to build the columns... and there r still empty land to add in at least 1 more lane, if not 2.

and who says they must construct fr where the tracks end?

of cos MRT lar. it's an extension of EWL. just need to take away 1 lane fr the road and there is enuf space to build the columns... and there r still empty land to add in at least 1 more lane, if not 2.

and who says they must construct fr where the tracks end?
So how? Built it parrallel? What an utter waste of space and resources!

So how? Built it parrallel? What an utter waste of space and resources!
wat to do? HDB and LTA din coordinate at all.. mayb can write in to complain when the plan is revealed?? :runaway:

Was it supposed to be an MRT or LRT? I dont think there is much space for an MRT loh. And how is the train supposed to do a sudden turn?

I think there is enough space for MRT. It would have to go just next to the carpark from which I took the shot, but that would be nothing special :-)
Then there's enough space again, except at one point it would have to go through a food court... But I believe they can have the line move in the central part of the road at this point.

I don't know what is the master plan, but after this, there's no more road ! It would have much likely to turn north along Pioneer Road North, going to NTU, which would not be too bad, considering how bus 179 to NTU is overcrowded every morning and evening ^^

I think there is enough space for MRT. It would have to go just next to the carpark from which I took the shot, but that would be nothing special :-)
Then there's enough space again, except at one point it would have to go through a food court... But I believe they can have the line move in the central part of the road at this point.

I don't know what is the master plan, but after this, there's no more road ! It would have much likely to turn north along Pioneer Road North, going to NTU, which would not be too bad, considering how bus 179 to NTU is overcrowded every morning and evening ^^
nope. it will not go NTU. NTU will b served by LRT. instead, the line will b extended to Jurong Industrial Estate... in future, might extend to Tuas.

I guess the demand is just not there now?

Road and pavements can be modified - adjusted or even shifted to other part. Or the pillars of the MRT viaducts can be built in middle of the road.

The size of trains, MRT or LRT depends on the population around the infrastructure. MRT is meant for transporting heavy masses while LRT is meant to be more for internal transport within housing estates.

Once the two stations on the East-West extension from Boon Lay are completed, 9 bus services (assuming that allerare industrial services) will be taken out from Boon Lay Bus Interchange and be placed in a new bus terminal next to the last station of the extension, serving the industrial area, freeing up congestion at Boon Lay Interchange.

As for the end of the track, a gentle curve ("S" shaped) can be achieved where the viaducts can be constructed in middle of the road.

The announcement of this line may be coming out later this year. Keep our fingers crossed.

:wave:

Nice to see you again after so long! :D
Do visit and post at other topics! :D

Think we will hear announcement on this extension soon! LTA is looking for Accredited Checker for Proposed Railway System (RTS) Structures at Joo Koon Circle!!! Anyway, is this an additional safety precaution after the Nicoll Highway incident?

I wish they extend to Tuas Checkpoint!

I wish they extend to Tuas Checkpoint!
Not at the moment.

Anyway, is there a need to have a station at Tuas Checkpoint? We are not allowed to walk across the bridge. Which means we still gotta find another mode of transport at the checkpoint to go to Malaysia. Might as well do it at some other places.

Not at the moment.

Anyway, is there a need to have a station at Tuas Checkpoint? We are not allowed to walk across the bridge. Which means we still gotta find another mode of transport at the checkpoint to go to Malaysia. Might as well do it at some other places.

I agree.......why extend it to Tuas checkpoint?? I rather they do an LRT extension to NTU (where there are a considerable amount of traffic and reduce time taken from Boon Lay interchange to NTU (about 15-20mins) ) :)

an LRT to NTU sounds more sensible :yes:

Business Times - 29 Dec 2004

LTA to build $436 million Boon Lay MRT extension

SINGAPORE - The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be extending the East West Line from Boon Lay Station westwards into the Jurong Industrial Estate.

The extended network will enhance public transport system for residents in Jurong West Town area and those working in the Jurong and Tuas industrial estates.

Known as Boon Lay MRT Extension (BLE) which will be fully-elevated with two MRT stations will add another 3.8-km to the existing East West Line.

The BLE One station will be built at Jurong West Street 63, between Jurong Street 61 and Pioneer Road North, and the other station at Joo Koon Circle, near the junction of Benoi Road and International Road.

The overall project cost will be about S$436 million and construction is targeted to start in the second half of 2005 and is expected to complete in 2009.

To facilitate the construction of BLE, one full lot and eight part lots, totalling about 28,000 square metres of land will be acquired.

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Business Times - 29 Dec 2004

LTA to build $436 million Boon Lay MRT extension

SINGAPORE - The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be extending the East West Line from Boon Lay Station westwards into the Jurong Industrial Estate.

The extended network will enhance public transport system for residents in Jurong West Town area and those working in the Jurong and Tuas industrial estates.

Known as Boon Lay MRT Extension (BLE) which will be fully-elevated with two MRT stations will add another 3.8-km to the existing East West Line.

The BLE One station will be built at Jurong West Street 63, between Jurong Street 61 and Pioneer Road North, and the other station at Joo Koon Circle, near the junction of Benoi Road and International Road.

The overall project cost will be about S$436 million and construction is targeted to start in the second half of 2005 and is expected to complete in 2009.

To facilitate the construction of BLE, one full lot and eight part lots, totalling about 28,000 square metres of land will be acquired.

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!! At last.:)

Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana:

Hope the new stations and viaducts would look better...

Now look out for more announcements in 2005 on new lines since tenders for Circle Line are completed and these are now putting to construction for all Circle Line Phases.

Best bet is the Jurong LRT Line. hehehehe!

Hmm....why they bother to build only two stations? Dosent sound very viable to me leh.....especially for that Joo Koon Circle station...its in the middle of no where, and the only major bunch of ppl who are more likely to use it will probably be those at SAFTI! :D

Extend to Checkpoint, lah! :D

Hmm....why they bother to build only two stations? Dosent sound very viable to me leh.....especially for that Joo Koon Circle station...its in the middle of no where, and the only major bunch of ppl who are more likely to use it will probably be those at SAFTI! :D

Don't forget about the workers in Jurong and Tuas Industrial Estates. Thought someone mentioned earlier that buses serving the areas will be shifted there?

Whyis it so expensive? per km cost is almost the same as Airport extension. Is it because of the land aquisition? or is it meant for safety measures??

And why does it need 4 years to construct?! The minister said it will only take 2 years.

Extend to Checkpoint, lah! :D
Then what...go over the border and return at Woodlands?

Don't forget about the workers in Jurong and Tuas Industrial Estates. Thought someone mentioned earlier that buses serving the areas will be shifted there?

Whyis it so expensive? per km cost is almost the same as Airport extension. Is it because of the land aquisition? or is it meant for safety measures??

And why does it need 4 years to construct?! The minister said it will only take 2 years.
Hm...I still think they shd extend the line further and serve more areas for it to be viable. Those two stations alone isnt gonna make much of a difference.

Hmm....why they bother to build only two stations? Dosent sound very viable to me leh.....especially for that Joo Koon Circle station...its in the middle of no where, and the only major bunch of ppl who are more likely to use it will probably be those at SAFTI! :D

A new bus terminal will be constructed next to this station at Joo Koon Circle. This is where 9 industrial bus services are transferred from Boon Lay Interchange, to relieve the congestion at Boon Lay. This is what LTA officer told me this when we were having conference in Japan.

:)

Dec 30, 2004
2 new MRT stations out west by 2009
$436m extension likely to cut travel time to Jurong area by up to 15 mins

By Christopher Tan
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

COME 2009, people working and living in the western end of Singapore will also be able to enjoy MRT service.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) yesterday revealed details of the Boon Lay MRT extension, first mentioned in Parliament in March by Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong.

The Boon Lay extension will be a 3.8km elevated line running along Upper Jurong and International roads.

There will be a station at Jurong West Street 63 and another at Joo Koon Circle.

The extension is expected to cost about $436 million, slightly less, on a per-kilometre basis, than the 6km, $700-million Changi Airport extension that opened in 2002.

About 28,000 sq m of land - equivalent to about three soccer fields - will be needed for the project.

Tenders will be called in the next six months and construction will begin in the second half of next year.

LTA chief executive Ho Meng Kit expects travel time for people working in the Jurong Industrial Estate to be cut by as much as 15 minutes.

'The Boon Lay extension will greatly improve the public transport system in the Jurong area,' he said. 'For example, instead of having to make a transfer via a bus service to get to Boon Lay MRT station, residents in the south-western part of Jurong West will be able to access the MRT system more directly.'

The rail line aside, some $500 million worth of improvements are being made to road connections in the west.

Jalan Buroh is being upgraded, wider bridges across the Pandan River are being completed, and a 490m flyover is being built to provide a direct link from Ayer Rajah Expressway to a road leading to Jurong Island.

A junction at West Coast Highway and Jalan Buroh will also be turned into a roundabout.

But the longest project to improve flow to and from the west is the much-delayed Pasir Panjang viaduct - the second part of a $142-million, 5km flyover project that began in 2000.

Because of contractor L&M Prestressing's money woes, Singapore's longest viaduct is now expected to be finished late next year, two years later than planned.

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

A new bus terminal will be constructed next to this station at Joo Koon Circle. This is where 9 industrial bus services are transferred from Boon Lay Interchange, to relieve the congestion at Boon Lay. This is what LTA officer told me this when we were having conference in Japan.

:)
Yet another terminal? Why dont they just extend the line to Tuas, and use the existing Tuas terminal instead?

Yet another terminal? Why dont they just extend the line to Tuas, and use the existing Tuas terminal instead?
Which is cheaper. :bash:

Think long term. They will have to extend the MRT line sooner or later anyway.

Think long term. They will have to extend the MRT line sooner or later anyway.

If I am not wrong, Tuas bus terminal probably meant to be temporary. The permanent one may be next to new MRT station. Bus services from Tuas may be also relocated to this. Only LTA knows the answer.

Hm...I still think they shd extend the line further and serve more areas for it to be viable. Those two stations alone isnt gonna make much of a difference.

Two stations do make a big difference.

Station at Joo Chiat Circle - catering to industrial workers and army officers of nearby military camps. This station may be an interchange with new smaller size of LRT system or similiar to the People's Mover in One North, that may serve entire Tuas and even Tuas Checkpoint, given low demand.

Station between Pioneer Road North and Jurong West St 63/62 is very near to the new Jurong West Complex and swimming complex (now under construction). Few miles away from this station is a massive univerity campus - NTU.

Just few stops away. This will change the travelling of NTU students and the residents in Jurong West Extension. Every morning, u should see how heavy traffic on SBS 242, 243, 199 and 179. U will be amazed how busy two stations would be. A City Harvest Church just few metres away from this station cater to hundreds of churchgoers. You should see many chartered SMRT buses transporting them to this church.

Think long term. They will have to extend the MRT line sooner or later anyway.
Yar. Think long term. They should also build all 540km they have planned. They will have to do it sooner or later anyway...... :runaway:

If I am not wrong, Tuas bus terminal probably meant to be temporary. The permanent one may be next to new MRT station. Bus services from Tuas may be also relocated to this. Only LTA knows the answer.
Help to dig out more info from them leh. :D

Two stations do make a big difference.

Just few stops away. This will change the travelling of NTU students and the residents in Jurong West Extension. Every morning, u should see how heavy traffic on SBS 242, 243, 199 and 179. U will be amazed how busy two stations would be. A City Harvest Church just few metres away from this station cater to hundreds of churchgoers. You should see many chartered SMRT buses transporting them to this church.

Yeah......179 and 199 has heavy traffic in the morning.......:yes:

July 30, 2005
$99.8m for MRT extension

A $99.8 MILLION contract to build the Boon Lay MRT Extension has been awarded to a joint venture of Japanese firm Sato Kogyo and local contractor Greatearth Construction.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) chose them even though the Manpower Ministry is prosecuting a joint venture of Greatearth and construction firm United Engineers for an accident at the Fusionpolis high-tech township in Ayer Rajah last April which killed two workers.

An LTA spokesman said Sato Kogyo, with a 70 per cent share in its joint venture with Greatearth, 'has assured us they will take the lead... in terms of project, safety and technical management'. The spokesman said Sato Kogyo had proposed a 'comprehensive' safety management system for the project.

The company will also provide the key project staff for the 3.8km fully elevated extension of the East-West Line from Boon Lay MRT station.

The Japanese company began construction here in 1981, with Benjamin Sheares Bridge, followed by Bukit Timah Expressway, Central Expressway and North-East MRT Line.

The joint venture beat 13 other contenders with the second lowest bid. The lowest bid was $82.9 million.

The Boon Lay extension is due to be completed in early 2009.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

I think they will remove the current viaduct and reconstruct it. It would be cheaper to demolish this section rather than a whole carpark, thus more cost effective. Then, the line would bend to the street. If there isn't enough room in the central divider, they could use a technique that isn't commonly used in Singapore. It is called the portal pillar frame. The pillars are constructed at two ends of the road and a beam is placed to connect the two pillars.

The viaduct/gangway is then placed on top of the beam. If someone could provide pictures of the section of track between Tanah Merah and Expo/Simei, you will get my meaning. There are a few pillars there that deploy this technique. I am sure they can use this method to extend the line. I think that bus services coul be started to Malaysia if the line were extended to the Tuas Checkpoint. So, instead of taking th bus from beach road, just take it from Tuas itself.

The first station from Boon Lay along the extension will help alleviate the heavy passenger load at Boon Lay station. The station at Joo Koon circle is within walking distance from the discovery centre too. There might be a free shuttle then.
*Huaiwei, the road is a 2-lane dual carriageway, not one lane.

Joo Koon?
Horrible name like Tai Seng....

Joo Koon?
Horrible name like Tai Seng....
The working name is not yet confirmed, let alone the actual name. It may not be Joo Koon for all you know. And in any case, Joo Koon sounds better than Tai Seng to me. ;)

Too bad it's only completed in 2009.......dun think i'll go there that often after this year......:yes:

I think they will remove the current viaduct and reconstruct it. It would be cheaper to demolish this section rather than a whole carpark, thus more cost effective.

I think there's enough space between the carpark and the street...
They'll certainly have to demolish a food court further away, though, unless they go for the central divider.

I think there's enough space between the carpark and the street...
They'll certainly have to demolish a food court further away, though, unless they go for the central divider.
You mean for the train viaduct to bend? No, its not possible. Anyway, if you look closely at the map on the LTA website on the BLE page, you'll notice that they now put a red line showing the new alignement from Boon Lay's spur over the current blue one. I guess that means they will demolish the current viaduct.

Maybe we need more pictures. One from across the street from where the viaduct ends would be good to see how much room is available. :)

*Not part of this, but I'll post it here anyway. The MOE bridge from Buona Vista station has been taken out of service and the new alternative bridge put into service with effect from today. This is to facilitate the Circle Line construction.

Why don't they extend the line and have a station at Tuas Checkpoint??? :?

Why don't they extend the line and have a station at Tuas Checkpoint??? :?
I have seen this theory around, and now look at the matter this way too. The station at Joo Koon will be a test bed to see if there is sufficient demand/patronage of a station in teh Jurong Industrial area. This may then influence if the line is further extended towards Tuas.

I see this as another reason for the short extension: Singaporeans are always complaining about something, one way or another (I am guilty of this myself). They are calling the NEL a white elephant (look at SG Forums) and the circle line a white elephant too even before it has started operation. I am sure that the relevant authorities wouldn't want to be blasted for building a loss making extension, hence, they are only building a short one that is deemed profitable. I would, however, like to have a line to the Tuas checkpoint or Woodlands checkpoint. I think a line to the Woodlands checkpoint is more viable. This would also be a suitable terminal with a large catchment area for passengers on the future North Shore Line. :)

yah a Woodlands checkpoint MRT station is a good idea.

In future, Tuas checkpoint could be viable.

Has the construction started for the extension?? :?

Has the construction started for the extension?? :?

They have built LTA construction site office for this extension on a vacant land next to Jurong Point. Construction of the line would start soon.

^ I see....:yes:

Yup I stay at Summerdale, the condo beside the fire station. I noticed there are some construction "houses" built there a few months ago, I think the construction is starting soon....

Construction has already started, it appears.

Jurong West St 63 is partially diverted starting this week.

Pictures: (taken from aboard a moving bus 179 so may be a bit blurred :lol: )

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/kc_leung/P2130014.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/kc_leung/P2130013.jpg

(This is my first post here. :) )

Cool :-) Yes, bus 179 is a good spot from which to take pics ;-)
So are they going to put it in the middle of the street after all ?

Welcome to the forum, btw !!! ^ ^

Cool :-) Yes, bus 179 is a good spot from which to take pics ;-)
So are they going to put it in the middle of the street after all ?

Welcome to the forum, btw !!! ^ ^
Yes, probably. :)

And thanks for the welcome. :cheers:

So I guess Jurong West is going into a stage of mass construction. First is the extension...the interchange at Boon lay MRT, and commercial and residential near the interchange..and also the new River valley high school at Jalan Boon Lay.

What does it mean by building the line above the road? How?

Welcome to the forum Leungkc. Now i am not a newbie here.

So I guess Jurong West is going into a stage of mass construction. First is the extension...the interchange at Boon lay MRT, and commercial and residential near the interchange..and also the new River valley high school at Jalan Boon Lay.

What does it mean by building the line above the road? How?

Welcome to the forum Leungkc. Now i am not a newbie here.

Same construction methods like what u see the stations and the viaducts and the pillars supporting the viaducts in the middle of roads like Queenstown, Commonwealth, Dover Station etc...

Jurong West Sport Complex - gonna be finished soon, Community library near Jurong Point is also finishing...

Not only this, Jurong LRT may come up soon...

http://www.lta.gov.sg/images/Annex%20BLE.pdf

You can see the stations in middle of the road....

The first station and Boon Lay so close? :eek:

Dun think it's as close as Chinatown and Clarke Quay......:yes:

Wah seh...wads that building beside the second MRT station? Future building or it has already been built?
@JediAlf Where is the jurong west sports complex??

On the PDF map it's on the empty plot on the upper left of the first new MRT station.

Wah seh...wads that building beside the second MRT station? Future building or it has already been built?
@JediAlf Where is the jurong west sports complex??

Jurong West Sport Complex is at Jurong West St 93 / Pioneer Road North

http://www.bca.gov.sg/plan_enquiry/ProcessTop1.asp?ChooseMth=&ChooseYr=&page=6&val1=&sorted=1

TOP Awarded for Pionner station
A1734-00001-2004-BP01
ERECTION OF EAST WEST LINE EXTENSION, 3-STOREY ELEVATED MASS RAPID TRANSIT BOON LAY STATION 1 ON LOTS 3487, 3506, 3861 & 3864 MK06 AT JURONG WEST STREET 63
22/12/2008

TOP Awarded for Joo Koon station
A1734-00002-2004-BP01
ERECTION OF EAST WEST LINE EXTENSION, 3-STOREY ELEVATED MASS RAPID TRANSIT BOON LAY STATION 2 ON LOTS 2492M, 2512N, 2655V, 821X & 881K MK07 AT JOO KOON CIRCLE - THIS TOP IS ISSUED TO MRT BOON LAY STATION 2 EXCLUDING 1ST STOREY COVERED LINKWAY, BUS SHELTERS 1 & 2 AND LIFT LOBBY 2 ONLY
30/12/2008

can test liao?

^^ Been testing a long time already. Don't think that they would've brought the minister(s) to a station without TOP for safety reasons. Anyway, they should have been testing for some time, considering that it is about 31 days to the stretch opening.

Pioneer to Joo Koon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F41qT0BPsE)

Joo Koon to Pioneer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U34axFYFhL0)

Wow, nice videos there. Giving me memories of my times in NS as it passes by an army camp :-p
What's with the screaming out of control children though?

I realised from the video that the stations have no more steppings at those guardrails by the side instead just a piece of metal straight to the ground. And is it me or the stations both front and back resemble older stations on the East West Line with the curved structure.

Oh and I like the colour of new tracks and ballast, makes the whole system looks very new travelling in that section.

From clubsnap forums - Photos taken by Krisgage
Source: Clubsnap photography forum - Pioneer Station (http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=477386)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Krisgage/Pioneer%20Station/DSC_2043.jpg
One heading for Boon Lay and another heading for Pioneer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Krisgage/Pioneer%20Station/DSC_2044.jpg
Arriving at Pioneer station

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/Krisgage/Pioneer%20Station/DSC_2078.jpg
Pulling into Boon Lay station from Pioneer...

Today is the last day for contractors to do final last minute touch up at BLE stations.

Tonight may be the last time that we would see the display showing "Boon Lay".

Tomorrow marks the new chapter of rail transport.

I am bracing for worst when I go to work on Monday... Sure cannot board train at Lakeside.

Actually, I think the rise in passengers will be insignificant east of Boon Lay. I guess very most of them are already taking MRT in Boon Lay, now they just won't take bus before it;)

Actually, I think the rise in passengers will be insignificant east of Boon Lay. I guess very most of them are already taking MRT in Boon Lay, now they just won't take bus before it;)

You will be surprised when they open...

It'll be interesting to know if there is a significant increase in ridership after the BLE opens, and whether Boon Lay station itself will experience an increase, decrease or remain status quo.

It seems that all it really seems to be doing is relieve the crunch at Boon Lay. I guess I'd expect more Malaysians will be using the MRT to get to work with the new opening.

And nice to see an elevated extension of the MRT too.

First train has started service today at 5.28am. :)

Boon Lay MRT extension to open on Saturday
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 27 February 2009 1309 hrs

SINGAPORE: The Boon Lay extension of the Mass Rapid Transit will start operations on Saturday. The first train will arrive at 5.28 am.

The 3.8-kilometre extension is made up of two new stations - Pioneer and Joo Koon.

It is the first of many new MRT lines and extensions that will be built from now until 2020.

Speaking at the official opening at Pioneer station on Friday, Transport Minister Raymond Lim said commuters also have a part to play in improving the rail network experience.

He added that gracious and courteous behaviour would help make rides pleasant and comfortable for all. - CNA/vm

I wrote the BLE unexpectedly due to a big gap in appointments with friends, may post pictures if you're still not tired of it. :lol:

Here are my observations and comments.

Boon Lay has become a disaster waiting to happen. The Chinese newspaper reported it, and the queues for the eastbound trains are too packed, and come right up to the yellow line.

Don't really know what the barrier at Pioneer is for. If it's to protect the privacy of the residents, it's clearly not working.

And from Joo Koon, it has become a point where it is taking too long and too unbearable to reach the CBD, even if you're seating. But I think besides own private transport and taxi, it remains a better form of transport than buses.

I wrote the BLE unexpectedly due to a big gap in appointments with friends, may post pictures if you're still not tired of it. :lol:

Here are my observations and comments.

Boon Lay has become a disaster waiting to happen. The Chinese newspaper reported it, and the queues for the eastbound trains are too packed, and come right up to the yellow line.

Don't really know what the barrier at Pioneer is for. If it's to protect the privacy of the residents, it's clearly not working.

And from Joo Koon, it has become a point where it is taking too long and too unbearable to reach the CBD, even if you're seating. But I think besides own private transport and taxi, it remains a better form of transport than buses.

SBS Transit did not divert the other services to Pioneer. So this results having 242 and 243 bringing passengers to Boon Lay. Same for other services. SBS Transit is too slow to respond to changes.

It is LTA's error not to build teminal quickly at Joo Koon to divert industrial services to Joo Koon or Pioneer in attempt to relieve the congestion at Boon Lay.

Do you really think 242 and 243 being shifted to Pioneer would solve things?

Things were bad at Boon Lay today, on a weekend. I'd assume there are few people working, and industrial services aren't contributing much traffic. So I'm being forced to conclude that Boon Lay station is being powered by residents of Jurong West, and that feeder and trunk services are feeding Singapore's largest township into its main hub.

I can imagine how things will be worse during the weekdays when there are people working in the industrial areas.

Afterall, the govt never said the BLE was meant to make things easier for the residents, they said it was to serve the industrial areas.

Do you really think 242 and 243 being shifted to Pioneer would solve things?

Things were bad at Boon Lay today, on a weekend. I'd assume there are few people working, and industrial services aren't contributing much traffic. So I'm being forced to conclude that Boon Lay station is being powered by residents of Jurong West, and that feeder and trunk services are feeding Singapore's largest township into its main hub.

I can imagine how things will be worse during the weekdays when there are people working in the industrial areas.

Afterall, the govt never said the BLE was meant to make things easier for the residents, they said it was to serve the industrial areas.

I won't repeat this here because you are not resident of Jurong West or actual worker in Jurong Industrial area.

it has been like this since Boon Lay MRT went into operation. Just that you did not believe how bad it was in the first place. You have insisted to the core that BLE does not serve residents when the fact is that Jurong West town is so dense now.

Guess you did not stay longer to watch the bus loads at Boon Lay Bus Interchange especially SBS 242 and SBS 243 as well as Jurong Industrial bus services on any day, even Saturdays. You can also study all bus services.

SBS Transit has not shifted the industrial bus services away from Boon Lay MRT Station/ Bus interchange yet. This would continue to contribute to congestion at Boon Lay.

Pioneer Station is served by SBS 179, SBS 252, SBS 257.

Joo Koon is now served by solo service SBS 252.

The official quote from LTA website:

"We aim to enhance the public transport system for residents staying in the Jurong West Town area and people working in the Jurong and Tuas Industrial Estates. When the BLE becomes operational, they would be able to enjoy direct access to the MRT system instead of making a transfer via a bus service to get to the Boon Lay MRT Station. This would help to cut down on their travelling time by up to 15 minutes and also alleviate the congestion at the Boon Lay Bus Interchange," said Land Transport Authority Chief Executive, BG (NS) Yam Ah Mee.

You may come back again to check on crowds when the new interchange opens and the new temporary bus park starts operation at Joo Koon.

Maybe you can make trip during peak hours to Pioneer and observe.

I'd think that part of the reason for the build up at Boon Lay would be that it is a weekend and that Jurong Point has been expanded yet again. It may not necessarily be crowded because the station is unable to cope but because it is a weekend and people are generally freer to go out and about and that perhaps it is also due to the JP shopping crowd from areas further east (Lakeside, Chinese Garden) that contributed to the commuter-movement. One day is rather early to make a judgement and all should wait till a full week for travel patterns to stabilise before coming to a conclusion.

Should 242 and 243 be diverted to Pioneer? That would bring incovenience to the residents I'd think, with the routes possibly being a bit more detour-ised. It seems like a doubling back intentionally where it doesn't have to. Also, would Pioneer have the necessary amenties to support such a diversion?

I'd think that part of the reason for the build up at Boon Lay would be that it is a weekend and that Jurong Point has been expanded yet again. It may not necessarily be crowded because the station is unable to cope but because it is a weekend and people are generally freer to go out and about and that perhaps it is also due to the JP shopping crowd from areas further east (Lakeside, Chinese Garden) that contributed to the commuter-movement. One day is rather early to make a judgement and all should wait till a full week for travel patterns to stabilise before coming to a conclusion.

Should 242 and 243 be diverted to Pioneer? That would bring incovenience to the residents I'd think, with the routes possibly being a bit more detour-ised. It seems like a doubling back intentionally where it doesn't have to. Also, would Pioneer have the necessary amenties to support such a diversion?

The congestion at Boon Lay remains the same visually before and after the Jurong Point expansion. I can vouch because I frequently patronise Jurong Point and frequently travel to Boon Lay on any of time on any day.

The expansion of Jurong Point is very good proof that it is very bustling through the weeks. Highest volume of sales in F&B especially KFC, McDonald's - steady flow.

Congestion builds up because many buses arrive from industrial areas where workers finish their shift at same time, residents heading out of Boon Lay, army guys, NTU students. All these contribute to constant congestion build up at Boon Lay.

242 and 243 originate from Boon Lay and then can loop around Pioneer in one direction and return to original route back to Boon Lay. So residents can choose - one direction to Pioneer and other to Boon Lay.

So that both services dun have to carry ALL residents on board to Boon Lay, adding to congestion. This is splitting the volume.

Currently, both services carry busloads all way to Boon Lay. Same for other industrial services carrying busloads all the way to Boon Lay. Hell loosen when they empty the buses at bus interchange.

Plus there are dense housing around Boon Lay so residents pour into the station.

I am sure that other residents would write to SBS Transit to loop the services to nearest station Pioneer to give them more choices.

Jurong West town extension really calls for overhauling of current services and re-design the routes. I am waiting for SBS Transit news on this.

Everyone has a right to be skeptical about what claims are made, just as many were in the past about yours, just as you once were all too certain that the BLE would open in stages; Pioneer first, Joo Koon later.

I've had the opportunity to see things more clearer anyway.

Yup, I guess we should wait till things stabilize, and when SBS Transit begins to reroute services. But I think it should be done soon; as I've said, the platform at Boon Lay has suddenly become a very dangerous place for commuters as trains no longer terminate there, and most passengers can only crowd on the eastbound side of the platform.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2974579379_737d2ac7cf.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2975382674_c5e93be39b.jpg?v=0

SBS 242
- Boon Lay Bus Interchange
- Jalan Boon Lay
- Jurong West Ave 4
- Jurong West St 72
- Jurong West St 91
- Jurong West St 92
- Jurong West Ave 5
- Jurong West St 72
- Jurong West Ave 4
- Jalan Boon Lay
- Boon Lay Bus Interchange

SBS 243G
- Jurong West St 64
- Jurong West St 75
- Jurong West St 82
- Jurong West St 81
- Jurong West Ave 5
- Pioneer Road North
- Jurong West Ave 4
- Jurong West St 61
- Jurong West St 62
- Boon Lay Way

SBS 243W
- Boon Lay Way
- Jurong West St 62
- Jurong West St 61
- Juring West Ave 4
- Pioneer Road North
- Jurong West Ave 5
- Jurong West St 81
- Jurong West St 82
- Jurong West St 75
- Jurong West St 64

SBS 257 serving Pioneer
- Jurong West St 64
- Jurong West St 62
- Jurong West St 61
- Jurong West St 63
- Pioneer Road North
- towards jurong industrial

- from jurong industrial
- Pioneer Road North
- Jurong West St 63
- Jurong West St 61
- Jurong West St 62
- Jurong West St 64

SBS 179 and SBS 255 ply all the way from Boon Lay to Jurong West St 63 (this is where Pioneer station is located before heading towards NTU and Jurong Industrial area respectively.

Everyone has a right to be skeptical about what claims are made, just as many were in the past about yours, just as you once were all too certain that the BLE would open in stages; Pioneer first, Joo Koon later.

I've had the opportunity to see things more clearer anyway.

Yup, I guess we should wait till things stabilize, and when SBS Transit begins to reroute services. But I think it should be done soon; as I've said, the platform at Boon Lay has suddenly become a very dangerous place for commuters as trains no longer terminate there, and most passengers can only crowd on the eastbound side of the platform.

Pioneer was intended to open as sgforum train user put in. Minister was shown at this station first. This was very obvious.

The few last trains just rolled out after makeover only between November and January 2009. This is obvious. LTA screws the plans by SMRT by asking them to increase the frequencies. This results in delaying the makeover.



I rest my case here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2975282980_fb032224e2.jpg?v=0

The actual area of Jurong West town extension and Jurong West town.

As you can see, bulky of commuters staying in north of Pioneer and Boon Lay are carried all the way to Boon Lay. This explains why the platform at Boon Lay is congested daily.

Jurong West Ave 1 and Jurong East Ave 1 is heavily served by many trunk services - 157, 185, 502, 187, 198, 98, 99 and feeder services - 333, 334, 335.

In Jurong West extension only two main trunk services - 185 and 502. The rest of services terminate at Boon Lay from Industrial services. Several of industrial services go into this area to supplement the straining 2 feeder services and terminate at Boon Lay. So visually these services bring in residents straight to Boon Lay.

502 is very winding for Jurong West residents - not truly express. 502A is better but it is for peak hours only.

One day is rather early to make a judgement and all should wait till a full week for travel patterns to stabilise before coming to a conclusion.
A week? LTA could make a very preliminary guess after a week. After about a month, LTA should have enough of an idea about traffic to rationalize bus services. About a month after bus services have been rationalized, the traffic patterns will be clear.

I said a week because it gives people the time to explore and change their transport & travel patterns. Of course I'm not saying that a week is sufficient. It took NEL 3 years to get a break-even ridership and travel patterns to change when the bus rationalisation happened took a while to settle too. And I also said a week, if you look at the context, meaning that us as casual forumers with no data to analyse unlike the authorities should wait awhile before jumping to foregone conclusions from a single day's operation. I think we should look at the context/bigger picture rather than simply jumping on minute details... Not everything is black and white or as literal as it sounds.

That said, I think that none of us here are disagreeing that Boon Lay is congested. It is and will be for awhile. On another note, I would've thought that commuters seeing how crowded the platform is would simply choose to go westwards to Pioneer and get on the eastbound from there, possibly even securing a seat. Who knows how many trains you might need to wait for before you can get onto one in the first place? In any case, if the situation doesn't get better, SMRT can do what DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corp) has done with their newest extension. They don't have enough rolling stock capacity to support the extension fully so they alternate between trains ending at the old terminus and new terminus. Perhaps that could be an interim, last minute solution to the Boon Lay congestion where every other train terminates at the eastbound platform providing an empty train to clear the crowds while not having a near empty train make a trip further westwards.

I noticed quite a few times that quite a significant number of passengers who board at Boon Lay get off at Jurong East to change to the NSL so that could explain why most commuters aren't interested in backtracking at all. For the rest, Boon Lay to CBD and beyond already takes a long time. I think they just wanted to make the commute as short as possible and be done with it for the day.

Commuter habits also will have to change too. You don't see the sense of "rush" at other heavy-volume stations like Ang Mo Kio, Jurong East, Woodlands, Raffles Place, City Hall, Tampines, Bugis, et cetera. Commuters simply aren't moving in at a fast enough rate, in fact, the motions are amazingly slow. As a result, in my return journey, SMRT simply shut the door on the commuters after the "closing door" announcement and buzzer, and it had dwelled at Boon Lay for a while already.

I think you will have to wait for about a week or two for the new travel patterns to take a more noticable effect, and definitely until after the bus routes there had been rationalised.

Remember how difficult it was for the authorities to change the old travel patterns around the North-East Line (NEL) - most people then either took a bus down the north-east corridor or travelled by bus to the North-South Line and took the MRT from there. When the NEL opened and bus routes rationalised, people resisted and protested because they were being forced to change their old habits of travel. Some bus routes had to be spared and the NEL had to bear with low ridership until the last few years, when the north-east region was more developed.

Until then, as much as Singaporeans hate crowding around Boon Lay, I don't think they will be willing to move to Pioneer and Joo Koon, as they probably will prefer to stick to their old habits of travel. It's quite ironic, if you think about it.

By 28 Feb 2009, the East West Line will be extended 3.8 km westwards towards Tuas with two stations, EW28 Pioneer Station & EW29 Joo Koon Station (Boon Lay Extension - BLE)

Was open?
Could you put any pics?

Thx.

I know there are some in SSC.. but I can't find them

You can find an entire thread on sgForums here (http://www.sgforums.com/forums/2080/topics/200282) (from construction to completion) - Page 15 onwards for pics of completed stations.

Pictures here (http://www.sgforums.com/forums/2080/topics/347547) for the open house in particular.

By 28 Feb 2009, the East West Line will be extended 3.8 km westwards towards Tuas with two stations, EW28 Pioneer Station & EW29 Joo Koon Station (Boon Lay Extension - BLE)

Was open?
Could you put any pics?

Thx.

Pioneer-Joo Koon Open House (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrsz0QKUevs)

This would tell you alot... :)

First addition to the system since 2003. Yay, finally. Quite an optimistic accent for the beginning of the year.

First addition to the system since 2003.
After a wait of more than five years, we have less than five months to wait until the next opening: CCL3. Then we'll probably have new MRT stations opening nearly every year for many years into the future.

I made a trip to Boon Lay MRT Station this morning to observe. The train arrived with all seats taken up. So the entire train was packed before reaching Jurong East.

Later this evening, I checked out the first night operation at Pioneer. Steady flow of passengers coming into the Pioneer platform.

Several buses especially 179 and 255 are seen empty upon reaching Boon Lay. Virtually empty trains heading towards Joo Koon after loading commuters into Pioneer...

Once SBS Transit re-route services, the train towards Joo Koon would not be so empty :)

^^ Are commuters boarding at Boon Lay getting any lesser? Or are the people taking to Pioneer people who used to take feeder/trunk services?

^^ Are commuters boarding at Boon Lay getting any lesser? Or are the people taking to Pioneer people who used to take feeder/trunk services?

It is only 4 stops away from Pioneer to the fringe of NTU. So students would alight at Pioneer instead. Because of 179A remaining at Boon Lay, students would go there, ending up adding to congestion at Boon Lay.

There are also other industrial bus services on other roads but close to Pioneer - enable the passengers to walk to Pioneer. Several buses are coming into Boon Lay also half empty.

Many service 179 buses come into Boon Lay with less people coming out of these buses. Obviously the commuters have gone to Pioneer. 179A did not stop as it is express service from NTU to Boon Lay.

Many residents alighted at Pioneer because there is a service 257 that takes them to other areas of Jurong West. There are alot of HDB blocks surrounding Pioneer that keeps the steady flow in and out. 179 also can take them to remote areas - Jurong West St 91 where they can alight and walk home.

There are still people taking 242 and 243 as these do not serve Pioneer - still contributing to congestion at the Boon Lay station. But it is relatively smooth to walk through gates at Boon Lay - used to have very long queues to pass through gates and jam the escalator during peak hours.

It is used to wait for buses and then ride all way to homes around Pioneer MRT Station - it would take them about 15 mins. With trains, it just took less than 5 mins from Boon Lay to Pioneer and walk home.

Many industrial services are not yet to be re routed to Joo Koon or Pioneer. Not much people on board trains coming from Joo Koon as it is still served by only one bus service 252. And service 192 on other road.

Less commuters on other buses also mean - shorter time to unload buses and move out of alighting berth quickly at bus interchange.

You know, thinking about it, I suddenly find that N.T.U. students now face a dilenma of sorts:

Do I transfer for a route 179 bus at Boon Lay, brave the crowds, and get an almost guranteed chance at the seats, or do I go to Pioneer, where the crowds are thinner, but risk not getting any seats?

Of course, for those who doesn't really bother about getting a seat or not, this is really a non-issue, but there are people out there who will. It will be interesting to see how the traffic will flow between Boon Lay/Pioneer and N.T.U. given this situation.

I'm guessing it may be a seasonal thing. Students heading to NTU may be more or less evenly split at Pioneer and Boon Lay, with slightly more people at Boon Lay because there ARE trunk bus services which don't forget, will connect to 179.

Heading back out, by what jedialf observes, has more people alighting at Pioneer as the traditional belief is that trains generally will be faster, and students wanna head to town to club and shop, or head home as fast as possible.

Personally, I think Pioneer was "poorly planned". It should have been where the sports complex is, so that there would be abit of space for a situation ala Yio Chu Kang where you have a bus terminal. And Pioneer station geographically, is Jurong West Central, whereas Boon Lay is almost to the edge.

This morning, SBS 252 double decker buses - used to be packed with workers were seen coming out from Boon Lay interchange with plenty of empty seats.

Contrast to other industrial services - all are still packed...

According to Sgforums Buses:

"Services 242 and 243 have been confirmed to be amended with addition of a new feeder service."

Another user states "the new feeder service will be 241 which got serve Pioneer MRT but SBST is deciding..and btw, i got info that 242 will not be rerouted."

It will be interesting to see where these buses go...

BTW Joo Koon is declared dead town. :)

I'm guessing it may be a seasonal thing. Students heading to NTU may be more or less evenly split at Pioneer and Boon Lay, with slightly more people at Boon Lay because there ARE trunk bus services which don't forget, will connect to 179.

Heading back out, by what jedialf observes, has more people alighting at Pioneer as the traditional belief is that trains generally will be faster, and students wanna head to town to club and shop, or head home as fast as possible.

Personally, I think Pioneer was "poorly planned". It should have been where the sports complex is, so that there would be abit of space for a situation ala Yio Chu Kang where you have a bus terminal. And Pioneer station geographically, is Jurong West Central, whereas Boon Lay is almost to the edge.

Placing it there will mean placing it away from the central location within Jurong West town extension.

Pioneer and Boon Lay might seem too close to each other, but it's actually quite a norm to place some stations this closely-spaced apart on one line in other countries. In New York City, for example, some stations are barely over one train length apart on the same line!

From the Straits Times forum..

Thanks for the train, but where's the bus?

I LIVE in Jurong West. Every morning, I commute to work by taking bus service 242 to Boon Lay MRT station to transfer to the MRT. The bus journey takes about 25 minutes, including waiting time.
I was excited about the completion of Pioneer MRT station. In fact, I thought I would be able to cut my travel time by at least 15 minutes, based on my own calculation and what was reported in the news.

To my disappointment, on the day the new MRT station went operational, there was no bus I could take from my home to Pioneer MRT station. Every resident I spoke to welcomed the prospect of a new bus service that passes by Pioneer MRT station to Jurong West streets 91 and 92, as feeder bus 242 plies many areas before it finally reaches streets 91 and 92.

I am surprised SBS Transit did not work with SMRT to launch new bus services in the area to cater to residents' needs when the new MRT extension went operational. I would appreciate it if the public bus operators could provide some insights on this.

Sarah Chong (Ms)

I'm guessing it may be a seasonal thing. Students heading to NTU may be more or less evenly split at Pioneer and Boon Lay, with slightly more people at Boon Lay because there ARE trunk bus services which don't forget, will connect to 179.

Heading back out, by what jedialf observes, has more people alighting at Pioneer as the traditional belief is that trains generally will be faster, and students wanna head to town to club and shop, or head home as fast as possible.

Personally, I think Pioneer was "poorly planned". It should have been where the sports complex is, so that there would be abit of space for a situation ala Yio Chu Kang where you have a bus terminal. And Pioneer station geographically, is Jurong West Central, whereas Boon Lay is almost to the edge.

The answer - trunk services? Only 2 - 185 and 502. Alot of industrial services - only take them to industrial areas, not to city or town...

Pioneer poorly planned? It is located strategically to allow more buses on other roads to drop off passengers at other bus stops and people can reach Pioneer MRT station easily.

^^ Easy to drop off? Yes. Strategically located? Not so.

^^ Easy to drop off? Yes. Strategically located? Not so.

Of course, you are not resident in Jurong West or rail planner.

There are advantages and disadvantages of locating the station on either side of the road. But I guess the most glaring disadvantage of locating it on the stadium side is that it is remarkably close to the low-rise housing at Yunnan Crescent. To avoid the houses the tracks have to turn quite sharply southwards, meaning that the station will most likely be curved too.

Then again, I for one will not mind having a curved station, but the platform gap issue would definitely invite a lot of criticisms.

I don't mind curved stations either. Gaps should be small enough so that wheelchairs roll over it tho.

Of course, you are not resident in Jurong West or rail planner.

And you certainly aren't the latter, and what you see is the day-to-day picture only.

I think that the NTU pattern may change. Some will get off at Boon Lay to get seats on the bus if their stop is further in while those rushing to school might get off at Pioneer. But for students returning, unless they intend to drop by Jurong Point, I think most would use Pioneer to return home.

I don't mind curved stations either. Gaps should be small enough so that wheelchairs roll over it tho.

Gentle curves are OK, but steep curves are definitely out of the question; in fact, that's one of the reasons why the New York City Subway is constructing a new South Ferry station, whose system does have curved and even sloping platforms elsewhere - the station was build in the early 20th century and had an incredibly sharp curved platform, which means wide gaping gaps that need to be filled by a manually-operated gap closer. They are now constructing a new station under it with a straight island platform - a layout familiar to most of us. You can read up about it on their web site here (http://mta.info/capconstr/sft/index.html).

Gentle curves should create gaps that are not too wide, but in case that's still a problem, they could probably use automatically-operated gap closers that work on a similar automation principle as the platform screen doors.

New stations ease peak hour crush at Boon Lay
Source: The Straits Times, 19th March 2009

RUSH-HOUR crowds have thinned at and around Boon Lay MRT station since the opening of two new stations to its west last month.

The Joo Koon and Pioneer MRT stations, which opened on Feb 28, serve some 35,000 commuters who live or work in the area.

According to Land Transport Authority (LTA) figures, daily ridership for the two stations has increased in the two weeks since their opening, from 28,000 passenger trips in the first few days of operation to 41,000 currently.

Commuters at Boon Lay station agreed that the new stations have helped ease congestion.

Said Mr Koh Keoh Leong, 51, a maintenance technician: "It's easier to buy breakfast near the station before heading to work in the mornings now, because queues are shorter."

Nanyang Technological University accountancy student Deborah Tan added that the nearby bus interchange "is a little less crowded now". The 20-year-old takes service 179A to school every day and noted that fewer people now board the bus at the interchange, making for an easier wait.

But it is still a tight squeeze for vehicles along Boon Lay Way. Many private bus operators are still dropping and picking up workers along the road, even though there is a 100m-long purpose-built bus bay along Benoi Road, near Joo Koon station.

Some bus operators acknowledged that changing pick-up points to the Joo Koon area would be cheaper for customers due to shorter distance travelled. But as Mr Chitson Yap of Chitson Transport put it: "Our job is just to provide whatever they request."

While the new bus bay might be convenient for operators ferrying workers to workplaces in the vicinity, it is not the case for those who must make their way to factories in the Gul and Tuas areas.

Ms Annie Tan, 35, senior personal assistant at HSL Constructor in Gul Lane, said that bus operators have to make a big loop to get to their destinations as there is no U-turn near Joo Koon station.

"Benoi Road is also too narrow to accommodate too many private buses, so there is often traffic congestion along the stretch near Joo Koon Station in the mornings," she added.


The LTA said no to providing a U-turn, citing limited road width and turning radius.

It suggested that vehicles going to Tuas from Joo Koon station use an alternative route along Upper Jurong Road and the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) to reach their destinations instead.

An LTA spokesman, however, said it will explore the feasibility of widening Benoi Road to accommodate more vehicular traffic.

http://motoring.asiaone.com/a1media/motoring/03Mar09/images/20090319.152940_crush1.jpg