Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit & Light Rapid Transit (Part #2) [Archive]

babystan03

December 23rd, 2004, 01:16 PM

Business Times - 23 Dec 2004

SMRT is picking up pace

It plans to expand its business in the local retail and taxi sectors, as well as overseas operations, reports JOYCE KOH

THE ubiquitous SMRT logo is going to be a more common sight in the future.

The company, seen by some as a staid train transport operator, is eager to shift to a higher gear as more of its businesses comes from its retail, taxi and overseas operations.

This is a step in the right direction as the company is not exactly venturing into uncharted waters given it has a proven head honcho knowledgeable in the retail business.

The group also has the necessary accumulated experience as it seeks to have more earnings from overseas.

SMRT has been largely viewed by the market as a sound dividend play - none too exciting but nonetheless, a reliable and defensive stock to hold.

For the six months ended Sept 30, SMRT's net earnings rose 68 per cent to $48.6 million without the exceptional items, while turnover was up by 1.7 per cent to $338 million.

But the transport operator cautioned at that time in end October that fare revenue for Q3 will remain stable, with lower profit partly due to higher repair and maintenance costs.

Even so, it remained sanguine about its growth because of the pipeline of plans it has going forward. Indeed, its share price has risen more than 20 per cent since the start of November and yesterday closed 1.5 cents lower at 86 cents.

Perhaps it is time to relook the stock in line with the uptick in its share price.

Riding into retail

Certainly, retail has been one project that SMRT is eager to sink its teeth into and no wonder, since the potential for developing these unused pockets of space is immense.

http://img159.exs.cx/img159/1953/smrt6tp.png
Ride 'n shop: Converting the unused space into retail outlets can help boost SMRT's revenue. It expects rental income to rise by $3 million this year

With 250,000 square feet of rentable retail space, it has already set aside $20 million to makeover 18 of its 51 stations.

To this end, SMRT has also engaged property firm Knight Frank as a consultant and marketing agent to help in its efforts.

The company is projecting rental income to rise by $3 million this year, and $10 million next year. For FY2004, rental income was about $20 million.

Indeed, retail can be a breath of fresh air for SMRT's business which can dramatically transform the company's image and branding, if its stations are renovated with style.

After all, train stations are naturally a good catchment area for people, and if SMRT can entice people to linger and shop, that is all the better for its business.

SMRT's chief executive Saw Phaik Hwa is in a good position to spearhead the new direction, having spent almost half her life in the retail business.

She started her career at Metro before joining duty-free chain DFS Venture Singapore and climbed her way up to become regional president in charge of Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia during her more than 20 years there.

But retail is only one area that SMRT wants to make aggressive inroads into. In the taxi business, the company has also sounded its horn in wanting to become a more visible player on the roads.

For now, it has 2000 taxis plying the roads but its subsidiary Tibs Taxi wants to expand this to 3,000 by end FY2005 and capture 30 per cent of market share from around 10 per cent now.

With high-profile recruitment drives for more taxi drivers, the company contributed to 62 per cent of the 825 new taxis in the market between January and October this year.

It recently shared the limelight with market leader ComfortDelGro Corp when the two rivals said they will hand out a one-off bonus to help its cabbies cope with higher diesel prices.

Then there is its overseas operations which admittedly are still in the nascent stage, but could hold promise if SMRT can be involved in the infrastructure development of developing regional countries.

Indeed, SMRT told BT it wants to move away from one-off engineering consultancy projects and move into more operations and maintenance (O&M) projects which offer more recurring income.

It said it is close to finalising consultancy agreements on the US$630 million Jakarta monorail project, and will also bid for Shanghai's urban rail project, where SMRT is already acting as a consultant.

Seizing opportunity

Finally, when its 29-station Circle Line is up and running by 2010, there is expected to be a daily ridership of 550,000 and this will further add momentum to its revenues in the long run.

On all its plans, SMRT spokesman Goh Chee Kong told BT: 'Can we not afford to change? Can we afford to stand still?'

Of course, these initiatives will take time to take off.

In retail, the company still faces regulatory hurdles for approval to revamp its stations.

In the taxi business, economic volatility and more aggressive competition might stall its plans to increase the number of cabs on the roads.

It could also find it difficult to get licenses to run public transport services in other countries.

But what is noteworthy is that SMRT is seizing its opportunities by the horns and isn't content to simply be on cruise control.

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

huaiwei

December 23rd, 2004, 07:09 PM

Circle Line daily ridership of 550,000? Well I sure hope they dont grossly over-estiamate the numbers again for their own sake! :D

kenmin

December 24th, 2004, 03:54 PM

Anyone seen the MRT entry in wikipedia? a lot of stuff there. Who wrote it??

Wonder what the author meant by Punggol Line Extension (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Rapid_Transit_%28Singapore%29#Punggol_Line_extension). Does he mean NorthShore Line or the extension to Pulau Ubin?

huaiwei

December 25th, 2004, 12:57 AM

Er...u might wish to click on the "history" of that page to find out who contributed! :D

babystan03

December 25th, 2004, 02:31 AM

babystan03

December 29th, 2004, 02:00 PM

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.

ignoramus

December 30th, 2004, 06:06 AM

redstone

December 30th, 2004, 06:18 AM

What does CG stand for? :?

km-sh

December 30th, 2004, 06:48 AM

I think most Singaporeans can't speak Chinese.

ignoramus

December 30th, 2004, 08:48 AM

What does CG stand for? :?

It stands for Changi and these alphanumeric characters are used to denote each station on the Changi Airport MRT Extension.

I have no idea why they still call it part of the East West Line when its obvious its a branch line off Tanah Merah Station.

ignoramus

December 30th, 2004, 08:50 AM

I think most Singaporeans can't speak Chinese.

What made you say that and why?

Chinese Singaporeans generally can speak chinese, its just a matter of the standard of chinese being spoken and their willingness to speak it.

babystan03

December 30th, 2004, 10:55 AM

I think most Singaporeans can't speak Chinese.

I teaching Chinese in Singapore btw..........:yes:

playboy

December 30th, 2004, 11:03 AM

Expanding The Rail Network: LTA To Build Boon Lay MRT Extension

To enhance the public transport system for residents in Jurong West Town area and those working in the Jurong and Tuas industrial estates, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be extending the East West Line from Boon Lay Station westwards into the Jurong Industrial Estate.

This project, known as Boon Lay MRT Extension (BLE) for short, will add another 3.8-km to the existing East West Line. The BLE will be fully-elevated with two MRT stations. 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. Please see Annex for alignment and station locations.

The overall project cost will be about S$436 million. Construction is targeted to start sometime in the second half of 2005 and is expected to complete in 2009. Tenders for the contract are expected to be called in the first half of 2005.

Improvements to Public Transport System in Jurong West

Currently, the public transport needs of the residents in Jurong West Town area and those working in the Jurong Industrial Estate are served by the Boon Lay MRT Station and Boon Lay bus interchange. With the expected developments planned for the Jurong region, the demand for public transport service will increase.

Mr Ho Meng Kit, Chief Executive, Land Transport Authority said, "The BLE will therefore greatly improve the public transport system in the Jurong area to meet current and future demand for public transport travel. 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 with a new MRT station in Jurong West Street 63. Travel time for people working in the Jurong Industrial Estate is also expected to be reduced by up to 15 minutes. This improvement will make it more convenient for people travelling to work in the area."

Land Required

To facilitate the construction of BLE, one full lot and eight part lots, totalling about 28,000 square metres of land will be acquired. The listing of affected lots to be acquired will be gazetted today. Owners, who are affected, will be notified of the land acquisition separately by Singapore Land Authority.

playboy

December 30th, 2004, 11:10 AM

i didn't known what the name of two new MRT station. Can you give the stations name please. :runaway: :eek2:

huaiwei

December 30th, 2004, 11:52 AM

i didn't known what the name of two new MRT station. Can you give the stations name please. :runaway: :eek2:
"Station 1" and "Station 2"? :D

Anyway, the gap between the two stations seems rather large. Maybe they should add provisions for a new station in the middle?

kenmin

December 30th, 2004, 03:36 PM

It stands for Changi and these alphanumeric characters are used to denote each station on the Changi Airport MRT Extension.

I have no idea why they still call it part of the East West Line when its obvious its a branch line off Tanah Merah Station.
You already answered it yourself. It's only a branch.

kenmin

December 30th, 2004, 03:43 PM

i didn't known what the name of two new MRT station. Can you give the stations name please. :runaway: :eek2:It's rather strange that LTA didn't even give proper working names to the stations. Prior to the announcement, I named them Yunnan and Joo Koon. Not sure if Yunnan is still suitable as I have expected the station to be further west to the one chosen.

ignoramus

January 1st, 2005, 11:10 AM

huaiwei

January 1st, 2005, 11:26 AM

Er...East West line extension has an official name leh....

ignoramus

January 1st, 2005, 11:30 AM

Done.

ailiton

January 1st, 2005, 12:11 PM

What's Admiralty in Chinese?

huaiwei

January 1st, 2005, 12:14 PM

What's Admiralty in Chinese?
海军部. ;)

ailiton

January 1st, 2005, 12:20 PM

Are the Chinese names of the stations official or are they just translations?

huaiwei

January 1st, 2005, 12:26 PM

Hm.....they are "official translations"? :D The name of the station is actually taken from the area and road names around it, so I would presume it is quite official?

babystan03

January 8th, 2005, 12:14 PM

Taking the Sengkang LRT with Ignoramus and Huaiwei during the last meetup:

http://img46.exs.cx/img46/1022/dscn359918be.jpg

http://img46.exs.cx/img46/1936/dscn359519dw.jpg

Arriving:
http://img46.exs.cx/img46/1121/dscn359011gq.jpg

Arrived:
http://img46.exs.cx/img46/2747/dscn359116df.jpg

At the "crossroad":
http://img46.exs.cx/img46/6455/dscn360019qo.jpg

ailiton

January 8th, 2005, 12:37 PM

Taking the Sengkang LRT with Ignoramus and Huaiwei during the last meetup:

http://img46.exs.cx/img46/1022/dscn359918be.jpg

Ok... So which one is Ignoramus and which one is Huaiwei?

babystan03

January 9th, 2005, 03:36 AM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Of rail and retail

SMRT more than just about moving people, says CEO Saw Phaik Hwa

Weekend • January 8, 2005

Tor Ching Li
chingli@newstoday.com.sg

EYEBROWS were raised two years ago when the new president and CEO of train operator SMRT Corporation was named — an industry outsider was going to head the 6,000-strong company, and a woman to boot.

Straight-talking Saw Phaik Hwa was not fazed; she charged into the job, bringing to it what has proved to be her very useful experience with airport retail chain DFS Venture Singapore.

Last year, SMRT Corp, which is listed on the Singapore Exchange, reported a near trebling of its interim earnings, with profits of $81.3 million, for the six months ending Sept 30.

And she did it without raising fares.

Said Ms Saw: "Although fares are reviewed annually, we have not applied for an increase in fares over the last three years because of the weak economy. Our fares have actually come down as we have been absorbing the rise in GST.

"We have been going all out to make SMRT the customer's choice. We want to drive ridership to improve our profitability. At the end of the day, it's a bottom line thing."

Citing SMRT's ongoing Ride-For-Free Countdown as an "aggressive" and "out of the box" promotion tactic — where till April this year commuters of SMRT buses and trains stand to win prizes such as a Nissan March or a year's free travel — Ms Saw quipped: "Would you think of a train system having a lucky draw?

"In the old days, SMRT's mission was to be a reliable and safe train system. But if that's your mission in life, it's very uninspiring!

"So we want to be more than just reliable and safe because we do want customers to choose to use our system. Our mission is to be the customers' choice. Of course, a lot of people say 'no choice, must take train'. But if you take that as a fait accompli, then it's a non-starter — we're not going to get anywhere.

"We take it that we owe it to our customer — whether they have a choice or not, we shall be their choice."

SINGAPORE ICON

This guiding principal is now an integral part of SMRT's Vision, Mission and Core Values set out earlier this year, as part of SMRT Corp's brand building initiatives.

In May this year, the group launched a $2.5-million initiative to rename Tibs Taxis and Trans-Island Bus Services under the SMRT brand name and motto of "Moving People, Enhancing Lives".

Said Ms Saw: "We're not just about moving people, but enhancing lives as well."

The efficient MRT system, said Ms Saw, should be as much of a Singapore icon as Changi Airport.

"We want Singaporeans to know that SMRT can always be trusted to do the right thing, regardless of the situation," she added.

This means implementing a pay freeze during Sars, outsourcing and streamlining staff size for the new economy, offering its 2,400 SMRT taxi drivers a "comprehensive" $1-million relief package to cope with the rising price of diesel, reaching out to the community through charity work and spending $150 million upgrading its first batch of trains which are now 17 years old.

"We've got to be all things to all people at one go," said Ms Saw. "For shareholders, our added value comes from other non-fare related revenue."

The first "can do, must do" revamp that Ms Saw kick-started was the overhaul of the "horrible looking" retail outlets that used to occupy MRT stations.

"I come from not only a retail background but airport retail where every square metre costs thousands of dollars, and every square inch is so powerful and important!" she exclaimed.

FOREIGN TRAVEL

Ms Saw, 49, is also keen to develop SMRT's foreign business potential. There is "tacit agreement" that SMRT will be a partner in the operation and maintenance of Jakarta's ambitious $1-billion monorail system, which is due to be up and running by end 2007.

Said Ms Saw: "In the past, SMRT has not taken a very aggressive stance overseas, even though many countries know us and have come looking for us to partner them in projects. We are now positioned to do so."

According to Ms Saw, SMRT is also "keeping a close eye" on how things develop in China's and India's rail systems, which they are already "very involved in". More specifically, it will be bidding for Shanghai's urban rail project, where SMRT is already acting as a consultant.

Ms Saw also plans to grow her share of the local taxi market of 20,000 from just 10 per cent.

"In a free market, it is not realistic for the second largest player to remain at that level with just 2,000 licences. It's foreseeable to grow to 20 to 30 per cent eventually.

"We have to continue to seek opportunities to improve. There's always a better way to do something, technology-wise or organisational. We must grow the business successfully and I would like to continue to give my staff good bonuses and competitive salaries."

ALL ABOARD

SMRT is currently taking a "proactive" approach to encourage people to go out and take the trains, such as working closely with shopping centres and retailers along the MRT and LRT lines to publicise the happenings in various malls.

"I'm not forcing you to go out, the choice is yours, but I'm giving you a reason to travel and enjoy your leisure, you see," said Ms Saw, who stays along Coronation Road West where there is ironically "no bus or train" service to take to work.

And the plan must be working — according to statistics from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the number of trips taken on the MRT and LRT every day has risen by 67.4 per cent, from 760,000 in 1995 to 1.27 million for the 12 months up to March this year.

Ms Saw herself takes the train "whenever possible" to get around town after driving to work in either her BMW 745i or Nissan 350Z sports car.

But even as Ms Saw encourages people to shop along her train lines, she is not indulging in shopping for train lines herself.

"The answer is no, I have not been made an offer I can't resist (to buy over the SBS Transit's North East Line)", said Ms Saw with a laugh. Since operations started late last year, the NEL has chalked up losses of $20 million — even with negligible maintenance and repair costs.

Said Ms Saw: "I'm very willing to run the NEL even if it doesn't make a lot of money, if it's for the 'greater good'. But a loss of $20 million a year will not be tenable for our shareholders."

Inevitably, talk of a rail deal has resurfaced following the recent media merger. But Ms Saw said: "Integration is tougher in our industry. I can't stop running the trains, increase the fares or cut the service. Costs savings and efficiency opportunities are limited. Revenue will not change unless the population in the area increases."

COME TOGETHER

"I always feel that for Singapore, it makes sense to integrate the whole transport system — buses, taxis and trains should be integrated for the greater good of Singapore. That's one area I feel Singapore can do better as a country. Otherwise, there will be duplication and waste."

"Unlike other countries where a monopoly may be viewed negatively, in Singapore there's the LTA and the PTC (Public Transport Council) to ensure efficiency and efficacy."

On the flipside, this inter-agency web currently contributes to a "lack of connectivity" between the MRT stations and nearby buildings.

Lamented Ms Saw: "Compared to Japan or Hong Kong, where train operators are given the land to develop, in Singapore there are more opportunities to improve in terms of connectivity and integrated shopping."

Overzealous enforcement of strict fire safety code has also resulted in Singapore having "the least exciting train stations compared to any other new areas in the world", according to Ms Saw.

For example, SMRT was only allowed to paste four A4 pieces of fire-resistant posters at each station to publicise their Ride-For-Free Countdown promotion.

"I'm fully sympathetic with the need to enforce safety, but it's just the incongruity of people walking in and out of stations wearing far more flammable material than our posters. Hopefully in time, we will become more open in how we do things."

Mention the spate of MRT suicide cases last year, and Ms Saw shrugs in incomprehension: "To me, there is more to live than to die for."

In other words, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

huaiwei

January 10th, 2005, 11:09 AM

Ok... So which one is Ignoramus and which one is Huaiwei?
Er.....that chap seems to look quite similar to me? :D

ailiton

January 10th, 2005, 11:16 AM

Yeah I believe the taller guy is you but which one is ignoramus? The indian girl touching your back or the little guy standing near the doors?

ignoramus

January 10th, 2005, 11:29 AM

Yeah I believe the taller guy is you but which one is ignoramus? The indian girl touching your back or the little guy standing near the doors?

haha. I am actually no where inside the pictures at all.

huaiwei

January 10th, 2005, 11:29 AM

Yeah I believe the taller guy is you but which one is ignoramus? The indian girl touching your back or the little guy standing near the doors?
Er...actually I dont think he is me. My hair isnt that long, and I dont remember wearing that shirt that day! ;) Dont think ignore is in the picture either...

Anyway, you saw my photo before?

ailiton

January 10th, 2005, 11:39 AM

Nevermind. I first thought both of you were in that picture.

And yes, I have seen your picture.

ignoramus

January 10th, 2005, 11:41 AM

babystan03

January 10th, 2005, 02:32 PM

10 January 2005

Punggol LRT East, SengKang LRT West loops to start service on Jan 29
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The wait is over for many Punggol residents - in more ways than one - with the partial opening on January 29 of Singapore's third Light Rapid Transit, the Punggol LRT.

More stations along the SengKang LRT system will also start ferrying passengers.

It is a journey 36-year-old Seah Beng Huat knows well - a comfortable ride on the North-East Line, followed by the long wait for a feeder bus service to take him home.

But all that is set to change.

He moved to Punggol last April and now looks forward to a smooth LRT ride to his door step.

Mr Seah said: "During the peak hour, it is terrible. The bus service here, they do not come frequently and the crowd is terrible, we used to wait about 15 to 20 minutes for every bus."

Over 8,000 rides are expected to ply the Punggol LRT East loop daily, serving about 15,000 residents.

SBS Transit took over the $354 million line from the Land Transport Authority in December last year.

After numerous trial runs, it has decided to phase in the opening of the Punggol LRT with the East loop being the first to go.

But only six stations - Punggol, Cove, Meridian, Coral Edge, Riviera and Kadaloor - will be opened, while the remaining two - Oasis and Damai, along with the West loop stations at less populated areas - will operate at a later date.

Separately, the SengKang West loop will also be up and running. It is expected to make up to 5,000 rides daily, offering a more convenient mode of transport to 11,000 residents in the western part of the neighbourhood.

It will complement the existing SengKang East loop service, with five additional stations - Thanggam, Fernvale, Layar, Tongkang and Rejong - along the west route.

However, Cheng Lim, Farmway and Kupang stations will only be opened later.

Still, SBS Transit have done enough homework to ride out the kinks.

Mr Ong Boon Leong, Chief Operating Officer of SBS Transit, said: "By and large, the experience we have over the last two years operating the SengKang East Loop and now we are operating a similar system, has given us a lot of confidence in that area, so while it will never be 100 percent from day one, we expect a very high level of reliability."

The opening of the Punggol East and SengKang West loops will result in some minor changes to the bus network system in these areas.

From March 12, Service number 84 and 371 will be withdrawn, and commuters can expect to save up to 10 minutes if they use the LRT.

Mr Vincent Loh, Director of Service Development at SBS Transit, said: "The other services have less parallel with the LRT, and basically Service 371 and 84, they provide intra-town movement which is what the LRT is supposed to do."

The operating hours for both Punggol East and SengKang West loops will be from 5.20am to 12.35am.

Fares will be pegged to distance, similar to the existing fare structure.

Adult ez-link card fares for the Punggol East loop will be set at 64 cents amd single trip fares using the standard ticket will cost 80 cents.

For the Sengkang West loop, adult ez-link card fares will be 64 cents and single trip fares using the standard tickets will be 80 cents.

Fares for travel beyond the West Loop to the East Loop, will range between 64 cents and 84 cents for adult ez-link card, and between 80 cents and $1 for the standard ticket. - CNA

Copyright © 2004 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

January 10th, 2005, 08:32 PM

Nevermind. I first thought both of you were in that picture.

And yes, I have seen your picture.
I dont blame you for thinking that thou...even I myself was mislead at first! :D

Goodness...my photo must be all over this forums by now. Then again, my face is appearing with every new post anyway! ;)

huaiwei

January 10th, 2005, 09:22 PM

Punggol LRT and Sengkang LRT West Loop to Commence Revenue Service on 29 January 2005

Residents in Punggol and West Sengkang will have reason to cheer when the Punggol LRT and Sengkang LRT (West Loop) commence revenue service on 29 January 2005.

PUNGGOL LRT:

Phased Opening
The Punggol LRT will be opened in phases with the first six stations along the East Loop to start first. They are Punggol, Cove, Meridian, Coral Edge, Riviera and Kadaloor.

The remaining two stations – Oasis and Damai – as well as the seven stations along the West Loop will be opened at a later date when the area surrounding these stations are more developed.

The Punggol LRT was handed over to SBS Transit by the Land Transport Authority on 1 December 2004.

Fares
The fares for Punggol LRT will be pegged to distance and similar to the existing fare structure of Sengkang LRT. However, given the number of stations covered in the East Loop, adult ez-link card fares for the East Loop will be set at 64 cents and single trip fares using the Standard Ticket will cost 80 cents.

Operation Details
The operating hours for the Punggol LRT East Loop will be from 5.20am to 12.35am. From 5.20am to 3pm, it will operate in the clockwise direction from Kadaloor Station in the direction of Punggol Town Centre. From 3pm to 12.35am, it will operate in the anti-clockwise direction from Punggol Town Centre in the direction of Cove Station. This will allow commuters to be brought from the developed areas to Punggol Station in the shortest time in the peak flow direction.

SBS Transit will monitor and review the arrangement and make any changes if the need arises.

Service frequency will be 4 minutes for the peak hours and 6 minutes for the off peak hours.

SENGKANG LRT (WEST LOOP):

Five Stations To Open First
The West Loop has eight stations comprising Cheng Lim, Farmway, Kupang, Thanggam, Fernvale, Layar, Tongkang and Renjong. Of the eight, Cheng Lim, Farmway and Kupang stations will be opened at a later date due to the lack of housing developments in the vicinity.

Fares
Within the Sengkang LRT West Loop, adult ez-link card fares will be 64 cents and single trip fares using the Standard Ticket will be 80 cents. For travel beyond the West Loop to the East Loop, the fares will range between 64 cents and 84 cents for adult ez-link card and between 80 cents and one dollar for the Standard Ticket.

Operation Details
For the Sengkang LRT West Loop, the operating hours will be from 5.20am to 12.35am. From 5.20am to 3pm, it will operate in the anti-clockwise direction from Thanggam Station in the direction of Sengkang Town Centre. From 3pm to 12.35am, it will operate in the clockwise direction from Sengkang Town Centre in the direction of Renjong Station. In this way, commuters from the developed area will be brought to Sengkang Town Centre in the shortest time in the peak flow direction.

SBS Transit will also monitor and review the arrangement and make any changes if the need arises.

Service frequency will be 4.5 minutes for the peak hours and 7 minutes for the off peak hours.

BUS SERVICE CHANGES

With the commencement of revenue service for Punggol LRT East Loop and Sengkang LRT West Loop, there will be additional capacity for intra-town movements given the existing bus network. As a result, the bus service network in both towns will be slightly changed, taking care to minimise any inconvenience caused to residents and ensuring that the capacity is adequate to meet demand.

To allow residents more time to familarise themselves with the Punggol LRT East Loop and Sengkang LRT West Loop, the bus rationalisation will only be implemented at the start of the school holidays on Saturday 12 March 2005, some six weeks after the start of both loops.

Punggol LRT East Loop
A network of six bus services including 3, 62, 82, 83, 84 and 136 as well as NEL at Punggol Station currently serves Punggol Town. Of these bus services, only Service 84 will be withdrawn as it is routed along the alignment of the Punggol LRT East Loop (see attached Map 1). Service 84’s withdrawal would not affect existing passengers along Punggol Central as Services 3 and 83 are still available for connection to the Punggol Interchange/Station. Passengers boarding along Punggol Field will be able to take the LRT or the alternative Service 62 to Punggol Interchange/Station.

Sengkang LRT West Loop
Currently, there are three bus services namely 163, 371 and 372 serving the developed areas in Sengkang West Loop. Of the three bus services, only Service 371 will be withdrawn as it duplicates the Sengkang LRT West Loop extensively (see attached Map 2). In response to feedback from the residents, Service 163 will be slightly amended to use Fernvale Lane enroute so that passengers who travel between Fernvale area and Punggol Road and Sengkang East Way will have a shorter walk to the bus stop. Service 372 will not be affected.

FAMILIARISATION VISITS

Leading up to revenue service of Punggol LRT East Loop and Sengkang LRT West Loop, familiarisation visits including train rides were conducted for Advisors to Grassroots Organisations and grassroots leaders from Punggol North, Punggol Central and Jalan Kayu constituencies on 8 January 2005. Similar visits will also be organised in the following weeks for senior citizens and school children from the two areas prior to commencement of revenue service.

On the opening of Punggol LRT East Loop and Sengkang LRT West Loop, Mr Ong Boon Leong, Chief Operating Officer, SBS Transit said, “We are pleased to be able to start our LRT service on the Punggol LRT East Loop and the Sengkang LRT West Loop. We certainly hope that the residents in both areas will benefit from the start of the service. While it is difficult to have a perfect system from Day One, we are confident that we will be able to achieve a high level of reliability given the extensive testing and our experience with the Sengkang LRT East Loop.”

ignoramus

January 11th, 2005, 03:09 AM

ignoramus

January 11th, 2005, 04:19 AM

Jan 11, 2005
Punggol LRT set to roll
Start date is Jan 29, but only eastern loop and 5 out of 7 stations will open

By Christopher Tan
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

THE Punggol LRT will start rolling on Jan 29, but trains will ply on only the eastern loop and stop at just five out of seven stations deemed to have enough commuter traffic.

On the same day, operator SBS Transit will start serving residents living along the western loop of the Sengkang LRT - two years after the line opened - as 'ridership on our buses' plying this loop has trebled in the last two years.

SBS Transit chief operating officer Ong Boon Leong said he expects the number of commuters on this loop to be 'between 3,000 and 5,000 a day'. Trains will still skip the first three stops, located in underpopulated spots of this loop.

Fares for both loops are capped at 64 cents for ez-link card holders because of the limited number of stations open. A standard ticket costs 80 cents.

The way the Punggol LRT is starting - one loop, some stops skipped - reprises the Sengkang line's start. Punggol's western loop currently runs through an undeveloped stretch flanked by the Punggol marina at Punggol End.

Mr Ong reckons that Punggol commuters living near the five stations will have their travelling time shaved by two to five minutes. In March, bus services 84 and 371 will be removed, as these duplicate the new train services that provide intra-town commute.

SBS Transit, a subsidiary of transport giant ComfortDelGro, entered the rail business in 2003 with the operation of the North-East MRT Line and Sengkang LRT east loop.

It has been losing money on the trains as demand for housing in Sengkang and Punggol, as well as other new towns, has not been as high as urban planners had anticipated.

In the first year, ComfortDelGro incurred a $42 million loss on its rail business. But research house Citigroup Smith Barney forecasts that the group's rail losses would fall to $18 million for the year ended 2004, $14 million for this year and $9 million next year.

Mr Ong said daily ridership on the North-East Line is now 'close to 190,000', from under 170,000 when the trains started running. Its break-even number is 250,000.

He indicated that the operating cost of its entire rail business is in excess of $70 million a year, with the LRT accounting for $12 million.

At yesterday's preview for the press, SBS Transit warned commuters not to expect the Punggol LRT to be 'perfect'. However, as its operation of the Sengkang line has been '99.92 per cent' fault-free, Mr Ong is confident the new services will be highly reliable.

gakei

January 11th, 2005, 10:00 AM

http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgm04.jpg

http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgm11.jpg

http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgm12.jpg

http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgm13.jpg

http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgml4.jpg

[ More Photos ... (http://www.gakei.com/sg1/sgm.htm) ]

:)

ignoramus

January 11th, 2005, 01:06 PM

ailiton

January 11th, 2005, 01:12 PM

Anyone has a recording of MRT's door chime?

ignoramus

January 11th, 2005, 01:15 PM

I may or may not have it. Will have to browse through my C: but I will certainly message you when I do find it. Okay?

ailiton

January 11th, 2005, 01:18 PM

Thanks very much. But can you tell me quick how it sounds like?

gakei

January 11th, 2005, 02:55 PM

Impressive shots! The picture quality is by far one of the best that I have seen so far! You visited Singapore recently I see, and toured most of our different train systems. Thanks for your contribution. :). Tell us more about your visit.

Yes ... actually I followed my friend to go there but she needed to meet her own friend. Therefore when I was alone I went to different MRT and LRT stations and bus terminals for photos. If my sole purpose was to take photo I would choose summer to go, since it was raining for all 4 days that I stayed *_* :)

kenmin

January 11th, 2005, 05:03 PM

Hope someone will make something like this for our system too.

http://www.sznews.com.cn/dtckt/S200412141632487.jpg

huaiwei

January 11th, 2005, 06:09 PM

Indeed those are beautiful shots, Gakei! No one stared at you when you took them? ;)

gakei

January 11th, 2005, 06:33 PM

Indeed those are beautiful shots, Gakei! No one stared at you when you took them? ;)

When "packaging" and "marketing" myself as a tourist from my appearance (e.g. showing a tourist map/guide in my hand), people will not find strange as tourists can be interested in anything local people cannot imagine. Or sometimes I pretented to be viewing photos shown on the DC's LCD display but actually clicking the shutter button ... (which I normally did when taking photos in Beijing Subway trains) :P

Sure if doing that in HK people will stare at me then :)

huaiwei

January 12th, 2005, 11:44 AM

Haha....thats comical. :D Do you happen to be Caucasian btw? I would think its much easier to pass off as one then!

huaiwei

January 12th, 2005, 08:26 PM

Maps showing the soon to be opened LRT stations and lines (and the withdrawal of bus services):

http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/20050110-2B.jpg

http://www.sbstransit.com.sg/press/20050110-2BA.jpg

ignoramus

January 15th, 2005, 06:01 PM

ignoramus

January 17th, 2005, 05:44 AM

Alstom Metropolis Cars
© ignoramus
http://img41.exs.cx/img41/8838/dsc000836hf.jpg

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Crystal Mover Cars
© ignoramus
http://img105.exs.cx/img105/5265/dsc001012sk.jpg
http://img102.exs.cx/img102/4751/dsc001025zu.jpg
http://img142.exs.cx/img142/3282/dsc000970gr.jpg

NE16 Sengkang
© ignoramus
http://img10.exs.cx/img10/6973/dsc000866lz.jpg

STC Sengkang
© ignoramus
http://img22.exs.cx/img22/7709/dsc000872rz.jpg
http://img22.exs.cx/img22/787/dsc000915qj.jpg
http://img146.exs.cx/img146/9608/dsc000924ef.jpg

huaiwei

January 17th, 2005, 08:41 AM

Aye...these are the photos you took with us right?

ignoramus

January 17th, 2005, 08:44 AM

Aye...these are the photos you took with us right?
Yeah. Finally had the time to put them online.

ailiton

January 17th, 2005, 09:41 AM

Still couldn't find the door chime file for me?

babystan03

January 18th, 2005, 03:36 PM

18 January 2005

Jalan Kayu shops expected to benefit from opening of LRT station

SINGAPORE : It is 11 days till Singapore's third Light Rapid Transit, the Punggol LRT, is rolled out.

Not only is the LRT expected to bring greater convenience to residents of the area, stall holders in Jalan Kayu are also hoping to cash in on the commuter traffic.

Not many people live around the Thanggam LRT station in Sengkang, but the station will still open at the end of this month.

And that is expected to benefit stall holders at Jalan Kayu, who expect sales to increase by 30 percent.

Said 'roti prata' shop owner Yusoff Marican, "I think this one is even faster, so because of the LRT, we will have customers coming from the Sengkang area."

Lan Shi Ping, owner of a 'bah kwa' shop, said, "We can expect customers from Sengkang and Hougang to come here for the roti prata. They can buy our bah kwa at the same time."

The Land Transport Authority is also building an overhead bridge to link the station with a path that leads to Jalan Kayu.

It takes only five to ten minutes to reach Jalan Kayu by foot from the station.

Right now, most of the customers that frequent the famous roti prata shops at Jalan Kayu get there by car.

With the new station opening, stall holders expect to reach out to non-driving customers as well. - CNA

Copyright © 2004 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

January 18th, 2005, 03:44 PM

Haha...since when do we have an LRT station just for a bunch of coffeeshops??? :D

Fir3blaze

January 18th, 2005, 04:14 PM

So we can go eat prata more often i think :cheers:

babystan03

January 19th, 2005, 02:07 PM

Oh I love this view......:D

http://img142.exs.cx/img142/3282/dsc000970gr.jpg
Picture by Ignoramus

ignoramus

January 21st, 2005, 10:42 AM

kenmin

January 21st, 2005, 04:29 PM

The total cost for EWL and NSL is only for the first stage right? Does it include that of Woodlands MRT Extension?

ignoramus

January 22nd, 2005, 04:09 AM

huaiwei

January 22nd, 2005, 05:18 AM

Oh btw, I finally noticed the multilingual signs on the NEL since about two weeks ago I think. ;)

ignoramus

January 22nd, 2005, 05:20 AM

You mean the new ones that are to be implemented system wide or the old ones which were found in the NEL stations since its opening.

huaiwei

January 22nd, 2005, 05:24 AM

You mean the new ones that are to be implemented system wide or the old ones which were found in the NEL stations since its opening.
New ones. They also added them to the info boards in the stations, so now I get to see the tamil script for ALL stations, including the LRTS! :D Gonna type out the list soon and add to wikipedia...you can copy them here too if you want. ;)

ignoramus

January 22nd, 2005, 05:32 AM

Okay inform me when you are done. Havent been on NEL in like 2 months.

huaiwei

January 23rd, 2005, 04:36 PM

haha.....anyway added abit for the changi line stations and punggol lrt stations. It is taking a long time coz its really time consuming to compose the Tamil script! :D

huaiwei

January 27th, 2005, 11:20 AM

Posted: 27 January 2005 1440 hrs

Sengkang, Punggol LRTs to start operations on Saturday

SINGAPORE : The Sengkang LRT West Loop and Punggol LRT East Loop will start operating on Saturday.

The Sengkang LRT West Loop will start at 10 am that day after an opening ceremony, while the Punggol LRT East Loop will start its service from 1 pm.

After Saturday, both will revert to normal operating hours of between 5.20 am and 12.35 am. - CNA

babystan03

January 28th, 2005, 06:39 PM

Business Times - 28 Jan 2005

SMRT Q3 profit up 25%

Higher revenue and lower costs and tax gave a 25 per cent boost to SMRT Corp's third quarter profits. The transport group on Friday said net profit in the three months ended Dec 31, 2004 rose to $23.9 million from $19.1 million a year ago. Earnings per share increased to 1.6 cents from 1.3 cents.

Revenue grew 1 per cent to $170.2 million as a result a larger hired-out taxi fleet, which offset lower fare revenue. Operating expenses declined 1 per cent due to lower depreciation charges and other operating expenses, which offset higher diesel costs.

Income tax expenses were 26.9 per cent lower as an asset-related grant was no longer subject to tax and the corporate tax rate was lower.

For the nine months ended Dec 31, 2004, SMRT's net profit rose 51 per cent to $72.5 million while revenue increased 1.3 per cent to $508.2 million.

SMRT shares closed unchanged on Friday at 95 cents. The stock has gained 8 per cent so far this year.

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

newyorkrunaway1

January 28th, 2005, 06:46 PM

Asian mass transit is the best worlwide by far!!!! they have the most advanced and largest networks of mass transit than any other continent on earth. I would love to ride it just once. hehehe

ailiton

January 28th, 2005, 08:47 PM

ignoramus: you got my pm?

playboy

January 31st, 2005, 09:08 AM

When i stepped on the Punggol LRT Platform on first day of operation. I saw the reserve track at the middle of the platform. I did not know what is use for the future. :) :)

kenmin

January 31st, 2005, 04:31 PM

When i stepped on the Punggol LRT Platform on first day of operation. I saw the reserve track at the middle of the platform. I did not know what is use for the future. :) :)
For the future Punggol (North) Line? I thought it will branch from PW2. :?:

huaiwei

February 1st, 2005, 04:23 PM

Anyway....anyone figure why the need a track running between STC and PTC?

huaiwei

February 1st, 2005, 07:12 PM

SMRT retail plan delayed but still in the works

By Christopher Tan
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

THE glitzy new retail concept that transport operator SMRT Corp was banking on to boost rents by $3 million this financial year is behind schedule but remains on the cards.

The Temasek-owned company said in its third-quarter results announcement yesterday that 'delays in approval' mean the incremental rental revenue will not be realised this year.

However, SMRT is 'confident of achieving annualised projected rental of $10 million' - once approval for new retail space at eight stations is given and the shops are built.

Nevertheless, it posted a 25.2 per cent rise in net profit to $23.9 million for the third quarter ended Dec 31 last year. This was on the back of a 1 per cent rise in revenue to $170.2 million, lower operating expenses and lighter tax expenses.

Revenue was boosted by an expanded taxi fleet, which offset a dip in fare revenue. SMRT now has 2,500 cabs, with a further 500 to join the fleet by the end of March.

Earnings per share rose from 1.3 cents to 1.6 cents for the three months, while net tangible assets per share stood at 32.5 cents, from 25 cents previously.

Directors expect fare revenue to remain stable this quarter, while the expanded taxi fleet will lift non-fare revenue.

Asked when approval for renovating the stations would be granted, the executive vice-president of finance, Mr Patrick Lau, said: 'We are not sure, because the decision lies with the authorities.'

The retail revamp is the brainchild of chief executive Saw Phaik Hwa, who was a retailer before joining the transport company in December 2002.

The operator had expected income from rental of retail space to rise by 50 per cent or $10 million in the next financial year. For the nine months ended last December, rental dipped from $14.9 million to $14 million.

kenmin

February 2nd, 2005, 03:22 PM

Anyway....anyone figure why the need a track running between STC and PTC?
Because there is only one depot.

babystan03

February 4th, 2005, 02:03 PM

04 February 2005

Nicoll Highway Circle Line MRT to be located at Republic Avenue
By Wong Siew Ying/Ng Lian Cheong, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Republic Avenue will be home to the new Nicoll Highway Circle Line MRT station.

The Land Transport Authority and contractors have decided to relocate the station and tunnels, following the collapse of the Nicoll Highway last April.

Mangled steel, obstructions and soil disturbance at the collapse site will pose many difficulties during tunneling work.

So, after six months of study, the builders have decided to relocate the Nicoll Highway Circle Line MRT station and tunnels, which were over 60 percent completed when tragedy struck.

The reconstruction project will include a new alignment of 1.8 kilometres of tunnels.

And the new station will be shifted a hundred metres south of the original location.

The LTA says costs are expected to rise due to additional recovery works.

It is also taking a top-down approach to construction, starting with the roof before working its way to the platform area.

Lim Bok Ngam, Director, Engineering, LTA, said, "The new station caters for one single line and is shallower. So top-down is more suitable. Because of the revised design, we find that it's more prudent to carry out a top-down construction; in a way we will limit the extent of excavation, the depth of excavation to about 7 metres maximum, whereas in the previous construction method, the depth of excavation could be as deep as 30 metres."

The new Nicoll Highway Circle Line Station will have two entrances - one, linking it to the Concourse, and the other serving a nearby park.

Besides changes to construction methods, there are also new provisions for risk management and personnel movements.

LTA says 95 percent of the project team will comprise new faces to inject fresh inputs into the process and avoid possible psychological impact on the workers.

More checks will also be done to better monitor ground movements and work progress.

Rajan Krishnan, Director of Projects, LTA, said, "When we move from one level of excavation to the next level of excavation, we have to ensure that not only 1 or 2 staff clear it, but professional engineers, the qualified person in charge of supervising the work, the project manager, a number of people from LTA's side and the contractor's side...verify that things are okay."

Traffic along Republic Avenue will be diverted when work begins in June, and the reconstruction project is expected to be completed by 2010. - CNA

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

February 5th, 2005, 02:49 AM

Feb 5, 2005
Slower but safer way to rebuild collapsed MRT sector
Rebuilding of Nicoll Highway section to start this year; be finished in 2010

By Christopher Tan
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

THE new MRT track to replace the collapsed Circle Line section along Nicoll Highway will be built using a different, safer approach.

First, twin tunnels will be created with boring machines, which are proven to be the least disruptive to the earth and surrounding structures. They will run a straighter, and therefore slightly shorter, course than the previous tunnel.

Next, the new Nicoll Highway station, to be sited 100m south of the original location, will be built using a top-down method. This requires putting up the station roof first, and using it as a super structure to support the retaining walls. Excavation will then continue through openings in the roof. The method, which is less commonly used here, is slower.

Land Transport Authority director of projects Rajan Krishnan, however, emphasised that the previous cut-and-cover bottom-up method is still a safe one, and has been used extensively in past MRT projects. The collapsed tunnel was built using the cut-and-cover bottom-up method.

This time, the retaining walls of the new station will be 1.5m thick, about 50 per cent thicker than the ones that gave way on April 20 last year, killing four men. These walls will go 60m down, twice as deep as before.

Mr Rajan said re-excavating along the collapsed site was too risky because of the uncertainties posed.

'There are generators, an excavator, gas tanks and steel structures buried. Also, to predict how natural soil will behave is tough enough. But to do so in an area that has been disturbed, where the soil is mixed with foam concrete and grout, would be doubly challenging.'

The task would be 'like a treasure hunt'.

All these uncertainties could also make it more costly to re-excavate the first site, he reckoned. Besides the debris, rebuilding along the same alignment would pose other engineering challenges, he said.

Huge T-shaped retaining walls up to 5m thick would have to built outside the existing walls, and these would have to go as deep as 70m before re-excavating can start. The steel supporting beams for the new walls would also have to puncture the old walls first.

He was not able to offer the reconstruction cost, but 'we would keep to the $273 million' of the original contract.

The damage caused by the collapse is still being worked out by the various parties, including insurers, he added.

The former tunnel and station have been filled with sand and stabilised, and Nicoll Highway will be returned to its original course by the end of the year.

Construction of the new section will start in the middle of this year and is scheduled to be completed in 2010. But by the middle of next year, stretches like Bras Basah Road, Beach Road, Raffles Boulevard, Temasek Avenue and Rochor Road that were diverted for the Circle Line construction will be reinstated to their previous positions.

The rebuilding project will be handled by a new team from Japanese contractor Nishimatsu Construction. Its director of international operations Tadashi Sugiyama said yesterday the company will mobilise all the necessary resources to ensure the project is completed in a safe and timely manner.

The LTA will also put in more stringent safety measures for that section. It will appoint its own specialist instrumentation contractor and an independent checker for the temporary works.

The extra layer of control, which was introduced on the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway project soon after the Nicoll Highway collapse, is expected to become a regular feature of major infrastructural projects from now on.

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Feb 5, 2005
Line linked to Circle Line may be realigned

A PLANNED MRT line meant to join the Circle Line at the original Nicoll Highway station may have to be realigned, the Land Transport Authority has indicated.

It did not say which this would be. Future lines include one linking the Bukit Timah area to downtown, and another looping the east coast area.

One of these was supposed to hook up with the Circle Line at the former Nicoll Highway station, which had provisions for such a link.

The station replacing it will not have such a provision, the LTA revealed yesterday.

Nevertheless, the LTA assured, future lines can still connect with the Circle Line, although it may require 'a bit more work' when no structural provisions are made.

Meanwhile, director of projects Rajan Krishnan said discussions are underway with listed transport group SMRT Corp, the appointed operator of the Circle Line, on the feasibility of opening other stages of the line before the Nicoll Highway section (part of Stage 1) is completed in 2010.

Opening other sections first might not yield enough commuter traffic for the line to be commercially viable, but no decision has yet been made.

The Circle Line connects mature population centres such as Bishan, Serangoon and Telok Blangah, but the bulk of ridership traffic is expected to be to and from the city centre, with intra-town commute forming a smaller portion of traffic.

SMRT had expected the Circle Line to cater to about 300,000 rides a day.

Stock analysts have not forecast how the delay of Stage 1 of the Circle Line would affect SMRT's future profits. The line was supposed to be up and running by 2008, although earlier indications were for a 2007 opening.

Researcher Teo Hiang Boon of broking house G K Goh said: 'I haven't changed my recommendation for SMRT since November. It's still Hold.'

A Hold call on a stock is understood to be less than favourable.
-- CHRISTOPHER TAN

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

ignoramus

February 5th, 2005, 09:53 AM

babystan03

February 6th, 2005, 08:57 AM

Expo Station:

http://img133.exs.cx/img133/1286/dscn212218fp.jpg

vytux

February 6th, 2005, 02:59 PM

If only other cities around the world would learn from investment into public transport like the Singaporean example. We'd have a much greener (and cleaner) world!

kenmin

February 6th, 2005, 05:30 PM

The rough figure stated includes the cost of building the
- North South Line & East West Line Basic Network Completed In 1990 (S$5 Billion)
- Woodlands Extension (S$1.4 Billion) *Conflicting figures ranging from S$1.2 Billion to S$1.4 Billion were given. The latter was chosen.
- Dover Station (S$55 Million)
- Changi Airport Extension (S$750 Million)
Got this from the Transport White Paper (http://www.lta.gov.sg/corp_info/doc/white%20paper.pdf).

The North-South/East-West line and the Woodlands line already cost $6.3 bn

babystan03

February 7th, 2005, 01:03 PM

Feb 7, 2005
MRT signs going multilingual

By Theresa Tan

A QUARTER of the 8,000 key signs at MRT stations now have signs in Chinese and Tamil as well as English, to help those who cannot read English.

The Land Transport Authority is currently in the process of making multilingual signboards and maps for MRT and LRT stations across the island. Work is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

Since stations names in Malay are similar to English ones, the new signs will only have Chinese and Tamil translations, an LTA spokesman said.

The move is part of efforts proposed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his National Day Rally speech last year to help older Singaporeans feel more at home.

Previously, only a handful of MRT stations in the city area, such as Dhoby Ghaut and Little India, had signs in more than one language.

After the North-East line opened in 2003, non-English reading commuters complained that they found it hard to work out where to get off the train, as the line was completely underground and there were no landmarks to help them identify their location.

In response, the LTA is spending $600,000 to replace existing key signs and maps with multilingual versions. The project started late last year.

So far, 30 underground MRT stations have English, Mandarin and Tamil station names on panels above the platform doors.

An LTA spokesman said: 'We are progressively changing the signs at all the stations and we hope to finish the project by the end of the year.'

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved

babystan03

February 7th, 2005, 03:20 PM

07 February 2005

Smooth rides along Punggol, Sengkang LRT lines since opening
By S. Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The latest additions to Singapore's LRT system - the Punggol and Sengkang LRT lines - performed well since it started operations on January 29.

Operator SBS Transit said the system had delivered safe, reliable and smooth rides.

Up to February 6, there have been 54,840 rides on the Punggol LRT and some 37,180 on the Sengkang LRT.

SBS Transit's Chief Operating Officer Ong Boon Leong said he was encouraged by commuters' support and confidence. - CNA

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

ignoramus

February 8th, 2005, 09:50 AM

Feb 8, 2005
More than 10,000 rides a day on Punggol, Sengkang LRT
ONE tiny resident and her mum were hugely relieved when the west loop of Sengkang LRT opened more than a week ago.

Two-year-old Edlyn Ho used to have to walk with Madam Yuen Kah Wai across four roads to get from Sengkang MRT station to their HDB flat in Anchorvale Link.

Usually, the little girl tired out halfway through the 15-minute journey and ended up in her mother's arms. Madam Yuen, 28, whose arms used to get a little sore carrying 11kg Edlyn, said: 'The LRT saves on walking. But if I'm alone, I'll walk because it's faster and it's exercise.'

In its first nine days, the loop has recorded an average of 4,131 rides a day.

Traffic on the east loop of Punggol LRT, where five out of seven stations opened on the same day, have averaged 6,093 rides a day.

'We are encouraged by the commuters' support and confidence,' said SBS Transit's chief operating officer, Mr Ong Boon Leong.

SBS Transit told The Straits Times that it believes passenger numbers will improve when residents are more familiar with the system and after it removes existing Punggol bus services that duplicate the train line in the middle of next month.

The LRT is just one of the upgrades planned for the Sengkang and Punggol estates. A neighbourhood park at Compassvale Street is due to be ready by this year. In two years' time, a 21ha town park along Sungei Punggol, with a fruit tree theme, should be open too.

Sungei Punggol's Anchorvale Community Club is scheduled to open next year, with an adjacent sports complex featuring a football field, sports hall and swimming pools opening in 2007.

Other new amenities in the two estates include churches, temples and a petrol station.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement & Condition of Access.

babystan03

February 10th, 2005, 03:11 AM

09 February 2005

SMRT up in arms to keep commuters happy
By Farah Abdul Rahim / Lee Ching Yee, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The God of Fortune smiled on 8 lucky commuters who won 88 days of unlimited travel on public transport, thanks to SMRT's Ride for Free countdown draw.

And for the really lucky commuter, he or she could walk away with a Nissan March, the top prize in the festive draw.

The winning ez-link numbers will be displayed at train stations and bus interchanges, as well as online @ www.smrt.com.sg

Meanwhile, SMRT commuters who love shopping are also in for a treat.

SMRT has just revamped five stations at a cost of S$20 million to include more retail space

Shops conveniently located at MRT stations are a boon for both retailers and commuters.

The newly revamped Yew Tee MRT station-cum-retail mall has many more stores for shoppers - and even includes a clinic.

A few commuters we spoke to welcome the change.

Retailers at Yew Tee and Sembawang - together with Raffles Place, Marsiling and Bukit Batok stations - are celebrating more than the New Year cheer.

Their cash tills have been ringing in the sales since they opened over the past month.

The revamped stations have more than 90 shops - which have been given a new lease of life.

SMRT is also looking at revamping its remaining stations. - CNA

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

ignoramus

February 10th, 2005, 04:36 AM

babystan03

February 10th, 2005, 04:37 AM

^ Ignore, have you try the Punggol LRT yet??

ignoramus

February 10th, 2005, 04:45 AM

Nope. I want to though, even though the ride itself may be no different from the ride on the Sengkang LRT.

babystan03

February 10th, 2005, 04:47 AM

Nope. I want to though, even though the ride itself may be no different from the ride on the Sengkang LRT.

I think the "scenery" will be different......though I'm not sure how big the difference is ........:?

Maybe I try to arrange that in the meetup next week or something......haha.....:D

huaiwei

February 10th, 2005, 09:10 AM

Damn Ulu loh...although I heard there is a new mall somewhere over there I think.

Anyway, isnt Punggol the place whereby I first met baby? :D

babystan03

February 10th, 2005, 09:17 AM

Damn Ulu loh...although I heard there is a new mall somewhere over there I think.

Anyway, isnt Punggol the place whereby I first met baby? :D

Yeah baby.......ulu place......:lol:

Got mall ah?? Must be one of those small ones like Ten Mile Junction....:yes:

huaiwei

February 11th, 2005, 04:03 PM

MRT staff do remind commuters to keep left

I REFER to the letter, 'Get commuters to keep left' by Mr Henry Tan Soon Choon (The Sunday Times, Jan 30).

The 'keep left' escalator scheme was launched in 2002 as part of SMRT's efforts to cultivate social graciousness and enhance the travelling experience of commuters.

Under the scheme, commuters are encouraged to 'keep left', allowing others who are in a hurry to walk on the right. There are also signs along the escalators to serve as a reminder.

We wish to share with Mr Tan that it is not always possible to deploy staff at the escalators during peak hours as they may be required to serve commuters at the passenger service centre, attend to equipment or patrol the station premises.

Nevertheless, station staff do remind commuters to keep left should they spot such situations in the course of their duties.

We thank Mr Tan for his feedback, and would like to urge commuters to practise courtesy towards others to ensure a more pleasant travelling experience for all.

Dawn Low (Ms)
Manager
Corporate Communications
SMRT Corporation Ltd

babystan03

February 12th, 2005, 12:00 PM

Punggol LRT part 1(12/2/05):

Boarding the station
http://img139.exs.cx/img139/5701/dscn230217te.jpg

Scene from the overhead bridge
http://img139.exs.cx/img139/1001/dscn230319zt.jpg

Going to the platform(no escalator btw)
http://img139.exs.cx/img139/4647/dscn230410jp.jpg

At the platform
http://img139.exs.cx/img139/8710/dscn230619wa.jpg

Finally my LRT came........:D
http://img160.exs.cx/img160/6387/dscn231015ql.jpg

To be continued........;)

babystan03

February 12th, 2005, 05:18 PM

Part 2 LRT ride(12/2/05):

The only mall i've seen on the way
http://img239.exs.cx/img239/2259/dscn231311ny.jpg

Crowded train
http://img239.exs.cx/img239/6130/dscn231414it.jpg

Commieblocks (seem like the only thing in Punggol....:lol: )
http://img53.exs.cx/img53/1826/dscn231610rb.jpg

Reaching the Punggol Station......
http://img53.exs.cx/img53/2299/dscn232012fr.jpg

Reached.......yipee(less than 10 mins est)......:D
http://img53.exs.cx/img53/1396/dscn232217mp.jpg

huaiwei

February 13th, 2005, 03:45 PM

Ah ha! Punggol Plaza...that must be the mall I was talking about. :D

Anyway, there are people in Pungool? :lol:

babystan03

February 13th, 2005, 03:46 PM

Ah ha! Punggol Plaza...that must be the mall I was talking about. :D

Anyway, there are people in Pungool? :lol:

Yes.......to go visit ppl during new year mah......:yes:

huaiwei

February 13th, 2005, 03:50 PM

icic...anyway the people dont look like they are dressed for visiting loh. :D

babystan03

February 13th, 2005, 03:51 PM

icic...anyway the people dont look like they are dressed for visiting loh. :D

Haha.....the weather is too hot for that......:rant:

babystan03

February 24th, 2005, 11:39 AM

Feb 24, 2005
Sip wine at Raffles Place station

By Daryl Loo

OFFICE workers getting off work can now kick back with a cup of coffee with a dash of booze or a glass of wine at the Raffles Place MRT station, something which has never been allowed before.

They can pick these drinks up at the Coffee Connoisseur cafe, the first outlet at an MRT station in Singapore allowed to serve alcohol.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2005-02-24/home6.jpg

Before the cafe was allowed to set up underground, the layout of the station's shopping arcade had to be changed, to conform with the fire safety rules that places selling liquor have to abide with.

The revamp cost SMRT Corporation, which operates all the MRT stations and lines here with the exception of the North-East Line, about $7 million.

Minister of State for Finance and Transport Lim Hwee Hua said yesterday at the official launch of the Raffles Xchange, as the arcade has been dubbed, that such use of space is encouraged as it creates alternate income for public transport operators.

This, in turn, allows operators to hold off future hikes in fares, she added.

The Raffles Place station is the first to undergo a major facelift under SMRT's plan to add retail space and inject new life into some of its 51 stations.

Work on it started last June and was supposed to have been done by November. But regulatory issues, such as the fire safety requirements, which required the station's walkways to be made wider, delayed things.

'I am glad that SMRT has persevered in its plans,' said Mrs Lim.

It led to a review of rules, like the one on the width of MRT station walkways, by agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Urban Redevelopment Authority which regulate such issues, she noted.

To work around the one that says no retail outlet is allowed to serve alcohol at any MRT station, SMRT built The Coffee Connoisseur outlet in an area away from the main transit area at Raffles Place.

Retail space at the station has been increased by 53 per cent to 2,600 sq m, allowing more shops to open there. From 35 spots, there is now place for 53, of which just one unit is yet to be rented out.

Most outlets are selling clothes and accessories, and include Giordano and Goldheart Jewelry. There is also the usual bunch of food outlets, gift shops and convenience stores.

SMRT chairman Choo Chiau Beng said after his company's experience dealing with regulatory issues at Raffles Xchange, it should be able to complete revamps at other MRT stations much faster.

The operator is hoping to raise its income from retail space rental by 50 per cent or $10 million by April next year.

SMRT is also getting revenue from advertising at its stations, trains, buses and taxis, providing engineering services and rail management overseas, and its taxi business.

But Mr Choo believes that if all goes as planned, SMRT's retail rentals should be the fastest growing area as 'we've still got plenty of space in all the stations'.

'If we can grow our non-fare revenue, it helps us to give people using public transport the lowest fares,' he added.

Copyright © 2004 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

redstone

February 24th, 2005, 12:15 PM

The mall is new, right?

babystan03

February 24th, 2005, 12:17 PM

The mall is new, right?

More like renovated......:yes:

babystan03

February 25th, 2005, 08:43 AM

Any more pics of Punggol MRT station? :D

Only one more.......:yes:

http://img207.exs.cx/img207/7651/dscn232412sc.jpg

ignoramus

February 27th, 2005, 08:20 AM

huaiwei

February 27th, 2005, 02:17 PM

Finally....

Where have you been all these while?

babystan03

March 3rd, 2005, 02:59 PM

Changi Airport MRT (again...:D ; 3/3/05 )

http://img221.exs.cx:81/img221/5282/pic0042813wj.jpg

http://img221.exs.cx:81/img221/7697/pic0043015eo.jpg

Worlds of Earth

March 3rd, 2005, 03:10 PM

The best looking of the lot from the inside.

ignoramus

March 3rd, 2005, 04:14 PM

huaiwei

March 6th, 2005, 04:25 PM

Ignore seems to be updating this thread every weekend.....haha! :D

ignoramus

March 15th, 2005, 07:19 AM

ignoramus

March 15th, 2005, 12:53 PM

babystan03

March 16th, 2005, 05:32 PM

Taking the Northeast Line from Harbourfront (16/3/05):

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/4940/pic0140010pd.jpg

babystan03

March 18th, 2005, 04:37 AM

Hmm....seems like not many people going to Marina Bay.....:lol:

http://img224.exs.cx/img224/7879/pic0146018lf.jpg

ignoramus

March 18th, 2005, 07:11 AM

if you happen to pass by Raffles Place do take pics of the Raffles Xchange. :)

babystan03

March 18th, 2005, 07:13 AM

if you happen to pass by Raffles Place do take pics of the Raffles Xchange. :)

Aiyo.....I just pass by there yesterday and I didn't take pictures....... :bash:

ignoramus

March 18th, 2005, 07:29 AM

Aiyo.....I just pass by there yesterday and I didn't take pictures....... :bash:

haha was just wondering whether it looks sophisticated in looks or whether it looks cheap...hehe...

babystan03

March 18th, 2005, 07:31 AM

haha was just wondering whether it looks sophisticated in looks or whether it looks cheap...hehe...

Looks better than the previous one loh.......but not as classy as citylink mall I think......:yes:

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 05:23 AM

huaiwei

March 25th, 2005, 01:06 PM

Wow you are back. Meetup leh.....without your cap. :D

nova

March 25th, 2005, 04:01 PM

Does anyone have the old MRT map.. with the East-West line in blue and green and the North-South line in red and yellow?

I still miss it.. :(

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 05:23 PM

Not all maps are posted here because
1. Maps dating back to 1989 are not exactly available online. Back then computers were only owned by the super rich etc etc.
2. The maps that are available online are mostly created by others and thus there are some discrepancies (like in the alphanumerical symbols given to the stations)

February 1996 To November 1999
http://www.worldtram.com/image/singapore_map.gif

January 2003 To January 2005
http://rocling.iis.sinica.edu.tw/~eddie/Tarcy/Travel/Singapore/Fun/images/MRT_route_map.jpg

January 2005 To Present & Future
http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/images/system_map.gif

redstone

March 25th, 2005, 06:27 PM

Got some super nostalgic ones when the Woodlands line was not completed?

I remember once when I was little taking the train from Bukit Batok to AMK..... :rant:

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 06:54 PM

Got some super nostalgic ones when the Woodlands line was not completed?

I remember once when I was little taking the train from Bukit Batok to AMK..... :rant:

Back then
1. The Jurong East - Choa Chu Kang branch line (4 stations) was brown in colour. I can't remember what were the alphanumeric characters used in this branch line though. (Example: C1 City Hall, C2 Raffles Place and M1 Marina Bay)
2. We had flip dot displays on the platforms, displaying only one line of information, that being the destination of the train which was arriving in 30 seconds time. (Example: M1 Marina Bay)
3. Later versions of these flip dot displays on the platforms, though being able to still display only one line of information, were able to display how many minutes the next train was arriving in, along with the destination of the train which was arriving. This advanced version of the flip dot display was used SOLELY on stations along the Woodlands extension only.
4. Stations along the Woodlands extension also had television sets (not plasma displays or LCDs) on its platforms. I can't remember whether it showed commercials only or whether it showed free to air television channels.
5. There was no tactile guidance system, lifts, ramps or handicapped toilets in use.
6. The Passenger Service Centre at all stations was called the Control Station.
7. There were machines at each station catering to the exchange of S$2 notes for coins.
8. There were 2 versions of ticketing machines at stations. One which adopted the push button technology whereas the later version incorporated an LCD touch screen for commuters to select their fare.
9. Magnetic farecards occasionally get jammed at the fare gates.
10. Single trip tickets had beautiful and stunning images printed on them. Those frequent use resulted in them being scratched.
11. There were onboard in train announcements in all 4 official languages whenever a train was approaching an interchange station. These announcements informed the passenger on the line transfer options at that interchange station.
12. Soothing music (otherwise known as Muzak, I don't know the correct spelling) used to be played in all stations. SMRT Corporation upgraded the PA system at all stations so that they were play such music to calm the busy commuter down.
13. Some fare gates at each station had blue and white stripes painted over them to tell passengers that they are GIRO enabled gates, meaning GIRO passengers could top up their farecards by simply entering through those gates.
14. Rubbish bins used to be commonplace at all stations.
15. The doors closing buzzer sounded like the 7 eleven convenience store door buzzer.

babystan03

March 25th, 2005, 06:59 PM

^
Wah you remember everything so clearly ah?? :eek:

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 07:06 PM

^
Wah you remember everything so clear ah?? :eek:

Told you I was a rail fanatic.

babystan03

March 25th, 2005, 07:08 PM

Told you I was a rail fanatic.

Ok......now I see it for myself......:D

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 07:10 PM

Ok......now I see it for myself......:D

Contribute to the list. Anything else that you saw then but do not see today?

babystan03

March 25th, 2005, 07:15 PM

Contribute to the list. Anything else that you saw then but do not see today?

I think the first generation single trip card comes in 3 colours. Green (single trip), blue(adult), and red (children/student concession). The card is half filled with the colours which is the card's top half part, then there's a big arrow on the card.......:yes:

I can't think of more now......need to sleep soon.....:sleepy:

redstone

March 25th, 2005, 07:19 PM

I want the music and the 4-language announcement back!!!! :cry:

Why take off the music????

ignoramus

March 25th, 2005, 07:28 PM

I want the music and the 4-language announcement back!!!! :cry:

Why take off the music????

Who knows. Perhaps dumbass people complained to SMRT about spending money on such stuff etc. Whenever something new is introduced, people complain. So naturally we see less of such initiatives to provide added services at stations nowadays.

The only new stuff we see at stations since 2000 are
1. Lifts
2. Ramps
3. Wheelchair accessible toilets
4. Tactile guidance system
5. General Ticketing Machine
6. Bi directional wide gates
7. LED screens for estimated next train arrival timings
8. Plasma displays for estimated next train arrival timings, commercials, and safety messages, time and date.

redstone

March 25th, 2005, 07:29 PM

Would it hurt them to play background music?! :rant:

huaiwei

March 25th, 2005, 08:14 PM

Huh? What music?

redstone

March 25th, 2005, 08:29 PM

Dear sir, please read igno's super long post back there...

kenmin

March 26th, 2005, 02:47 PM

Back then
1. The Jurong East - Choa Chu Kang branch line (4 stations) was brown in colour. I can't remember what were the alphanumeric characters used in this branch line though. (Example: C1 City Hall, C2 Raffles Place and M1 Marina Bay)
brown for North bound train though I am not really sure and orange for the other direction. Codes are B1 for Bukit Batok and so on.
2. We had flip dot displays on the platforms, displaying only one line of information, that being the destination of the train which was arriving in 30 seconds time. (Example: M1 Marina Bay)
3. Later versions of these flip dot displays on the platforms, though being able to still display only one line of information, were able to display how many minutes the next train was arriving in, along with the destination of the train which was arriving. This advanced version of the flip dot display was used SOLELY on stations along the Woodlands extension only.
4. Stations along the Woodlands extension also had television sets (not plasma displays or LCDs) on its platforms. I can't remember whether it showed commercials only or whether it showed free to air television channels.
5. There was no tactile guidance system, lifts, ramps or handicapped toilets in use.
6. The Passenger Service Centre at all stations was called the Control Station.
7. There were machines at each station catering to the exchange of S$2 notes for coins.
8. There were 2 versions of ticketing machines at stations. One which adopted the push button technology whereas the later version incorporated an LCD touch screen for commuters to select their fare.
9. Magnetic farecards occasionally get jammed at the fare gates.
10. Single trip tickets had beautiful and stunning images printed on them. Those frequent use resulted in them being scratched.
11. There were onboard in train announcements in all 4 official languages whenever a train was approaching an interchange station. These announcements informed the passenger on the line transfer options at that interchange station.
and there are slight differences between those at City Hall and Raffles Place stations.
12. Soothing music (otherwise known as Muzak, I don't know the correct spelling) used to be played in all stations. SMRT Corporation upgraded the PA system at all stations so that they were play such music to calm the busy commuter down.
absolutely no impression at all. :?
13. Some fare gates at each station had blue and white stripes painted over them to tell passengers that they are GIRO enabled gates, meaning GIRO passengers could top up their farecards by simply entering through those gates.
14. Rubbish bins used to be commonplace at all stations.
15. The doors closing buzzer sounded like the 7 eleven convenience store door buzzer. :)

playboy

March 27th, 2005, 02:31 AM

http://www.reed.edu/~reyn/singapore.mrt.gif

heirloom

March 27th, 2005, 04:59 AM

Perhaps dumbass people complained to SMRT about spending money on such stuff etc. Whenever something new is introduced, people complain.

singaporeans can be soooo sooo miserly. i miss the music too.

ignoramus

March 27th, 2005, 06:45 AM

Has anyone noticed that while lifts have already been constructed at most of the elevated and underground stations, AND have been put under testing for quite a few weeks already, they are still not opened yet for service? Out of the 51 MRT stations operated by SMRT Corporation, only a sprinkling of like 10 have lifts that are opened to the public already while another like 30 have lifts, except that they are just not opened yet. Is SMRT waiting for all testing to be finished at all lifts, meaning waiting till the last lift has been tested, before opening at one shot all lifts? That sounds a bit dumb.

And I realized that stations such as Bedok (elevated) have like 5 lifts (Expensive!) within the station concourse, the most I have seen in one station alone. Thats because its situated in the central road divider and uses underpasses to get people across to the other sides of the road. Usually elevated stations have only 1 lift. And this is the first time I have actually heard of SMRT referring to underpasses as Subways. Usually the LTA etc just calls them underpasses.

heirloom

March 27th, 2005, 07:28 AM

hrmm most of the stsations i use regularly have operating elevators.

ignoramus

March 27th, 2005, 07:49 AM

babystan03

March 27th, 2005, 07:57 AM

North South (NS) Line

Constructed But Not Operating
- Yishun (Its Been More Than 3 Months Already)
- Khatib (Its Been More Than 3 Months Already)
- Yio Chu Kang
- Ang Mo Kio

Operating
- Toa Payoh
- Novena
- Somerset
- Dhoby Ghaut

Not sure about the status of the retrofitting works at the other stations. Some are being constructed while some haven't even yet started construction works I think.

Anyways, SOMEONE has to take pictures of the construction work at Bishan Station. That station is literally BEING TORN TO PIECES due to integration/construction works for the Circle Line station beside it. Parts of the station ceiling has been exposed and the downward sloping walls along the side of the track have been demolished.

Hmm....seem like all the stations i use have lift already.....not sure about the problem you've said........:?

As for Bishan station, perhaps Redstone could help u with this?:D

ignoramus

March 27th, 2005, 08:12 AM

Hmm....seem like all the stations i use have lift already.....not sure about the problem you've said........:?

As for Bishan station, perhaps Redstone could help u with this?:D

Oh thats because, haha I almost forgot...

East West Line
- All elevated stations (except Jurong East) have working lifts already

For me on the NSL, its a different story.

littlearea

April 5th, 2005, 02:53 AM

why this thread looking so dead. Didn't update.

babystan03

April 14th, 2005, 11:42 AM

14 April 2005

MRT stations to have armed police officers on patrol
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: Come August, there'll be added security on MRT trains and stations.

Armed police officers on patrol will complement the existing MRT security guards and CCTV monitoring systems.

The new MRT Policing Unit was one of the initiatives announced by Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng at the annual Police Workplan seminar.

Currently, armed police officers are sometimes being deployed on the busy streets of downtown Singapore.

Mr Wong said: "In the current security situation, the Police Force has also assumed additional responsibilities. This demand on Police resources will not decline or diminish in the foreseeable future."

"In fact, the Force will need to do more with the same resources. There is potential in finding new areas of deployment to maximise Police NS (National Service) resources," he added.

"The recent establishment of a MRT Policing Unit, which will be operational in August this year, is a positive and bold initiative," said Mr Wong.

"It represents a new avenue for the deployment of Police NS (full time) resources in conjunction with regulars. It gives them another meaningful stake in safeguarding the security of Singapore," he said.

Mr Wong also noted that security forces around the world are facing complex changes, threats ranging from cyber-space, money laundering to terrorism.

But Singaporeans have mixed reactions about the added security on trains.

"It would give people a wrong impression that there's something we should be afraid of. I don't think there's a need, actually," said a member of the public.

"If you have armed Police at MRT stations, people would think 'oh! what's happening?', it's not a good idea. But they can make it not so obvious, have plainclothes officers carrying weapons discreetly," said another.

"Quite safe with the armed officers around, we'll have a sense of security, being protected by the government," said a third.

Another initiative announced by Mr Wong is that the Criminal Investigation Department is streamlining its bomb and explosives unit.

Five dedicated branches will be set up to tackle, among others, investigation, training and data collection.

Gerald Lim, assistant director of the Bomb and Explosive Investigation Division, said: "It (the division) is to investigate all forms of explosive device incidents. Apart from that, it also manages training of officers, writes doctrines, researches into the development of capabilities, liaises with local and foreign partners and ensures we have capabilities of doing the forensic investigations."

The Police are also enhancing their capabilities in the event of a chemical and biological attack.

Mr Wong said another area that should be critically reviewed is the loan shark syndicates.

"They are not just unlicensed money lenders; they must be viewed as organised criminal syndicates which systematically use criminal intimidation and harassment in their trade."

The activities of loan sharks have been in the news for apparently targeting innocent families who haven't borrowed money from them.

The Police Workplan seminar isn't just for police officers of all ranks to meet and plan for the future.

More than 100 guests from private sector partners were also present to give feedback and input to the Police Force in developing future technologies and capabilities.

"Increasingly we see the need to engage the private sector and get its feedback and input, so that for the measures we adopt on the ground, we take into account their concerns and their interest. The workplan is an opportunity for us to do that," said Senior Assistant Commissioner Aubeck Kam, director of operations. - CNA

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

April 15th, 2005, 09:00 AM

Armed police patrols at MRT stations
In light of security situation, police will have to do more, says Home Affairs Minister

By K.C. Vijayan
April 15, 2005
The Straits Times

ARMED police troopers will start patrolling MRT stations and trains from August, as part of a new round of anti-terror initiatives announced by Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng yesterday.

Staffed by both regular officers and full-time police national servicemen, the new MRT Policing unit will complement the unarmed security guards and closed-circuit TV cameras that have gone up in all 51 MRT stations here.

Still being worked out are the details about the unit's training and whether its officers will don bullet-proof vests and carry submachine guns, like the now familiar police patrols in the shopping and commercial districts.

Describing the new MRT policing unit as a 'positive and bold' initiative, Mr Wong said that in light of the current security situation, the police would have to do more.

He unveiled two other anti-terror initiatives - a new unit to investigate bomb explosions and a customised vehicle that can deliver breathing gear to civilians in a chemical or gas attack.

The new bomb and explosive investigation division will be part of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Trained by experts from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, its staff will probe all incidents involving explosive devices. This includes reconstructing the blast scene to help trace what happened, how it happened and who did it, explained assistant director Gerald Lim, who will head the new outfit.

He added that, if a bomb does go off here, bringing the culprits to justice swiftly would be a potent symbol of Singapore's national resilience. It would help restore confidence in the country too.

A swift response in a gas or chemical attack will also keep casualty numbers down. This is where the new Clipper bus acquired by the police comes in.

It can be driven right to the area to distribute 3,000 battery-operated 'escape hoods' which can filter out toxins or poisons for up to four hours.

All police fast response cars have also been equipped with the new breathing gear.

And if they are responding to a bomb threat, officers have another new aid that could help limit injuries before bomb disposal experts get to the scene.

Patrol cars carry a blanket, made from a special heavy-duty fabric, which can be spread over any suspicious package to help contain any blast and shrapnel.

But it's not just about hardware, stressed Mr Wong, who urged his audience of 800 police officers and guests to review their traditional thinking about crimes.

Criminal networks involved in forging illegal passports, human trafficking and money laundering need to be looked at differently, as they may have been exploited by terrorists, said Mr Wong.

Even an illegally parked car which seems strangely overloaded must not be dismissed as just being a minor traffic violation, he added.

Recounting an anecdote told to him while visiting a police force overseas, Mr Wong said an off-duty officer's instincts had been spot on when he decided to stop and check a suspicious-looking man carrying a haversack who looked out of place in the neighbourhood.

A search of the bag revealed explosives.

This is only possible if an officer knows the terrain and the people in his beat, noted the minister.

He also needs to cultivate relationships with people who live and work there so that they can be his eyes and ears on the ground.

To help with this, the police yesterday invited more than 100 grassroots and industry representatives to an annual work plan seminar for the first time.

One was Yew Tee grassroots leader Mr Low Peng Kit, 57, who said: 'We got to know their focus and direction in having good links with the community.'

babystan03

April 16th, 2005, 03:41 AM

April 16, 2005
REPLIES TO FEEDBACK SUGGESTIONS
Future MRT link for towns in north
Link planned for north/east corridor but when this will be depends on area's rate of development

By Christopher Tan
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

A FUTURE MRT line to link northern towns like Woodlands, Punggol, Seletar and Pasir Ris is being considered.

But just when this will be built depends on the rate at which development takes place along this corridor.

The Transport Ministry disclosed this yesterday when it said the Land Transport Authority had long-term plans to link the north, north-east and eastern parts of Singapore with a future rail line.

It was responding to suggestions made at a national conference organised by the Feedback Unit in January.

Various sub-groups of the Feedback Unit had presented views and ideas on issues in areas like transport, physical development, health care, entrepreneurship, politics and education at the conference.

Yesterday, ministries responded to these ideas. In some cases, they disclosed new developments in the pipeline. In others, they noted the suggestions or pointed out that the ideas had already been taken on board.

In the Transport Ministry's case yesterday, it was responding to a suggestion to link the Pasir Ris station and the Punggol station - a distance of about 9km.

'Such a link will save commuters time when travelling between these areas. But when the line can be built will depend on the development pace along this corridor,' the ministry said.

It added that a link could not be built now as large parts of the area remain undeveloped.

It also responded to a suggestion that competition between bus and rail operators along the same route would give commuters more choice.

The ministry said that bus services will be allowed back on MRT routes if trains get overcrowded. Currently, there is little or no duplication of such services.

The ministry was also noncommittal on ongoing requests that public buses be made wheelchair-accessible.

It said there are dedicated transport services available for individuals who are wheelchair-bound.

Advocates who have been calling for changes have argued, however, that such services can be costly and are not readily available.

While most of the ideas put forward were practical, there was one exception.

This was for the Bukit Timah Expressway to be encased in 'a concrete tunnel box' so that the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve can be joined as one.

The ministry's response: Such a move would not be cost-effective.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

huaiwei

April 16th, 2005, 01:40 PM

Aiyah that isnt "new news" loh. Still the same "wait and see" response from the govt...

babystan03

April 29th, 2005, 02:26 PM

29 April 2005

SMRT reports 42 percent jump in full-year profit

SINGAPORE : SMRT has reported stronger-than-expected full-year results, thanks to higher tax writebacks.

Net profit jumped 42 percent to almost S$127 million, while revenue rose 0.9 percent to S$673 million.

Going forward, the rail operator said it would intensify its efforts to grow its ridership, and expand its taxi fleet and retail space.

SMRT has so far renovated and upgraded retail space in five MRT stations.

The company said it would turn its eye to investment opportunities abroad to raise the profit contribution from non-fare sectors.

SMRT is viewed as a company with a stable dividend payout due to the inherent consistency of its core operations. - CNA /ct

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

April 29th, 2005, 06:25 PM

Hua! Money suckers!!!

babystan03

April 30th, 2005, 05:38 AM

Hua! Money suckers!!!

Yah loh......now still thnking about raising the fares....... :bash:

ignoramus

May 1st, 2005, 12:41 PM

Breaking News

Public transport operator SMRT has applied to the Public Transport Council (PTC) for a revision of train and bus fares.

The last time fares were revised was in 2001 when train and bus fares went up by between 3 to 10 Singapore Cents.

The only other public transport operator SBS Transit has not applied to the PTC for a revision of train and bus fares as of the deadline for submission of the applications for fare revisions.

babystan03

May 1st, 2005, 12:44 PM

Breaking News

Public transport operator SMRT has applied to the Public Transport Council (PTC) for a revision of train and bus fares.

The last time fares were revised was in 2001 when train and bus fares went up by between 3 to 5 Singapore Cents.

The only other public transport operator SBS Transit has not applied to the PTC for a revision of train and bus fares.

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

babystan03

May 1st, 2005, 05:25 PM

01 May 2005

SMRT submits application to raise bus, MRT and LRT fares
By Yvonne Cheong, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong has said that any increase in public transport fares would work out to be about 2 cents more per ride.

He was speaking to reporters at a grassroots event on the possibility of an upward fare adjustment by the Public Transport Council (PTC).

Mr Yeo said any increase would be a small one, and would make fares still one of the lowest in the world, given the quality of public transport in Singapore.

Meanwhile, SMRT confirmed it has submitted its application to increase fares to the PTC.

The other transport operator - SBS Transit - has up to midnight on May 1 to do the same if it decides to raise fares.

Observers have said fare increases are likely since oil prices have remained quite high in recent weeks.

But it was not until hours before the end of the closing date on May 1 that SMRT submitted its application for a fare hike.

However it would not give details.

In a statement to Channel NewsAsia, SMRT's Vice President Goh Chee Kong noted that fares had not increased since 2002.

It added that SMRT had been absorbing the GST increases during this period, and average fares collected had declined due to the GST absorption as well as expenditure on an expanding rail network.

It also cited higher operating costs, rising oil prices and the $280m it spent on improving ageing systems as reasons.

Its proposal will be reviewed by the PTC and this will take 4 to 5 weeks.

Earlier this year, a new formula for fare revision was put in place to take into account not just the Consumer Price Index but also the change in workers' salaries.

A spokesperson from the PTC told Channel NewsAsia that it would also look at the viability of the company and the unemployment rate.

SMRT runs the North-South and East-West MRT lines, the Bukit Panjang LRT system and has 800 buses on 65 routes.

Competing transport operator SBS Transit, which runs the North East MRT line, says it will be making an announcement on Tuesday. - CNA/ir

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

May 2nd, 2005, 02:25 PM

02 May 2005

Public transport fare hike not justified as SMRT still profitable: CASE
By Yvonne Cheong, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The Consumers Association of Singapore has said this is not the right time to increase public transport fares, as salaries of the lower income have not gone up.

CASE was responding to SMRT's application to the Public Transport Council to increase its fares.

SMRT has applied to increase fares on its bus, MRT and LRT services this year.

But CASE says the fare hikes are not justified, as the listed transport operator made a record net profit of S$126.9 million in the financial year which ended on March 31.

That is 42 percent higher than its profits the previous year.

Said Yeo Guat Kwang, president of CASE, "There are signs of recovery -- I think we had quite good growth last year -- but based on my understanding as a union leader, the bottom 20 percent of income earners are still having a hard time and their salaries have not been increasing. In most cases, they still suffer from pay cuts."

Most commuters were understandably resistant to paying more.

"They should not increase the fares at the moment, reason being the economy has not fully recovered," one commuter said.

"How can they increase fares when our salaries are down? It may not affect high earners but it's a burden to low income earners like us," another said.

Based on a new fare revision formula, which takes into account the Consumer Price Index and workers salaries, SMRT has said a 2.4 percent increase is possible.

This means a commuter will have to pay about two cents more for an average fare of 80 cents.

And there are some who think a slight increase is acceptable.

"No more than five cents. I think that's acceptable," said one commuter.

The decision now lies with the Public Transport Council, which will take about four weeks to review the proposal. - CNA /ct

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

May 5th, 2005, 10:49 AM

Both companies are freaking arseholes, to say the least. Maybe I shd start taking taxies everyday in protest (after I get a high paying job that is)!

ignoramus

May 7th, 2005, 04:47 PM

Updated 7 May 2005

The Full Range Of Barrier Free & Disabled Friendly Facilities (Lifts, Ramps, Tactile Guidance System, Toilets For The Physically Handicapped, ETC) Are Now Available @
- 18/25 Stations On The North South Line
- 21/29 Stations On The East West Line
- All 16 Stations On The North East Line
- All 14 Stations On The Bukit Panjang LRT
- All 14 Stations On The Sengkang LRT
- All 15 Stations On The Punggol LRT

By End 2006, The Full Range Of Barrier Free & Disabled Friendly Facilities (Lifts, Ramps, Tactile Guidance System, Toilets For The Physically Handicapped, ETC) Will Be Available @ The Remaining
- 7 Stations On The North South Line
- 8 Stations On The East West Line

huaiwei

May 7th, 2005, 04:49 PM

Hey...write it for wiki! :D

ignoramus

May 7th, 2005, 06:02 PM

Done!

Added more information to wiki too.

For a lot more information about Singapore's MRT & LRT, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Rapid_Transit_%28Singapore%29

babystan03

May 8th, 2005, 06:19 AM

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 06:41 AM

Wah where did you get the information?? :eek:

Sometimes you just have to look that bit harder when you are on the MRT.

Look inside the lifts in the MRT stations. A4 colour sized posters are on the lift walls, detailing which stations have lifts installed already.

babystan03

May 8th, 2005, 06:44 AM

Sometimes you just have to look that bit harder when you are on the MRT.

Look inside the lifts in the MRT stations. A4 colour sized posters are on the lift walls, detailing which stations have lifts installed already.

Yeah......notice on the northeast line, they put the travelling time beside the route map from one station to other stations on the northeast line.......:yes:

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 06:46 AM

For Passengers With Disablities
The full range of barrier free & disabled friendly facilities such as lifts, ramps, tactile guidance system & handicapped friendly toilets are present at:
* 18/25 Stations On The North South Line
* 21/29 Stations On The East West Line
* All 16 Stations On The North East Line
* All 14 Stations On The Bukit Panjang LRT
* All 14 Stations On The Sengkang LRT
* All 15 Stations On The Punggol LRT

Retrofitting works are currently ongoing at the remaining:
* 7 Stations On The North South Line (Due 2006)
(Marina Bay, Raffles Place, City Hall, Orchard, Newton, Braddell, Bishan)
* 8 Stations On The East West Line (Due 2006)
(Buona Vista, Tiong Bahru, Tanjong Pagar, Raffles Place, City Hall, Bugis, Lavender, Paya Lebar)

All future lines will incorporate barrier free & disabled friendly facilities in its stations & trains. These include:
* All 29 Stations On The Circle Line (Due 2010)
* All 2 Stations On The East West Line Boon Lay Extension (Due 2009)

Note:
* Information correct as of 7 May 2005
* For disabled passengers & passengers travelling with prams or luggage, please ensure that your station of origin & your destination station have been retrofitted with these facilities before embarking on your journey.

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 06:58 AM

Platform Screen Doors
Platform screen doors are installed at all underground Mass Rapid Transit stations in Singapore. The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit was the first Heavy Rail system in the world to incorporate platform screen doors in its stations in 1987 (as according to Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors).

These doors serve to
- prevent suicides
- enable climate control within the station (better ventilation & air conditioning)
- better security control as access to the tunnels & tracks is restricted
- passenger safety considerations

These are manufactured by Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors, A Member Of The Knorr-Bremse Group. There are 2 series of the platform screen doors in use. The first series, installed at the underground stations along the North South Line & the East West Line (except Changi Airport station), have been in use since 1987. The latest series of platform screen doors, sporting a sleeker design & incorporating full length glass panels, are installed at the Changi Airport station & all stations (all underground) along the North East Line in 2002 & 2003 respectively.

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 07:01 AM

Infrastructure & services

All stations along all MRT & LRT lines are equipped with
- lifts (All stations to be equipped by 2006)
- ramps (All stations to be equipped by 2006)
- disabled friendly toilets (All stations to be equipped by 2006)
- tactile guidance system (All stations to be equipped by 2006)
- LED displays showing train arrival time information and important messages
plasma display screens showing train arrival time information, commercials/movie trailers, date/time and safety messages
- male & female toilets
- passenger service centre
- General Ticketing Machines (GTM)
- Add Value Machines
- standard size fare gantries
- wider fare gantries
- information boards & maps
- payphones

Some stations along the MRT & LRT lines also come with
- a selection of retail shops/kiosks, supermarkets (NTUC FairPrice, Shop N Save), convenience stores (7 Eleven, Cheers)
- TransitLink ticketing counters
- Mobile ezlink Card Top Up station
- Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
- Self Service Automated Machines for stamps, movie passes, bill payments
mailboxes
- Free ''Today'' newspaper distribution point

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 07:04 AM

Rolling Stock

Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151 cars
Operating on the North South Line & the East West Line since 1987, these are the first generation of train cars used on the MRT network. These cars are still in operation today (everything still works as well as they did at the beginning), though a major train overhaul programme is on the cards. 66 trainsets of 6 cars each were purchased.

Siemens C651 cars
Operating on the North South Line & the East West Line since the mid 1990s, these are the second generation of train cars used on the MRT network. These cars come with green tinted glass windows. They look almost identical to the first generation train cars except that they make a very different sound when accelerating/braking and when the train doors open or close due to the different system used. 19 trainsets of 6 cars each were purchased.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries & Nippon Sharyo C751B cars
Operating on the North South Line & the East West Line since early 2000, these are the latest train cars used on the original MRT network. The cars are equipped with Liquid Crystal Displays and LED Displays showing station information, commercials and movie trailers. They also come with more grab poles, wider seats, more space near the doors and wheelchair space. 21 trainsets of 6 cars each were purchased.

Alstom Metropolis cars
Operating on the North East Line since 2003, and on the Circle Line in 2007, these are the first generation of trains cars to be used on the new MRT lines. These cars are driverless, fully automated, come with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), have wider seats, have more grabpoles, more space near the doors, have wheelchair space and are equipped with Liquid Crystal Displays and LED Displays showing station information, safety messages and videos, commercials and movie trailers. For the first time in Singapore MRT history, these train cars are powered by overhead catenary, in contrast to the train cars on all the other operating lines prior to this, which are powered by third rail. 25 trainsets of 6 cars each were purchased for the North East Line, while another 40 trainsets of 3 cars each were purchased for the Circle Line.

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 07:05 AM

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system has several distinctive features that differentiate it from other metro systems in Asia and the world.

- The EZ-Link Card enables residents & foreign visitors alike to travel freely on the MRT, LRT & Bus system without the need for multiple cards, saving them both time & effort as they no longer need to figure out which card to use for which system.

- Commuters travelling on the MRT & LRT system are not hindered when transferring lines (which could be run by different operators), by the need to exit the faregates and re-enter through another in order to change lines. In general, once one has tapped the ezlink Card on the card readers and enters the MRT & LRT system, he or she never has to tap it again until he or she has arrived at the desired destination station.

- Singapore is one of the few cities in the world to utilise plasma displays in metro stations to display train service information. Metro systems worldwide usually use LED displays (or none at all) instead as they are cheaper to install. Critics have opposed the use of plasma displays as they are considerably more expensive to install and are susceptible to the problem of burn-ins. However, the rail operators see this as a medium to earn advertising revenue from commercials shown on these displays. At the same time, they are able to display all the train service information, safety messages and time/date on these screens clearly (Using the flip dot system previously, only a limited amount of information could be displayed).

- All underground stations, current and future, come with platform screen doors.

- The train operators in Singapore also run bus and taxi services, thus ensuring that there is a full integration of services (Rail To Bus & Vice Versa).

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 07:30 AM

Still looking forward to pics of the Raffles Xchange by any kind soul...

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 07:44 AM

Platform Screen Doors In Singapore
Source: Westinghouse Platform Screen Doors
http://www.platformscreendoors.com/psd/images/articles/farrerpark.jpg
http://www.platformscreendoors.com/psd/images/articles/advert2.jpg

heirloom

May 8th, 2005, 08:07 AM

ok next time i go there i'll try to take pics without embarrassing myself :)

ignoramus

May 8th, 2005, 08:13 AM

Thanks so much. I look forward to seeing those pics... :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

huaiwei

May 8th, 2005, 02:42 PM

babystan03

May 8th, 2005, 03:59 PM

08 May 2005

Giant carnation on display at MRT station as tribute to mothers
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : While children everywhere were making it a Mother's Day to remember for their mums, one transport operator was also doing its part.

A larger than life, 25-foot tall carnation greeted commuters at Dhoby Ghaut's North-East Line station on Sunday.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpUnOw1c.jpg

Its message said it all: "I love you, Mum."

It was a special tribute to all mothers in Singapore.

And as a surprise Mother's Day present, ComfortDelGro staff were on hand to give out a thousand pink carnations to mothers.

The fibre-glass giant carnation will be on display for a week. - CNA /ct

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

Cliff

May 8th, 2005, 04:05 PM

But why are these considered "distintive" features when they can sometimes be found elsewhere?

I suppose that although such features can be found elsewhere, it is only in Singapore where you get them all.:)

huaiwei

May 8th, 2005, 04:40 PM

Sure or not? How does it compare to the MTR for example?

huaiwei

May 10th, 2005, 11:12 AM

附近组屋数量已达“最低要求” 万国站启用仍无期

● 谢仲贤

李欣赏（摄）

　　万国地铁站附近的组屋单位已达到2000个，有足够乘客量维持该站的经营成本。可是，万国站到底何时启用，还是个未知数。

　　最近，万国站旁有961个组屋单位竣工，居民已陆续搬进去，加上那里原有的1000多个单位，总数已经达到“最低要求”。

　　东北地铁线在2003年通车时，新捷运因乘客量不足而延后启用万国站。当时，陆路交通管理局估计，只要那一带有约2000个组屋单位，就有足够乘客量维持万国站的经营成本。

　　白沙—榜鹅集选区国会议员张有福昨天告诉本报，这2000多个单位都是在万国站400公尺范围内，非常靠近地铁站。因此，他认为已经没有其他理由再延迟启用地铁站。

　　他说：“不应该让新捷运自行决定地铁站的启用日期，因为对他们来说，提早启用会影响他们在那里提供的巴士服务，所以政府和公共交通理事会应该干涉，促请他们尽早启用。”

　　张有福认为，万国站理想的启用日期是明年8月之前。到时，另一个预购组屋项目The Coris的第一部分工程将完工，为该区增加多400多个单位。

　　谈到为何建议明年8月前启用，张有福笑说，这是因为2003年8月，总理李显龙为东北地铁系统开幕时，曾表示只要地铁站附近的组屋能迅速发展起来，万国站可在两三年内启用。到了明年8月，这“两三年”的期限就到了。

　　本报向康福德高集团询问万国站启用的时间表，不过企业联络总监陈爱玲答复时，没有给予明确的日期。

　　她说：“我们知道万国地铁站周围的发展计划，并密切留意它们的进展。任何跟启用地铁站有关的决定，将取决于组屋工程竣工的时间。”

　　万国站即共豢陆菰艘脖匦氤械Ｒ欢ǖ奈蕹杀荆ㄈ繁５靥灸谒幸瞧魉媸笨赏度敕瘛２还掳崴担骸罢庑┓延弥徽颊龅靥低匙苡丝У囊恍〔糠帧！薄　?p>　　建屋发展局为了给万国站制造需求，优先在附近地段兴建组屋。自2003年以来，建屋局公布将兴建的单位近3000个，预计都会在2009年之前完工。　　

　　两年前搬到后港51街的陈志聪（33岁），每天都必须乘搭短程巴士到后港地铁站，再转搭地铁到大巴窑办公。短程巴士车程介于10至15分钟，如果步行到万国地铁站，只需7至8分钟。

　　他受访时说：“其实乘搭东北线直接到市区很方便，但我却每次都得先到后港地铁站，很麻烦也很浪费时间。”

　　跟妻子同住的陈志聪说，建屋局在万国站附近推出的组屋都很受欢迎，他希望当局能加速兴建工程，免得他们引颈长盼。

　　实际上，建屋局已经加快兴建步伐，一年多来在万国站旁已经推出至少四个预购组屋项目，预购率都超额。

===========

The above article basically questions why the Buangkok MRT station stays closed when there is an increasing number of buildings around it. Personally, I think the article seems abit impatient. The blocks are still under construction now, arent they?

heirloom

May 14th, 2005, 03:20 PM

raffles xchange

by cliff
http://img125.echo.cx/img125/4383/p10100782wo.jpg

http://img206.echo.cx/img206/7010/p10100795vv.jpg

huaiwei

May 14th, 2005, 03:39 PM

Where the freak is that??

heirloom

May 14th, 2005, 03:58 PM

uh... raffles place mrt station?

huaiwei

May 14th, 2005, 04:28 PM

Uh. :lol: Never heard of it, and I tot its in Buona Vista area. :D

heirloom

May 14th, 2005, 04:51 PM

huh where in buona vista would look like this?

ignoramus

May 14th, 2005, 06:16 PM

No offence but the picture quality really doesn't do justice to the actual place. haha.........

But anyways that place is freakin amazing. It looks like another CityLink Mall, just that this has low ceilings....... Looks spectacular...

What's more spectacular is the transformation from Raffles Place Shopping Arcade (run down, dull, dim) to Raffles Xchange (A CityLink Mall lookalike, hip and modern).

Looks totally like a shopping mall and not an underground pedestrian air conditioned walkway connecting the office buildings around the station.

The tactile guidance system even extends from the MRT station to this Raffles Xchange.

Was there just 1.5 hours ago...........

heirloom

May 14th, 2005, 06:19 PM

i hate that it looks like citylink mall actually. such a ripoff. and they didnt do a good job of copying. worse still - tampines mrt is now linked to tampines bus interchange by another citylink ripoff.

ignoramus

May 14th, 2005, 06:23 PM

Think of it from this perspective.......Would you rather have a Raffles Xchange OR A Raffles Place Shopping Arcade?

But I noticed one small detail. Near the MRT entrance at the basement, a ''new'' sign still shows ''[Land Transport Logo] C1 Raffles Place [MRT Logo]''.....

Oh man, the person who designed that sign is really outdated.............

babystan03

May 14th, 2005, 06:28 PM

I dun think it looks that nice........but then of course better than the previous offering......too dark and narrow...... :bash:

ignoramus

May 14th, 2005, 06:29 PM

The Raffles Xchange looks good IMO.

That Tampines link thing is actually called EastLink Mall.......I agree that in this case it sucks cause to the left is the new EastLink Mall (Underneath the MRT viaducts) whereas to the right is the old and ugly existing Bus Interchange pedestrian walkway. Its so ugly seeing the old and new together. And the fact that this mall isn't air conditioned sucks too. Just demolish the bus interchange pedestrian walkway and it will look fine.........

On the other hand Raffles Xchange looks totally new and is air conditioned.

The retail shops at the other MRT stations looks better than before, with more variety and better shop fronts (though they still look average). But what can one expect, these shops are located in MRT stations in the suburbs. No point designing a super high tech modern looking thing...

But its good they are generating tons of rent from all this retail activity in its stations.......................finally space is being put to productive use......

babystan03

May 14th, 2005, 06:31 PM

heirloom

May 14th, 2005, 07:49 PM

Would you rather have a Raffles Xchange OR A Raffles Place Shopping Arcade?

i'd love a raffles exchange that doesnt steal wholesale from some other uhm thing. its not as if they got the same architect to do raffles xchange - then i wouldnt mind cos no stealing is involved. anyway i also like my mrt stations to have different looks. that way when i wake up in the mrt i dont panic wondering if i've passed my station.

babystan03

May 25th, 2005, 11:15 AM

25 May 2005

Stage 2 of Circle Line about 60% complete: Land Transport Authority
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Stage Two of the Circle Line construction is about 60 percent complete and the line is on time for the 2010 opening.

The 5.6 kilometre-long track includes five stations and even boasts a world's first - a purpose-built underground depot - at a cost of some $645.5 million.

The brand new MacPherson Station will be completed in four years' time.

The tunnels connecting to the station are already in place and final fittings are still being carried out.

Engineers said Stage 2 might even finish ahead of Stage 1, which has been delayed by the Nicoll Highway collapse.

Various safety measures are also in place at post-Nicoll Highway.

For example, it now takes five signatures and two forms before an excavation is conducted, compared to one signature before.

In his first site tour, the new Land Transport Authority chief is upbeat about progress made since the cave-in at Nicoll Highway, also known as Project 824.

Yam Ah Mee, Chief Executive of LTA, said: "It is understandable the officers involved in 824, some of their morale were affected and I spoke to some of them.

"I believe the morale will turn around quickly and these officers we will see what are the lessons to be learned and progress from there, to make sure our project management is continously strengthened."

Workers at the Circle Line construction have clocked some 13 million man hours, with one of the lowest accident rates in the industry.

With the additional measures, LTA is confident of completing Stage 2 in 2008.

The Circle Line could also open in stages, depending on the speed of construction at other sites.

The underground train depot covers an area of about 11 hectares.

Due to space constraints on the surface, this was built underground. When completed, it is able to hold up to 78 trains.

But not everything is on the level since Stage 2 construction started near the Paya Lebar area.

Residents complained of ground movements which caused walls and floors to crack, and some houses to tilt.

After many rounds of investigations and analyses, LTA confirmed the buildings in the area are safe and sound.

Soil investigations revealed the area near Tai Keng Gardens is subject to long-term soil settlement.

In cases where cracks appeared, the agency even paid for the repairs and continues to monitor the situation.

To date, it has spent more than $130,000 repairing those cracks.

And to strengthen the ground in affected areas, LTA is also building an underground permanent wall structure to prevent any soil movement. - CNA/de

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

huaiwei

May 25th, 2005, 05:32 PM

heirloom

May 25th, 2005, 05:50 PM

i had the imperssion some stages were opening like in 2007

littlearea

May 26th, 2005, 02:59 AM

The whole line is complete in 2010 :)

babystan03

May 26th, 2005, 03:45 AM

The article is confusing. First it says Stage 2 is opening in 2010. Then it laters says 2008. Oh, and it says Macpherson station is completing in 4 yrs, which is like...2009??

What is it trying to say? I tot the ENTIRE line was supposed to be completed in 2010?

Lianhe Zaobao reported that Stage 2 & 3 will open in 2008, while the rest of the stages will be opened in 2010.

heirloom

May 26th, 2005, 03:51 AM

2008 :( so long!!!

ignoramus

May 26th, 2005, 02:00 PM

Well indeed the article did say that THE LINE is on time for a 2010 opening, and that STAGE is scheduled for a 2008 opening...

Cant mess around with the english language. Every word makes a difference in understanding anything properly.

Maybe completed in 4 years time as in 2005 2006 2007 2008, 4 years... Guess they started counting from Jan 05.

Interesting to note that there is capacity in the depot for 78 trains (they only ordered 40 trains from Alstom so far).

ignoramus

May 26th, 2005, 02:07 PM

2005 IS A BORING YEAR FOR TRANSPORTATION IN SINGAPORE

2006
- Sentosa Express
- Changi Airport Low Cost Terminal

2008
- Circle Line Stage 2 (Based On News Article) & 3 (Based On LTA's Website)
- Changi Airport Terminal 3

2009
- East West Line Boon Lay Extension

2010
- Circle Line Stage 1, 4 & 5 (Based On LTA's Website)

babystan03

May 26th, 2005, 02:41 PM

2005 IS A BORING YEAR FOR TRANSPORTATION IN SINGAPORE

2006
- Sentosa Express
- Changi Airport Low Cost Terminal

2008
- Circle Line Stage 2 (Based On News Article) & 3 (Based On LTA's Website)
- Changi Airport Terminal 3

You forgot 2 things......T2 revamp(2006) and T1 revamp(2008).....:yes:

ignoramus

May 28th, 2005, 05:32 AM

LATEST NEWS
The Straits Times
Saturday, 28 May 2005

The Circle Line (29 stations, 33.3 kilometres) will have at least another 2 stations (Business Financial Centre Station, Integrated Resort Station) located at Marina South, bringing the total to 31 stations. Construction of this section will start when Phase 5 of the Circle Line is near completion and will be completed by end 2010.

The Eastern Region Line will be 40 kilometres long.

babystan03

May 28th, 2005, 07:14 AM

^
The full report....:yes:

May 28, 2005
Marina South projects to have MRT stations

DEVELOPERS of two mega-projects in Marina South will have to make provisions for an MRT station each.

The two developments are the new Business and Financial Centre (BFC) that borders the Central Business District, and the integrated resort (IR).

The two stations will be linked to the Circle Line, now being built.

How they will hook up has not been finalised, but one proposal is for the trains to join the Circle Line at the Kim Chuan depot in Paya Lebar.

The MRT links are necessary because the BFC and IR will generate a considerable amount of commuting.

The two projects are expected to be completed just before the end of this decade - around the same time that the Circle Line is due to be ready.

The Marina South rail extension is unlikely to link up with the proposed Eastern Region Line, a 40km MRT loop for people living in the east, such as Marine Parade, Bedok and Changi.

Its construction is unlikely to start until the Circle Line is near completion.

The Land Transport Authority said yesterday that three new roads into the New Downtown area will also be built.

Two parallel arterial roads will flank the BFC, with one of them coming from Maxwell Road.

A vehicular bridge will be built to link the area with the shopping and hotel hub in Marina Bay.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

kenmin

May 28th, 2005, 12:10 PM

The BFC and IR stations have been there since the Marina Line days... It was later integrated with the ERL, but strangely, the report mentioned that this line will unlikely be part of ERL.

The most puzzling is this statement
How they will hook up has not been finalised, but one proposal is for the trains to join the Circle Line at the Kim Chuan depot in Paya Lebar.

Quite surprise about the final length of ERL. 40km! even longer than previously planned. I thought the finalised one will be even shorter than 35km which was the proposed length initially. But why wait so long to construct?! if it is built in phases like CCL, it won't be completed before 2020!!!

heirloom

May 28th, 2005, 05:55 PM

Its construction is unlikely to start until the Circle Line is near completion.

huh then how are we goign to get to the IR when it opens!!!

ignoramus

June 7th, 2005, 07:38 AM

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit Circle Line
Possible Alstom Metropolis Train Design
http://www.transport.alstom.com/home/Products_and_Services/RAIL_VEHICLES/Passenger_trains/Urban_trains/_files/file_10963_45904.jpg
http://www.transport.alstom.com/home/Products_and_Services/RAIL_VEHICLES/Passenger_trains/Urban_trains/_files/file_10963_45909.jpg

The train ends seem to be identical to the Metropolis trains currently operating on the North East Line, the trains continue to be driverless and the train bodies remain generally black in colour. However, that appears to be where the similarities end.

Trains on this line will be powered by 750V with 3rd rail. There will also be an additional window at the sides of the trains (near the front and rear ends). These were all not found on the North East Line trains. Seems like these trains, contrary to popular belief, will not be identical after all.

ignoramus

June 7th, 2005, 07:47 AM

Copuright Alstom
http://www.webmag.transport.alstom.com/Singapore1/2003-06-20_NEL-opening.jpg

heirloom

June 7th, 2005, 01:44 PM

ooh this one will be largely black? stupid white face just make it black!

ignoramus

June 7th, 2005, 01:46 PM

how about a red face? :bash:

heirloom

June 7th, 2005, 04:37 PM

ok! then it'll be like beijing opera masks!

babystan03

June 9th, 2005, 04:21 AM

Red and black......aiyo....like guiness stout..... :bash:

heirloom

June 9th, 2005, 05:03 AM

no.... look!

http://www.chinapages.com/culture/jj49.jpg

http://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/english/hot_news/img/0109/yokohama_beijing_opera.jpg

how nice for the trains to be a little cultural!

babystan03

June 9th, 2005, 05:07 AM

^
Haha....ok.....:lol:

babystan03

June 9th, 2005, 05:51 AM

June 6, 2005

Circle Line delay: Contractors seek $200m
Up to six firms in compensation talks with LTA after Nicoll Highway collapse

By Arthur Poon

THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) is facing claims amounting to at least $200 million from some contractors over the delay of the new Circle Line.

Last year's Nicoll Highway collapse has caused the opening of the MRT line to be pushed back by three years to 2010, and up to six contractors want to be compensated, said industry sources.

They include Alstom Transport, Deluge-Fire Protection (SEA), electrical services provider Cegelec as well as SembCorp Engineers and Constructors.

Their negotiations with LTA began last week.

However, when contacted, LTA would confirm only that some were seeking more money.

Said its spokesman on Friday: 'The programme for the construction of Circle Line has to be revised following the incident at Nicoll Highway last year and some of our contractors are seeking costs to cover the revised schedule.

'However, we are unable to provide more details at this point.'

The $1.4 billion Stage 1 of the Circle Line was initially scheduled to open by 2007. But construction came to a halt when a cave-in caused part of Nicoll Highway to collapse on April 20 last year. Four men were killed in the accident.

Major changes have since been introduced to improve safety during construction.

All four contractors interviewed declined to comment on their claims, citing a confidentiality clause in their contracts with LTA. But they acknowledged holding talks with LTA.

Said the spokesman for Alstom Transport: 'Discussions are ongoing, and it is too premature for us to comment further'.

Alstom, in consortium with Singapore Technologies Electronics, was awarded a $282 million contract to provide electrical and mechanical systems for the rail line.

One company, which spoke on condition of anonymity, said the LTA had asked contractors earlier this year to compute and submit their claims for costs arising from the delay.

'We were asked to do it in February,' said its official.

It was also told then that the project would be delayed by three years and five months.

The official added: 'In a delay, we have to be compensated for our management costs and the losses arising from any price differential in our building materials.'

An official at another company, who is familiar with the talks, said the claims would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 'There is no fixed date to conclude the negotiations,' he added.

Both officials said the claims might reach up to 50 per cent of the value of their individual contracts.

Lawyers interviewed said that if the companies were 'directly employed' by the LTA, and if they were not liable in any way for the collapse, the situation is tilted in their favour.

Said property dispute lawyer Eric Ng Yuen: 'In such a situation, they have a good claim against LTA, assuming they did indeed suffer financial losses arising from work stoppage, storage of equipment and re-mobilisation of resources.'

But LTA would not have to foot the entire bill, he added, since main contractor Nishimatsu Construction has been held liable for the collapse by an inquiry panel. 'LTA's chances of passing on the cost burden are very high,' said Mr Ng. -- ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY GOH CHIN LIAN

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

June 9th, 2005, 06:02 AM

June 8, 2005
Serangoon MRT station sinks 1cm

SERANGOON MRT station sank by about 1cm in late February, after tunnelling work for the MRT Circle Line there ran into an unusually large amount of groundwater.

The 'slight' slump in the station's level meant trains had to slow down when entering and leaving the station, as a precaution against derailment.

Construction only resumed at the end of April.

The Land Transport Authority is building an MRT station at Serangoon Central to link the Circle Line to the existing North-East Line station. It told The Straits Times that excavation was stopped immediately to allow the contractor to stop water flowing through the excavated face of the tunnel. Water that had already entered the tunnel was pumped out.

The contractor is a joint venture formed by local builder Woh Hup, Chinese company Shanghai Tunnel Engineering and Austria-based Alpine Mayreder, which has carried out major tunnelling works in Europe.

The site was thoroughly investigated by the LTA's project team, the contractor and independent supervisors.

The LTA said the ground settlement was 'well within prediction and within the permissible levels set by the professional engineer and qualified persons'.

'There were no safety concerns.'

The LTA also denied that the drop in the station's level had caused tiles in Serangoon station to pop. It said granite tiles in an underground linkway beneath Serangoon Central, from the station to the ground level, were broken to investigate water seepage before construction started in August 2003.

Steel gratings have been placed over the tiles to let commuters use the linkway.

The LTA said that the tiles will be repaired. The Circle Line station is expected to be ready by 2008.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

June 14th, 2005, 06:41 AM

14 June 2005

New MRT extension to serve integrated resort, financial centre at Marina
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The government has given the green light for an MRT extension in the new downtown that will bring commuters straight to new developments like the integrated resort and the new financial centre at Marina Bay.

The 3.4-kilometre fully underground line will start at Millenia station of the Circle Line.

It will then go on to a station called Bayfront to serve the integrated resort and the second Botanical Gardens, which is linked by underground to the resort.

It will then move on to a third station called Landmark that will serve the new business and financial centre there, near 1 Raffles Quay.

The line will then serve Cross Street before ending up at China Town, an interchange station.

The five-station line will be run by SMRT.

It will cost $1.4 billion to construct and is expected to be completed by 2012. - CNA/de

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

kenmin

June 14th, 2005, 04:41 PM

What took them so long for the approval? 2 months after IR is given the go ahead.

Here's the official press release:
http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1268

Even indicates where ERL and BTL will end in the city.

heirloom

June 15th, 2005, 01:39 AM

why is it to be completed so late? given the recent history of mrt construction, it seems almost likely the completion will be delayed.

babystan03

June 15th, 2005, 05:35 AM

June 15, 2005
Circle Line extension set to liven up New Downtown and CBD

By Daryl Loo

PROPERTY developers said yesterday that three new MRT stations to be built as an offshoot of the Circle Line will add life and excitement to both the New Downtown area and the Central Business District (CBD).

The developers say the MRT extension will significantly enhance the appeal of the proposed business and financial centre (BFC) and integrated resort (IR) sites at Marina Bay.

Commuters, tourists and other visitors will find it much easier to get to these new developments as the MRT extension will include Bayfront station next to the IR and Landmark station beside the BFC.

Hong Leong Group spokesman Gerry de Silva said: 'We have expressed our interest in the BFC and the IR at Marina Bay. The announcement of the new stations only reinforces our interest in these two major projects in the area.'

Easier access resulting from the extension, he added, would also liven up the group's office buildings such as Republic Plaza and Hong Leong Building, and its condominium The Sail @ Marina Bay, currently being built.

A third station, the previously unannounced Cross Street station at the junction of Cross and Telok Ayer streets, will also boost traffic to other commercial developments in the CBD, developers told The Straits Times.

Far East Organization spokesman Chia Boon Pin, visibly surprised at the inclusion of the station, said: 'This is fantastic news for Far East Square, because while we're bustling in the day, our nightlife has been rather weak.'

Far East Square, a collection of restaurants, retailers and offices housed in restored shophouses, will adjoin the Cross Street station when the extension is completed in 2012.

Following the announcement of the new extension, the Government also said yesterday that it will extend the BFC's tender closing date from next Tuesday to July 7.

This is for prospective BFC tenderers to factor in timing requirements for building an underground walkway and retail spaces that will link to the Landmark station, it said.

Mr Donald Han, the managing director of property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, expects the eventual successful BFC bidder to be encouraged to speed up the initial eight-year completion deadline given for the project's first phase.

'If the extension is finished in 2012, they'll want to take advantage of the passenger traffic as soon as possible,' he said.

Knight Frank's director of research and consultancy, Mr Nicholas Mak, feels the new extension, in particular the Cross Street station, could give older office buildings in the area a new lease of life.

'The authorities tend to release additional plot ratios for developments near MRT stations. Coupled with the expected rise in traffic, owners may be more willing to redevelop these older buildings.'

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

June 15th, 2005, 03:52 PM

15 June 2005

New Downtown Extension MRT line expected to boost businesses
By Farah Abdul Rahim, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : The new Downtown Extension MRT line will boost business in the surrounding areas, but some businesses are concerned they would suffer a dip during the construction period.

This is a typical lunchtime scene at a coffeeshop along Amoy Street. But would the crowds still be there once construction work starts at Cross Street?

That is top on the mind of 45-year-old coffeeshop owner Michael Yeo, who just set up shop two weeks ago.

Michael said: "The worry is that this is an old conserved shophouse, I am afraid the construction could affect the structure.

"When it is ready, the new line would bring in more business as we will be next to the MRT station, but we would have to put up with five years of construction work and that is no joke!"

He is not alone.

Patrick Wong, General Manager of Killiney Kopitiam, ""It will help us in moving people around, bringing people who previously did not have access to our outlet and hop on the MRT. That is the longer term. In the shorter term, we have got to grin and bear it."

Those working in the area had mixed reactions.

Veronica Zuzarte said: "It opens the area to families especially near Chinatown and Far East, so it would benefit families and business people around the area."

Noelle Tan said: "It is already very convenient to get to work and I get off at Raffles Place...I would like to see more space being kept that way and not being scattered with so many MRT stations."

When construction work kicks off in 2007 for the Cross Street station, motorists and businesses in the area would have to put up with major traffic diversions.

It is the same picture at Chinatown. Businesses worry that the construction work and road diversions could lead to a repeat of their experience during the building of the North East Line, with concerns over how to sustain their business during the construction period.

Charles Ho, Chinatown Business Association, said: "What we can do is to make sure we have more activities in Chinatown and in terms of construction, discuss with LTA and come up with a plan to minimise inconvenience for commuters and shoppers.

"Hopefully, we can meet up and conduct a dialogue session together with businesses and LTA."

LTA said extensive consultancy studies, which include soil investigations and checks on the structure of buildings along the new line, were expected to be done by year's end or early next year. - CNA/de

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd