17 July 2006

Circle Line on track to open by 2010
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : After delays caused by the Nicoll Highway accident, the Circle Line is finally on track for completion by 2010.

The first of its 40 trains has just been delivered with the rest expected progressively over the next two years.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpAj4Uqg.jpg

It was a hands-on experience for new Transport Minister Raymond Lim as he went on his first official tour of the Circle Line.

The $6.8b system is a circular line comprising 29 stations - six are interchange stations that will intersect with existing lines.

It's not yet clear whether the line will open in phases or all at once.

But what is clear is that the new Circle Line will cut travelling time.

For example, while a journey from Paya Lebar to Bishan currently takes about 35 minutes, going on the Circle Line will take about 17 minutes.

This is because commuters do not have to go all the way into town to make a transfer.

But what about those who still prefer buses?

"When bus rationalisation is effected, it is to prevent excessive duplication of services. That's because if we don't do that, you'll have excess capacity and overall public transport fare will go up. And that higher fare will be passed on to commuters," said Transport Minister Raymond Lim.

But with the line only opening in four years time, will MRT fares on the Circle Line be higher?

"This is something that will have to be worked out closer to the date," replied Mr Lim.

The new look of the fully automated Circle Line train, costing $8.3 million each, was unveiled.

One key difference is there are only three cars instead of six cars. That is because this is a medium capacity line but safety features are similar to existing systems.

An improved security feature in the new trains is the CCTVs. It films what goes on in the trains continuously, with the tape over-riding itself only every 4-5 days.

The only other system that has this right now is the NorthEast Line but that is only for 1-2 days.

The system will be controlled by an Operations Control centre at Kim Chuan Depot, the world's largest underground depot.

Half a million passengers are expected to use the Circle Line daily.

- CNA /ls

Note: Part 1 of the Circle Line thread can be viewed here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=135568

Thanks for the heads up. It was also featured on News On 5 tonight. They showed a few shots of the reporter from inside the train. Colour scheme is different from that of NEL. While NEL's emergency intercom's housing is peachy, CCL's is grey. Seats for the driving coaches are maroon in colour while the intermediate coach has blue. I didn't see if they had any line maps up in the trains yet. I doubt so though.

I wonder if they could open some stations earlier, like in 2008 or something?? :?

They could try opening Stage 2 & 3 first, even though cost/profitability might be an issue.

On track?! by right, stage 2 should be completed in 2008 followed by stage 3. but now, they say stage 3 will be completed first (mentioned in the news). why the delay in stage 2?

Seems that the govt projects nowadays are always delayed. Not like in the past where everything was delievered ahead of schedule. like the first MRT project was completed 2 years ahead.

On track?! by right, stage 2 should be completed in 2008 followed by stage 3. but now, they say stage 3 will be completed first (mentioned in the news). why the delay in stage 2?

Seems that the govt projects nowadays are always delayed. Not like in the past where everything was delievered ahead of schedule. like the first MRT project was completed 2 years ahead.


Circle Line is fully underground whereas first MRT project was above ground.

I felt ensuring safety in the construction is more important, isn't it?

Admist so much going wrong in the world, the government probably wants Singaporeans to feel happy about something. I didn't get the impression that the stage 2 would be completed later than stage 3. Where was that?

In any case, I agree with Hya. Quality matters more. We don't want it to be like the big dig in Boston where ceiling parts are falling down (one fell and crushed a car) which resulted in certain sections being closed. Don't get me wrong, not the whole ceiling in the big dig is falling down.

Many people are already uncertain about the Circle Line. A check on the net through forums and blogs sometime back showed so. After the fusionpolis collapse, which was totally unrelated to CCL construction, people had the impression that the CCL was a bad thing. It takes just one thing to leave a sour taste in people's mouths (Nicoll Highway collapse).

Also, the news is probably not reporting the "real" thing. It was like a month or so ago I received the train pictures and they're saying that the first train "recently arrived". They're probably being cautiously optimistic. As for the line maps in the trains, none are up yet.

"Patience is a virtue"

this picture lor.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/bus/train11tk.jpg

On track?! by right, stage 2 should be completed in 2008 followed by stage 3. but now, they say stage 3 will be completed first (mentioned in the news). why the delay in stage 2?

Seems that the govt projects nowadays are always delayed. Not like in the past where everything was delievered ahead of schedule. like the first MRT project was completed 2 years ahead.

Several stations in Stage 2 are being built by the same contractor that was directly responsible for Nicoll Highway collapse. So this explains the delays.

But I think they can finish civil construction in stage 2 by end of 2006 or early 2007. Stage 1 should be in phase of laying rail tracks and putting finish touches.

HarbourFront station should be first to be completed - thanks to construction of VivoCity that forces the speedy construction of CCL HarbourFront Station. Winks.

Cant wait for the stations to open!

Really looking forward to taking some pics of the more unique ones like Bras Basah Station....

in future...getting from City Hall to Stadium area will be so much easier....and Millenia Walk will not seem so far too :)

Cant wait for the stations to open!

Really looking forward to taking some pics of the more unique ones like Bras Basah Station....

in future...getting from City Hall to Stadium area will be so much easier....and Millenia Walk will not seem so far too :)

Yeah I think I'll go to the stadium area more often....:D

oh yes...that area is a little inaccessible now....desperately needs to be linked up...same for some other stations on Circle Line :yes:

Did anyone catch the documentary series on discovery channel "megastructures" thurs nite....the featured the circle line in its last episode...lol...they even included the nicoll highway saga...

Several stations in Stage 2 are being built by the same contractor that was directly responsible for Nicoll Highway collapse. So this explains the delays.

But I think they can finish civil construction in stage 2 by end of 2006 or early 2007. Stage 1 should be in phase of laying rail tracks and putting finish touches.

HarbourFront station should be first to be completed - thanks to construction of VivoCity that forces the speedy construction of CCL HarbourFront Station. Winks.
the station was ready in 2002 (together with end of construction of NEL) before Vivocity continued with its construction on top of it. i think now they're doing the linkway between Vivocity and Circle Line as seen by the hoardings, so that they do not have to do it when the place has become crowded.

Museum station is also kind of ready, they're doing the exits now. Very beautiful.

Esplanade, they're fitting back the lampposts and redoing the surface - could the IMF meeting explain that? :P

Promenade is still in a mess though.

Did anyone catch the documentary series on discovery channel "megastructures" thurs nite....the featured the circle line in its last episode...lol...they even included the nicoll highway saga...
really? any new info? whats the episode no. i wanna find the repeat...

One entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0003.jpg

Another entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0004.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0028.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0029.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0032.jpg

Reinstatement of Nicoll Highway landscaping for the IMF meeting in Sept.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0036.jpg

Old SAF Club entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0040.jpg

Reinstatement works along Bras Basah Rd
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0041.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0044.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0046.jpg

The temporary steel bridge.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0047.jpg

Passing by Riding For The Disabled Assn.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0048.jpg

After that is cleared grounds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0049.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0050.jpg

Due to some kind of water stagnantation of the drains in the area, these trucks come often to pump water out of the drains. Mediacorp is in the background.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0051.jpg

Quite far in from the main road already.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0052.jpg

A mosque just before the entrance of the construction site.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0053.jpg

Entrance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0060.jpg

The site.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0054.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0056.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0058.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0059.jpg

Some pictures were taken from a higher ground along the riding trail. Pretty dangerous if a horse does comes galloping!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0055.jpg

Entrance of Toa Payoh Rise.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0061.jpg

Lions Home For the Elders.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0062.jpg

A side gate leads to 43 Toa Payoh Rise.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0065.jpg

Steel vehicular passageway across the station exacavation.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0066.jpg

Northern end.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0069.jpg

Southern end.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0064.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0071.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0073.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0075.jpg

what about circle line did megastructures feature? a subway isn't really mega is it?

Great updates tamago!

Thanks! (I've moved your pics here and stuck the thread at the top)

For the Esplanade Station, any idea what they are doing at the War Memorial Park area? I know there is going to be an entrance there.

The Bukit Brown station...is it near the former Police Academy?

Great updates tamago!

Thanks! (I've moved your pics here and stuck the thread at the top)

For the Esplanade Station, any idea what they are doing at the War Memorial Park area? I know there is going to be an entrance there.

The Bukit Brown station...is it near the former Police Academy?
Didn't spot any entrances there actually..... The only 4 entrances that can be spotted are:
1. Old SAF Club
2. Suntec Convention Centre
3. One Raffles Link
4. Marina Square (with new development, pics below)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0030.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jul06/ccl1/DSC_0031.jpg

Bukit Brown station is actually seperated from Police Academy by the riding field. There is really nothing around it. The nearest are houses; I wonder if a pathway or link will eventually be made to link to Mediacorp though this is a shell station when Circle Line opens.

yeah the Bukit brown station looks situated in a really lonely area...

hmmm...is Marina Square expanding, or is that just part of the MRT connection...anyway its really great that finally Marina Square & Millenia Walk can be conveniently accessed in future

yeah the Bukit brown station looks situated in a really lonely area...

hmmm...is Marina Square expanding, or is that just part of the MRT connection...anyway its really great that finally Marina Square & Millenia Walk can be conveniently accessed in future

Looks like Marina Square is expanding also.....:yes:

ok I thought they'd finish the upgrade...in any case thats great!

Thanks for the pictures Tamago. I really like Bras Basah's station entrances, so classy! And that reflective pool that they're talking about, looks like this station will be another architectural feast along with Punggol and Expo. What font did you use for the text on your pictures?

Any idea if the stations will be partly opened for underpass purposes?

what about circle line did megastructures feature? a subway isn't really mega is it?
When you come to think of it, you'll realise that it is in a way. Firstly, you have to dig twin tunnels for the 33km that the circle line runs on for commercial purposes (not including sidings, crossovers or pocket tracks). Then you have the depot which is entirely underground.

Not only that, the line has to connect to all existing lines and possibly build infrastructure for future lines. For example, preparation for the future BTL at Botanic Garden station. Linkways with existing stations have to be constructed while they remain in operation. Take Bishan station for example. Building a new platform, virtually tearing down the entire station and refurbishing it is a major feat in itself.

Now imagine the new stations being constructed. The road diversions needed, the cracks in properties around it. Seems like a major project to me.

i was thinking the singapore's subway projects aren't really mega compared to subways in many other cities...

Thanks for the pictures Tamago. I really like Bras Basah's station entrances, so classy! And that reflective pool that they're talking about, looks like this station will be another architectural feast along with Punggol and Expo. What font did you use for the text on your pictures?

Any idea if the stations will be partly opened for underpass purposes?
AT Rotis Semiserif 55.

The underpass thing, they're still discussing. Some of the issue include who will foot the bill for electricity and security costs.

i was thinking the singapore's subway projects aren't really mega compared to subways in many other cities...
oh thats where ur wrong, firstly its 33km, next its fully underground, with complex interchange stations n all as mentioned. right now u cant really find a big major rail project in the world, i mean most cities have theirs done n dun need to expand. so yea, thats as mega as it gets now.

although the show says Singapore Rail Project, half the show did feature the amsterdam subway dat sceemed like singapores NSL/EWL days, since they have no rail now... (it was more comprehensive in terms of coverage in the show than the CCL)

oh, the show did feature then digging stage 3, the section between Bishan interchange n Marymount sta, they were going below a swimming pool of the condos in the area and some problem cropped up. well i guess that was shot quite some time ago, since stage 3 is mostly done and all...

i was thinking the singapore's subway projects aren't really mega compared to subways in many other cities...

It may appear small in size. However the construction of the Circle Line is very complicated - over 33 km underground line with largest underground depot. These are built in phases with over dozens of main contractors and subcontractors.

On top of it is the automation of subway trains - no country can activate such trains. Most countries have automatic light rail trains. They never automate the heavy trains like our MRT trains with so many people on board. Many countries are impressed and are watching Singapore.

Many new stations and tunnels are being built on different types of soil, marine clays, rocks which pose very challenging to the engineers.

Even they have to ensure the foundation of existing busy stations like Dhoby Ghaut, Bishan, Buona Vista etc get affected by the construction as well as surrounding buildings.

Bras Basah Station is perhaps the most magnificent station with water pool as the station roof and is the most deep station. It is built beneath the network of existing North-South line, underground canal and SMU underground mall.

Not only this, they have to divert roads, water canals, water/sewage pipes and electricity cables.

Singapore has one of highest population density where there are so many people in one small area. So this would give the engineers the toughest challenge - how to ensure they pack in construction machines and cranes, trucks into small area of construction.

You will know how mega Circle Line is when the first operational trains roll down the tunnels and the station.

It is really an engineering feat.

what about building subways in already congested undergrounds like tokyo?

how do I watch that espisode of the circle track again?

It may appear small in size. However the construction of the Circle Line is very complicated - over 33 km underground line with largest underground depot.

Biggest underground depot in Singapore :?


Bras Basah Station is perhaps the most magnificent station with water pool as the station roof and is the most deep station.


That would be lovely....a nice counterpart when you alight with the Art Museum perhaps reflecting on the pool :)

what about building subways in already congested undergrounds like tokyo?
there arent in tokyo coz its way too comprehensive (if u saw the sys map, u'd agree) but i head london n NYC are expanding

how do I watch that espisode of the circle track again?
its showing on 30/7 5am i think

oh god, i just woke up at 5 am by chance, and i'm so groggy, but i remembered this, so now i'm watching the circle line thingy

yep,its a great show.featured also how we developed into a first world country.recorded it on dvd,who wants? :cheers:

yep,its a great show.featured also how we developed into a first world country.recorded it on dvd,who wants? :cheers:

Wah....I want!!!!! :colgate:

i dont mind having it, because 15 minutes into the show, my nearly two decade old tv died.

Wouldn't mind either, since I've been too busy to watch anythign really.

don't tell it's that 3-episode National Geographic Singapore Series set being sold at HMV now..............

nonono... thats the making of singapore or something. i dont understand why its 3 disc - the whole series was only 3 hours!

oh. heng.

eh raptop, u recorded the NGC CCL show or the making of singapore one?

eh raptop, u recorded the NGC CCL show or the making of singapore one?

circle line..

I try to transfer from my hdd to my computer :)

Hey peeps...
Wow, there seems to be alot of confusion about the various international documentaries that are now featuring Singapore.

You guys got it ALL misunderstood. Let me clarify:

The documetary featuring CCL is Discovery Channel's Building The Biggest, Episode: Underground Singapore (NOT National Geographic's Megastructures). Building The Biggest is an ongoing series, but i think the Underground Singapore episode is over. Maybe there're still encore episodes.

As for the 3-part series DVD sold at HMV, it is Discovery Channel's History of Singapore (also NOT Nat Geo!). This is an extremely hi-profile series that was aired internationally one year ago, comissioned by Discovery Communications International. It really put Singapore on the world map. The dvd series is produced for sale to commemorate National Day.

How do I know all these so well? Im currently interning with the Communications Team at Discovery Networks Asia. Haha :)

Here's our press release. Hope it helps! (Air dates are listed below)


NEWS from Discovery Channel

FROM INDIA TO OUTERSPACE, THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL PROFILES THE WORLD’S MOST AMBITIOUS CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
IN THE PREMIERE SERIES BUILDING THE BIGGEST

It’s construction like you’ve never seen it before. BUILDING THE BIGGEST is an innovative six-part series capturing the most ambitious building projects shaping our world today. From diamond mines to the International Space Station to the world’s busiest railway in India, this all-new series examines what it takes to get the job done and meets with the masters of construction who make the seemingly impossible a practical reality. Every episode of BUILDING THE BIGGEST examines a single major construction process – whether diamond mining or roller coaster building – following the most dramatic points in construction that demand the steadiest hands, heaviest machines and coolest nerves. Beginning June 15, episodes of BUILDING THE BIGGEST premiere every Thursday at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Episodes encore on Friday at 0600 hrs (6:00 am), Sunday at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm), the following week on Thursday at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm), Sunday at 0500 hrs (5:00 am) and Monday at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).

Billion-dollar construction projects shape our everyday world. From pipelines to power stations and sewers to skyscrapers, BUILDING THE BIGGEST introduces viewers to the teams and machines working on the projects that we often take for granted. Discovery Channel takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s biggest construction projects, offering a thrilling insight into just what it takes for a billion-dollar construction dream to become a steel and concrete reality. Combining on-site footage with state-of-the art graphics, BUILDING THE BIGGEST captures the breathtaking scale and scope of six colossal building projects.

The first episode of BUILDING THE BIGGEST looks into how gas is removed and then piped 980 miles from Norway to Britain. It sounds simple, but the reality is very different. In order to get the gas to the UK, 1,200 kilometers of pipe have to be laid on a seabed that resembles the Alps, below one of the most unforgiving seas on the planet.

Using computer-generated images and on-site footage, BUILT FOR CHAMPIONS takes viewers on a journey of spellbinding visuals and breathtaking architectural genius.
________________________________________________________________

BUILDING THE BIGGEST
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS

• World’s Largest Undersea Pipes
The UK is running out of gas and, surprisingly, the solution lies 980 miles away off the coast of Norway, below one of the most unforgiving seas on the planet. Now the race is on to lay the 1,200 kilometers of pipe on a seabed that resembles the Alps. Covering an area larger than 40,000 football pitches, the Ormen Lange gas field will provide one-fifth of the UK’s gas for years to come.
Premieres June 15 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores June 16 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); June 18 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); June 22 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); June 25 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and June 26 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).


• International Space Station
With 16 countries involved including the US, Canada, Europe and Russia, the International Space Station is a global project that will cost tens of billions of dollars and take several years to construct. When complete it will be the largest manmade structure in the galaxy, have an acre of solar panels and weigh one million pounds. It is the biggest scientific and technological project ever undertaken.
Premieres June 22 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores June 23 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); June 25 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); June 29 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); July 2 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and July 3 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).


• Great Rollercoaster Race
Step on board for a high-adrenalin ride on the steepest, most adventurous wooden roller coasters ever built, as three parks battle it out and risk millions to build the biggest wooden roller coaster, pinning their hopes on the old adage “if we build it they will come.”
Premieres June 29 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores June 30 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); July 2 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); July 6 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); July 9 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and July 10 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).


• World’s Busiest Railway
The west coast main line railway between London and Scotland is one of the busiest in the world. Millions of people regularly commute on state of the art trains running on century old tracks. This film follows the replacing of these rail lines, section by section with the goal of faster, smother and safer transport as the catalyst. The fascinating part of this mammoth project is that it will all be done while the railway is still running. As the 6.30 train leaves Glasgow there are still over 300 men piecing together a section of track. This for obvious reasons has to be in place for the train to come steaming through. The tension and constant danger is never far from anyone’s mind. This line cuts through the land like a giant caterpillar, locating its self in a host of town, villages and cities. Construction is in a country whose unforgiving weather will only add to the already palatable drama. Time is a huge factor in this operation, and time is the one thing that they do not have.
Premieres July 6 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores July 7 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); July 9 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); July 13 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); July 16 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and July 17 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).


• Diamond Hunters
Diamond mines across the world are reaching the end of their lifespan, but a “girl’s best friend” isn’t at risk, thanks to the Canadian Diamond Rush that is currently underway. This episode examines one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the world. In global context, approximately 50 percent of the world exploration budget for diamonds is targeted at Canada, which is also home to De Beers first mine outside of Africa.
Premieres July 13 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores July 14 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); July 16 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); July 20 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); July 23 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and July 24 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).


• Underground Singapore
In Asia, another mammoth underground construction project is underway. This episode follows Singapore’s new circle line, which is costing $6.7 billion dollars to build. When it is completed in 2010, it will be the longest driverless railway system in the world at 33.3 kilometers.
Premieres July 20 at 2200 hrs (10:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores July 21 at 0600 hrs (6:00 am); July 23 at 1700 hrs (5:00 pm); July 27 at 1600 hrs (4:00 pm); July 30 at 0500 hrs (5:00 am); and July 31 at 0900 hrs (9:00 am).

wow nice,is there any other documentaries about singapore?

How do I know all these so well? Im currently interning with the Communications Team at Discovery Networks Asia. Haha :)
(OT) but so cool! wadda u work as? i wanna see what the media industry is like :)

He said Communications Team, so, I suppose he works in the PR department? Is that right?

wow.


the problem is, where to watch Discovery Channel for a non-subscriber?

maybe starhub maxonline?

torrent it?

From STOMP
http://www.stomp.com.sg/images/0807_gallery_train.jpg

they should get prettier trains for the nsl and ewl because the trains get more air time.

Thanks ignoramus. That's a good tip off indeed. Now I suppose we could do with a few interior pictures eh? The CCL train interiors pale (literally) in comparisson to NEL's. The exterior however, reminds me a little of KL's Putraline - well maybe the front only.

Heirloom, what do you think of the 3rd generation trains though? Pretty ok eh? Anyway, given a few more years (roughly a decade?) the first gen would probably be retired.

Thanks ignoramus. That's a good tip off indeed. Now I suppose we could do with a few interior pictures eh? The CCL train interiors pale (literally) in comparisson to NEL's. The exterior however, reminds me a little of KL's Putraline - well maybe the front only.

Heirloom, what do you think of the 3rd generation trains though? Pretty ok eh? Anyway, given a few more years (roughly a decade?) the first gen would probably be retired.

First generation trains would not get retired but renovated and refurbished since their chassis are still good in condition. Just replace the air conditioning, wheel gears and the seats.

Add new flooring and new seats and install new coolling system. BINGO. New look...

I thought there are some first generation trains undergoing renovation and major revamp?

First generation trains would not get retired but renovated and refurbished since their chassis are still good in condition. Just replace the air conditioning, wheel gears and the seats.

Add new flooring and new seats and install new coolling system. BINGO. New look...

I thought there are some first generation trains undergoing renovation and major revamp?
Yep, the entire first gen fleet will be refurbished and receive new SMRT livery (similar to 3rd gen). But I also remember reading that the trains were built to operate for 30 years. 1987 + 30 years = 2017. Will they be retired then? :)

Yep, the entire first gen fleet will be refurbished and receive new SMRT livery (similar to 3rd gen). But I also remember reading that the trains were built to operate for 30 years. 1987 + 30 years = 2017. Will they be retired then? :)

Trains generally can last much longer unlike buses. Oldest trains can still run in other countries even they are more than 50 years old.

New wheels and power supply and new flooring can extend the lifespan of the trains.

But once they run out of spares to maintain good condition - this is when they will be truly retired from the services.

@mrtfreak

the 3rd gen trains look ok to me. although i'm not a fan of lurid interiors, i still find the 3rd gen interiors better coordinated than the nel interiors.

what are the interiors of the ccl trains like?

Trains generally can last much longer unlike buses. Oldest trains can still run in other countries even they are more than 50 years old.

i understand buses are supposed to last 17 years. but i hope for an economic situation where there are sufficient players in the public transport market to warrant competition for customers not just by route / frequency / service courtesy, but by the freshness of the vehicles themselves too.

like, no one really drives their brand new car for 10 years - most people scrap their cars after 4 years or so right?

Trains generally can last much longer unlike buses. Oldest trains can still run in other countries even they are more than 50 years old.

New wheels and power supply and new flooring can extend the lifespan of the trains.

But once they run out of spares to maintain good condition - this is when they will be truly retired from the services.
That's true. But I suppose the cost of operating a deprciating vehicle would increase as well would it not? Anyhow, let's look at what the upgrades are like eh?

what are the interiors of the ccl trains like?

Pretty much like the current SMRT trains. The finishings are all in white. Imagine a NEL car, but the advertising panel all in white and the intercom box in grey (yuck). Driving car seats are maroon in colour while intermediate cars have deep blue. That's about all I saw on the channel 5 report on the CCL trains' arrival.

oh... uh... sounds pretty nice to me. i'd prefer if everything was pure white though. seats, floors, ceiling, walls. and the metal poles and hand straps.

I wonder if you guys have got this info about the trains for the NEL. It is actually called METROPOLIS cars. Based from the website, it says that it is to be of service as of 2007.
Main characteristics
- number of vehicles: 40 x 3-car trainsets
- carbody: aluminium
- capacity : 960 (148 seats) - 6 passengers/m2
- length: 70 m
- width: 3.21 m
- maximum design speed: 100 kph
- power supply: 750 V with 3rd rail

Circle Line
These 120 METROPOLIS cars will run on the Circle Line in Singapore. METROPOLIS for Singapore is the world's largest fully automatic metro.
ain features: Automatic Train Supervision, CBTC Automatic Train Control, Conventional Products, Communication system and Computer-based Interlocking

Delivery date: from 2006 to 2008

The total route length will be 32 km in tunnel comprising 29 stations with one depot. The complete automation of train operations is made possible by its signaling system, which constantly monitors and safely controls the movements and locations of the trains. ALSTOM provided URBALIS 300 CBTC, a fully proven Driverless Signaling system that comprises: the Automatic Trains Supervision system ICONIS, the Automatic Train Control MASTRIA, some conventional products SMARTWAY and the Interlocking SMARTLOCK.
Moreover ALSTOM supply on-board Passenger Information system and ensures the transmission of on-board CCTV through its bi directional Train to Track transmission system (IAGO).

Comment
Singapore is the first fully automatic heavy metro system in the world. It includes many innovative technologies and systems with the supply of the URBALIS 300, most ambitious, modern, innovative solution as adopted by Singapore for the Northeast and Circle lines.

They expect 500 000 people to use the system daily but i think this is far from being realised. Look at NEL, 3 years on and the system has just broke even (sometime in August when the average ridership per day was just 250 700+.

But the new stations on the line seem to be built to handle a much larger capacity then those on the NEL. Especially Bishan, Tai Seng, Buona Vista, and HarbourFront.

More info on the Circle Line Trains
Floor Height- 1110mm
Door Width- 1400mm
Accelaration- 1.1m/s square (or faster)
Braking- 1.4m/s square in emergency braking mode (or faster)
Stopping Accuracy- plus minus 300mm

a 30cm overshot sounds quite a lot!!!

But if u think about it, the older MRT trains on the East west and NS Lines can overshoot the platform screen doors by up to half a metre. I've seen that happen and the train operators have to keep the doors open for a longer period of time as passenger movement in and out of the carriage is much slower...

30cm is only 20cm away from half a metre... i've seen that happen too anyway. very irritating.

A pic of the open air area above Museum station:
http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061110_museum_mrt01.jpg

Can you walk up to it and take a picture through the glass (is that glass)?

It's not glass it's a water feature. There's a bridge going over (on the right of the pic) with a "no trespassing" sign I could have easily bypassed... But there were a few workers around so I didn't ;-)

beautiful...probably one of the most unique and beautiful station entrances in Singapore :yes:

beautiful...probably one of the most unique and beautiful station entrances in Singapore :yes:

My deaf fellows, let bring our camera and snapping once Circle Line stations start to operate. :)

It's not glass it's a water feature. There's a bridge going over (on the right of the pic) with a "no trespassing" sign I could have easily bypassed... But there were a few workers around so I didn't ;-)

Found this (http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/download/artseats_info.pdf) on the LTA site... does it look as if that "water feature" has a glass bottom?

http://www.dukenostalgia.com/junk/underneathbrasbasah.jpg

Can't wait. But how are they going to clean and maintain the glass water feature?

Oh my goodness! That station is going to be so awesome! Imagine the sunlight shimmering through the water to light up that amazing space! I wonder if it'll have interesting lighting on the water at night...

According to WOHA's website, they are the ones who have designed Stadium and Bras Basah Stations. Click here (http://www.wohadesigns.com/main.html) for their website. I'm really happy that Singapore firms are designing structures that will be used by thousands of Singaporeans everyday. It shows that Singapore architects are getting better and more competitive.

I'm glad that on the whole the Circle Line stations appear to be much more imaginatively designed than the NE line stations which, while nice enough, seem just a little sterile.

I wish we could have more detailed drawings though. They only gave us the entrance view of Buona Vista station, though I really wonder how they will integrate the two stations together. But I agree that the CCL stations in the downtown area seem to have some nice architecture. Maybe its cause the NEL goes into the housing estates where it is deemed that it is not necessary to spend too much money on architecture whereas the downtown area is where tourists will go and hence these stations must sport architecturally intriguing designs so as to wow the tourists and create a favourable image of the country for them.

what I like about the NEL stations is the incorporation of local artworks into the station designs even in the stations serving HDB estates

I wish we could have more detailed drawings though. They only gave us the entrance view of Buona Vista station, though I really wonder how they will integrate the two stations together.That's an interesting question. How are they doing it with the station on the other side of the EWL (Paya Lebar?)

That's an interesting question. How are they doing it with the station on the other side of the EWL (Paya Lebar?)
From LTA's renderings, Paya Lebar's EWL platform will be extended westwards. And somehow that is the link to the CCL station. At Buona Vista, the current steel structure at the entrance will make way for the underground entrance for the CCL. Beyond that, no idea.

Paya Lebar:

http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/images/grn_ccl2_payalebar.jpg

"This station is linked to the existing station on the East West Line."

Buona Vista:

http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/images/grn_ccl4n5_buona.jpg

"To be constructed next to the Buona Vista station along the East West Line, this station boasts an open concept and sleek design."

I saw the Paya Lebar and the Buona Vista EWL MRT Station getting the white-wall barrier at the end of the stations. They seems to be under construction of something. Probably, a long and high escalator will be linked to the EWL elevated station to the underground CCL station. Lolz.

I saw the Paya Lebar and the Buona Vista EWL MRT Station getting the white-wall barrier at the end of the stations. They seems to be under construction of something. Probably, a long and high escalator will be linked to the EWL elevated station to the underground CCL station. Lolz.
What used to be an open void between the concourse and platform area (an atrium) is now boarded up with hoarding. That's on the eastern most side of the platform. On the western most side of the platform, the emergency staircases have been removed and a new emergency staircase to the ground level constructed. Part of the station has been demolished next to the temporary pedestrian bridge.

Buona Vista station as at 29 October 2006:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/DSCF2889.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/DSCF2890.jpg

CCL BNV station as at 29 October 2006 (since then metal decking has been put in place and excavation started):
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/DSCF2886.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/DSCF2888.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/DSCF2887.jpg

Hoardings have come off at Bishan Station, exposing the lift. I guess this lift took such a long time because they had to connect it to the CCL platforms beneath the existing platform.

I dont think the lift will open soon, unless they programme the lift to only stop at the NSL platform and not go down onto the CCL platform.

Had the station for BV been built?

Hoardings have come off at Bishan Station, exposing the lift.Pictures, anyone?

Pictures, anyone?

my camera is down, but u can easily spot it at the middle of the bishan platform when ur train stops there. :)

my camera is down, but u can easily spot it at the middle of the bishan platform when ur train stops there. :)

Half the lift door was ajar, yesterday. If only I peeked in to see if it goes all the way down to CCL hehe...should be right...or else passengers transferring frm NSL to CCL have to take a lot of lifts...

The Bishan NSL Southbound station platform is also coming up gradually. The front part is being constructed.

Anyone knows the schedule when they will air-con and install PSD at the Bishan NSL Northbound station??

Progress on Bartley Viaduct (Kim Chuan Flyover)
5 January 2007

http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3517/dsc0016hx9.jpg

What's the viaduct for?

What's the viaduct for?
Making travel between Bartley Road and Tampines Road easier I think. I think it connects these two roads. Its not a temporary one like the one going to come up at the Cross Street area. Uhm, actually why is this in the circle line thread? :lol:

The viaduct can be considered part of the Circle Line as part of it runs directly above the CCL Depot. And it's landing at Bartley Road is directly above the CCL and Bartley MRT station.

I have been studying in MI Bartley for 3 years so I wld know.

Making travel between Bartley Road and Tampines Road easier I think. I think it connects these two roads. Its not a temporary one like the one going to come up at the Cross Street area. Uhm, actually why is this in the circle line thread? :lol:

Because I can't find a smiliar thread on this.:lol:

I've passed by Museum circle line station entrance and it seems to be more or less completed and ready to open now. The underground link in Dobhy Gaut is also being prepared.
Millenia station entrance is on the way to completion as well. Sorry I didn't take pics 'cause it was too dark already :-)

I could try take pictures tomorrow. I'll be in the area. I'll see how it goes.

Further delays to MRT Circle Line?

Builders cite sand ban, granite supply hiccup as reasons but LTA doesn't see delay

By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent
Mar 03, 2007
The Straits Times

THE MRT Circle Line, which has been held back for over a year because of the 2004 Nicoll Highway cave-in, could be delayed further.

Contractors working on the $6.8 billion project cite the Indonesian sand ban and a possible hiccup in granite supply as being the latest spanner in the works.

Already, the cost of pre-mixed concrete has almost trebled to $200 per cubic metre since the sand ban was announced in January.


Concrete is nine parts granite to one part sand, although the mix varies according to grades.

'Now it's not only about the money. The availability of raw material could be a problem,' said a major Circle Line contractor. 'There will be a slowing down, because every contractor will not get its full supply of concrete.'

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) yesterday denied that there would be a delay. 'As with all mega projects of this scale, there will be some areas of work that are ahead of schedule and some slightly behind,'' a spokesman said, adding that LTA was 'satisfied with its progress to date'.

The eastern loop of the circular line - from Bishan to the city - was supposed to be ready by next year. The western loop linking Thomson to Pasir Panjang and Telok Blangah was to be up by 2010.

But after the 2004 collapse of the Nicoll Highway station which killed four people, schedules have been changed. The last time its completion was mentioned was last month, when National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said the line would 'add another 33.3km to our rail network when it opens from 2010 onwards'.

Last year, Circle Line operator SMRT Corp recovered $4.4 million in 'staff holding costs' from the Government arising from the delay in the line's opening.

Yesterday, the line's contractors were more immediately concerned with the cost spiral from the sand and granite situation.

A leading builder, who uses up to 2,000 truckloads of concrete a week for his projects, said the market was rife with talk that some contractors might even stop work because of higher costs.

Another said his Circle Line projects could incur 'a $30 million loss' if concrete stays at $200 per cubic metre. 'Even with the Government's ex-gratia payment covering 75 per cent of the cost increase, we're still talking about a possible $7.5 million loss.'

The 1,800-strong Singapore Contractors Association Ltd has called for a meeting next Wednesday, 'to discuss the situation before bringing it up to the Government'.

The Straits Times understands Stage 3 of the Circle Line - a 5.7km stretch from Bartley to Marymount - will be completed soon.

Tunnelling between the Bartley, Serangoon and Lorong Chuan stations has proven to be more challenging than expected because of water content in the soil.

Even so, this five-station stretch should be the first to be finished, possibly by the end of the year.

christan@sph.com.sg

So can they please open in mid 2008 for this section after testing, even if its for a short stretch. Its connected to the Depot anyway. You build a line to use it right...not to "preserve the trains" so that they look new until everything is complete and perfect then open it. So for the sake of letting everything open at one shot they are willing to let the people living around these stations to tahan a bit longer for their stations to open even though they are already ready???

Trebeled? :eek:

They should open it in stages by stations at least they could coup up the cost of the loses and public will be able to use them.

So can they please open in mid 2008 for this section after testing, even if its for a short stretch. Its connected to the Depot anyway. You build a line to use it right...not to "preserve the trains" so that they look new until everything is complete and perfect then open it. So for the sake of letting everything open at one shot they are willing to let the people living around these stations to tahan a bit longer for their stations to open even though they are already ready???

They say the tunneling is almost completed but how about the stations ? It might be a different story there...

So can they please open in mid 2008 for this section after testing, even if its for a short stretch. Its connected to the Depot anyway. You build a line to use it right...not to "preserve the trains" so that they look new until everything is complete and perfect then open it. So for the sake of letting everything open at one shot they are willing to let the people living around these stations to tahan a bit longer for their stations to open even though they are already ready???

Second phase of Circle Line is almost done.

All stations except Nicoll Highway on first phase of Circle Line should be finished by now, given the final touches seen at the entrance of the Circle Line stations in City.

You can expect first trains to roll down in second phase of Circle Line by 2007 end or 2008 for testing before public.

Second phase of Circle Line is almost done.

All stations except Nicoll Highway on first phase of Circle Line should be finished by now, given the final touches seen at the entrance of the Circle Line stations in City.

You can expect first trains to roll down in second phase of Circle Line by 2007 end or 2008 for testing before public.
Paya Lebar station is still a mess though. And the connection to the east-west line platform has yet to be built.

Pengui - the article said that stage 3 will be completed soon. No indication if this is just tunneling or overall structural works. There's also electrical works and installation works (GTMs, computers, CCTVs, escalators, lifts, rails, power supply, transformers). So, still hanging in the air.

I too am for opening in stages.

I don't get what's with the insisting that the whole line would be open all at once?

Nicoll Highway Station - Circle Line progress

10 March 2007

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/ccl.jpg

Any idea if they have underground links from the buildings along Beach Road (such as via Concourse, Golden Mile Complex etc.)? It would be very unfriendly if pple have to climb the solitary pedestrain bridge over the highway just to get to the Nicoll station.

I thought Nicoll station has been moved to another side of the bridge ?

I thought Nicoll station has been moved to another side of the bridge ?
It was moved to the land parallel to the collapsed station. Instead of being under the Nicoll Highway, it is now next to it. Commuters have to walk about 50m further from Beach Road now.

Hope they have underpasses to it.... or have people-movers like those at the airport !!

I don't get what's with the insisting that the whole line would be open all at once?

Three reasons: cost, cost and cost. Opening only one stage of the Circle Line will incur a much higher unit cost than opening the entire Line since, for both instance, there are "fixed" costs such as depot operation, staff, maintainence of trains etc. The wider your catchment area of commuters (which a longer Line will fetch), the lower your marginal cost will be. This is the reason why the NEL was completed and delayed for almost 2 years before operation and the SK/PGL LRT for another year before commuter numbers can "justify" their operation. This is also the reason why the Changi Airport Line was "downgraded" to a secondary line since it's quite under-utilised by tourists or airport-going travellers.

Like it or not..the whole system is run like a business operation rather than a public service. High density population centres are popping up at the end of major MRT lines (Boon Lay, Sengkang, Woodlands) so that more people will be paying the maximum fares allowable, hence subsidising the other commuters. Study the fare structure along the NEL and you'll see what I mean. If I'm not wrong, the authorities are probably introducing high population centres next to major stops along the CCL (Paya Lebar, Tanjong Katong, One North, Holland Village) before it is deemed to be "economically viable" to run.

i do not understand the emphasis on heavy rail - rail transport for lower density areas could easily be made feasible with lighter rail!

Like it or not..the whole system is run like a business operation rather than a public service.

What hurt would it be to run it as a civil service for two years ?

there is an article on the Straits Times front page with a map today... anyone with access care to share?

Erm. Is it me or isn't the first 5 stations of the "Downtown Line" stage 1 of the project?

Hey guys, not related to the DTL but have you seen this website? It seems to suggest something, or maybe I'm reading in too much.
http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/index2.htm

See the floor plans of the station. It looks like Paya Lebar CCL station has 2 levels too..

Paya Lebar CCL is like Dover EWL and Braddell Station NSL where trains are just adjacent - seperated by a divider wall :)

doesnt make sense why they would want to build em adjacent, coz notice braddell has to be so coz of the tight turns around the stations making it impossible to seperate. n dover was built on existing tack making it uneconomical to seperate them.

oh n since they're building it adj, i hope they dont put a wall separating the 2 sides, would be nice to look through the 2 PSDs to the other side. (alitte like dover)

Paya Lebar CCL is like Dover EWL and Braddell Station NSL where trains are just adjacent - seperated by a divider wall :)

Why is Paya Lebar so special?

doesnt make sense why they would want to build em adjacent, coz notice braddell has to be so coz of the tight turns around the stations making it impossible to seperate. n dover was built on existing tack making it uneconomical to seperate them.

oh n since they're building it adj, i hope they dont put a wall separating the 2 sides, would be nice to look through the 2 PSDs to the other side. (alitte like dover)

Simply - due to land constraints. So they resort to build this way,f you measure the station box under the busy road.

The vacant land you see is reserved for future use so they may not be able to go further into the land. There is a canal...

Same reason for Braddell - due to constraints in spaces - you got old HDB flats around at this time. :)

Looks more like a divided platform with a wall in between to me rather than 2 levels. Notice the PSD on the top and the bottom.

And for those wondering where it is, it is actually on http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/download/artseats_location.pdf
I think yer right. :)

Paya Lebar CCL is like Dover EWL and Braddell Station NSL where trains are just adjacent - seperated by a divider wall :)
I think Paya Lebar's floor plans make it look more like Jurong East, Ang Mo Kio and Tanah Merah rather than Dover or Braddel. Why?

1) Side platform stations have escalators, elevators, access to platform on the wall-side of the platform. If you've noticed, PYL has them in the middle of the platform.
2) There appear to be pillars and PSDs on all sides of the platforms (the dotted lines).

Cheers.

So there won't be any two-levels interchange station like Raffles Place and City Hall?

Does it strike anyone else as odd that the circle line isn't actually a loop? Most other circle lines I can think of don't have a begining and an end, they just keep going round and round. Eg London:
http://www.ampneycrucis.f9.co.uk/PARK/CircleLine.jpg

Anyone know if there's any particular reason why this wasn't done with Singapore's circle line?
http://www.tunnelbuilder.it/week3805_pic3.gif

There's been talk about an yet-announced Stage 6 that closes the loop from HarbourFront to Promenade station (assuming interchange at Marina Bay). That should complete the loop. What other name would you suggest for the line in place of circle?

Depends on how you are asking that question. If for the whole line, Promenade will be a stacked station. If for Paya Lebar, I'm not sure since its just speculation at the moment. The floor plans didn't indicate upper platform or lower platform.

There is the NEL to "close" the circle from HBF to DBG. I don't think a Phase 6 is "viable" at this stage.

although in cities like london and tokyo its very common for a never ending line, theres a gd reason for an incomplete circle in the circle line. those who take NSL during peak hrs either from marina bay to beyond yishun or jurong east to beyond kranji will have to switch trains at yishun or kranji... really irritating and an inconvinience

anw point is, during shift changes, people would have to alight and transfer to the nxt train 6mins behind, so being singaporeans... complain complain complain

6 minutes waiting is a very valid reason to complain

LOL, suppose so. Actually, thinking about it, since the NE line is effectively stage 6 of the circle line already, wouldn't it make sense just to connect the two and have CCL and NEL trains both using the section of line between Harbourfront and Dhoby Ghaut. It's common in London for two lines to share sections of track as well as platforms, if the two lines in Singapore can be physically linked up then this wouldn't be a problem at all. You simply have one NEL train followed by a CCL train followed by a NEL train etc. There would also be no problems with capacity. With both of these lines being fully automated and their current frequency only being every 3-4 mins at peak times, you could easily double or even tripple the numbers of trains and the system would have no problems coping. Again, in London it's common to have trains running just 30 seconds apart.

Well, there's the issue that the circle line will only have 3 cars per train while the NEL has 6 cars per train. Different rolling stock. It would also has to mean that the PSD will need to be reconfigured for the shorter Circle Line trains among other things (like connecting tracks at both HBF and DBG). It might interrupt the NEL quite a bit to construct those. Alse there's the issue of SMRT trains running on SBS rails...

Not only that. One very important thing - power transmission. Trains can't operate without that. NEL uses the Overhead Catenary Cable to power its line while CCL will be using 3rd rail. And as Nov has said, the PSD configuration. To date, I don't think any system utilising the PSD have managed to operate mixed-length rolling stock. London's Jubilee line was closed for about a week for the reconfiguration from 6-cars to 7-cars.

Quote from LTA website under "Future Lines":

The Government has announced plans to build three new lines, namely the Bukit Timah Line, the Eastern Region Line and the Jurong Region Line. The three lines are estimated to cost more than S$11 billion and will be built within the next 10 to 15 years. While the Government will try to expedite the development of these three projects, the actual schedule will depend on the state of the economy, which determines funding availability, and viability of the lines. Rail lines are deemed viable when its benefits to the nation exceed its implementation costs and when operators of the new rail line do not require an operating subsidy from the Government. (this line is added recently as far as I remember)

In short: if we can't make money from it, forgedabowit!

But I thought no subway systems make money, most don't even recoup their operating costs, if the MRT does then it's very, very unusual.
Does anyone think Singapore would be the perfect place to do a bit of a social experiment and try and build the world's first large city that's totally car free, there is a growing momentum in the UK for such a concept but being part of a larger country that could in no way get rid of it's cars in the whole country, individual cities would find it very hard to implement such an idea. Singapore, on the other hand being totally self contained, could.

Of course, you start such a thing small in areas with good public transport connections such as One North or extend the pedestrianisation in old shophouse areas like Chinatown. At the same time you cover more roads by the ERP and raise its price, reduce the numbers of car parking spaces while also improving public transport. As a result, people will find it more and more hastle to drive but taking public transport will be getting more and more convenient. As time goes by, the increased numbers of people using the MRT makes further improvements and lines more viable while less cars on the roads make it possible to downgrade and eventually remove cars from some roads. It would be a very long time before you could have a completely car free Singapore (say 2050), and you'd have to build extra new rail lines for movement of freight, but I think it would eventually be possible.

I think they should trial the idea of a totally carfree city by building a complete new town on one of the reclaimed islands, say Palau Tekong and connect it up to the mainland by MRT and boat but not by road. The whole island new town would be designed to function without cars at all. The only motorised vehicles allowed on the streets would be a tram system, small electric delivery vans and mobility scooters for disabled people. The only other motorised transport would be an underground MRT line that loops around the island and connects to the mainland as well as perhaps a monorail and boats. Otherwise, people would have to walk or cycle. Palau Ubin shows that it's possible to live without cars, but Palau Ubin demonstrates a low-tech solution for a very small population. Palau Tekong could be a high-tech solution in a totally new town with a high population density. So, what do you think?

http://www.carfree.com/
http://www.carfree.org.uk/

Sorry, I was asking for the whole line! Thanks for your answer :-)

Being in the UK, you probably haven't read about the record profits that SMRT have been making over the past few years... and that was before the Government increases the MRT fares...

Yes, the NS and EW lines does make money. The NEL not really.

Isn't the DBG Circle line station under then NEL line as well, i.e. DBG is stacked? Someone posted a really nice graphic of a cutaway DBG with the canal through it etc.

'record' for smrt. hardly any record for a public transport system i think.

Dhoby Ghaut is somewhat stacked but not over one another directly like City Hall and Raffles Place... NSL is B3, CCL is B4 beside NSL, NEL is B5 across the NSL and CCL. I believe someone will explain this further...

Since the Stage 1 CCL stations are done, everything more or less fitted, Stage 2 and 3 proceeding to their interiors too, is there a chance that Dhoby Ghaut to Bishan could be opening anytime soon? Say 2009? IMHO, I doubt the other Stages can open in time by 2010.

That's crazy! In my book if the MRT system is making a profit then they're not spending enough money on it!! :lol: Every penny of profit should be put back into the system.

Hmm... Can someone post that picture of DBG that shows all the levels? I can't seem to find it.

Dhoby Ghaut is somewhat stacked but not over one another directly like City Hall and Raffles Place... NSL is B3, CCL is B4 beside NSL, NEL is B5 across the NSL and CCL. I believe someone will explain this further...

Since the Stage 1 CCL stations are done, everything more or less fitted, Stage 2 and 3 proceeding to their interiors too, is there a chance that Dhoby Ghaut to Bishan could be opening anytime soon? Say 2009? IMHO, I doubt the other Stages can open in time by 2010.

U are forgetting the missing "Nicoll Highway Station" link. Trains in stage 1 cant run to stage 2 because the tunnels near Nicoll Highway arent ready yet, even though the rest of stage 1 and 2 are more or less done. So trains cant run from DBG to Bishan.

If you are thinking of stage 1 and 2 opening separately, SMRT CEO once said that they are thinking of opening the line in stages, like stage 1 (even tho trains running in stage 1 will not have access to the depot for maintainence etc) then 2, which will run separately.................or opening everything in 2010 SO AS TO KEEP THE TRAINS IN PRISTINE CONDITION. What an excuse. So we buy trains to not use them until everything is perfect.

There is an existing thread on CCL. could mod please move all these discussions over there?

although highly unlikely, itd be nice to see that segment of the NEL merged into ccl, and runnning two differnt trains would help managed the ccl load during peak/off peak times...
other then the above mentioned problems, there is still one more : the harboufront to douby gaut section is the most heavily utilised on the entire NEL, merging it would render the remainder of the NEL mostly unused esp during off-peak (unless it changed its car-config to a 3 car one), n again loss would kill sbst...

let's merge the SMRT & SBS Transit.:lol:

Thats what we want, but the government, LTA and the transport companies arent listening. They still believe there is competition even though somewhat similarly sized cities like HK and Taipei have or will soon only have 1 main rail operator.

If you are thinking of stage 1 and 2 opening separately, SMRT CEO once said that they are thinking of opening the line in stages, like stage 1 (even tho trains running in stage 1 will not have access to the depot for maintainence etc) then 2, which will run separately.................or opening everything in 2010 SO AS TO KEEP THE TRAINS IN PRISTINE CONDITION. What an excuse. So we buy trains to not use them until everything is perfect.

Very bad excuse... I still support the idea of opening in stages. Although maintaining trains might be a slight problem. But it's no excuse.

If you are thinking of stage 1 and 2 opening separately, SMRT CEO once said that they are thinking of opening the line in stages, like stage 1 (even tho trains running in stage 1 will not have access to the depot for maintainence etc) then 2, which will run separately.................or opening everything in 2010 SO AS TO KEEP THE TRAINS IN PRISTINE CONDITION. What an excuse. So we buy trains to not use them until everything is perfect.
SMRT is a crap company. Will using some trains 2 years earlier cause so much wear and tear? :lol:

SMRT is a crap company. Will using some trains 2 years earlier cause so much wear and tear? :lol:
Well actually, this sounds like a reasonable argument to me. As far as I know even new trains need to be inspected at least every couple of weeks and small tweaks and repairs are necessary even quite early on. I can see why they'd be reluctant to run trains for two years without there being access to a maintainence depot.

Rolling stock requires an extraordinary amount or inspection and regular maintenance works, which can only be done in a depot with the proper equipment such as washers, wheel lathes, workpits and other associated infrastructure. One might be able to stable the trains at the station platforms at night, but it is impossible to run a line without a depot. Name me a line that has been operating for two years without a depot.

True, trains can't function without depots. I'm sure like SBS, SMRT will want to test their new automated train system and the trains can always run from Stadium to Bishan, at least it connects NSL to EWL via Paya Lebar. They can do that within the 2 years?

There was talk of Downtown Line by the govt a few weeks ago, how come its all silent? LTA never update their website, no mention of DTL, just ERL, JRL and BTL only.

There was talk of Downtown Line by the govt a few weeks ago, how come its all silent? LTA never update their website, no mention of DTL, just ERL, JRL and BTL only.

LTA is now busy with their pre-construction preparation for the Downtown Extension. The Club Street carpark has been practically closed off to build a replacement multi-storey carpark, to provide parking spaces for the public, before they start removing earth from under Cross Street.

Well actually, this sounds like a reasonable argument to me. As far as I know even new trains need to be inspected at least every couple of weeks and small tweaks and repairs are necessary even quite early on. I can see why they'd be reluctant to run trains for two years without there being access to a maintainence depot.

I think the SMRT CEO was referring to not opening Stage 2, even tho it has access to the depot, and would rather open the line in full so that the trains can be kept in pristine condition. In other words, the small traffic created by opening Stage 2 first is not worth making the new trains become less pristine.

True, trains can't function without depots. I'm sure like SBS, SMRT will want to test their new automated train system and the trains can always run from Stadium to Bishan, at least it connects NSL to EWL via Paya Lebar. They can do that within the 2 years?


The CCL trains already arrived in phases from France since last year. So I believe that they are already testing the trains the moment they arrive into the depot. They can run the tests on the trains while they are in depot, waiting for green light to begin the first test full test into tunnels, stations etc.

NEL trains cannot be easily go into CCL line due to different power supply. NEL trains are powered from overhead electric line (caternary system) and CCL trains are powered from third rail.

stage 3 is ahead of 2, so at the end of the yr/ start of 08, they could run stage 2 n 3 since there would be acess to the depot and should have reasonable traffic.
Marymount (RI/RJC students + traffic from Upp Thompson Corridor + Shunfu)
Bishan (big interchange station)
Lorong Chuan (schools + lots of hdb n private ests that got their bus svcs cut when NEL started running)
Serrangoon (another interchange)
Machpherson (industrial ests)
Paya Lebar (Geylang Seri + industrial ests)

sounds like alot of traffic to me, esp from (amk)bishan-serrangoon, currently lots of buses plying, and from (amk)bishan/(hougang)serrangoon to paya lebar (going towards the east)

theres news from the mrt/lrt post that mentioned this line is going to opened in 2 stages , in 2010 and 2011 with fresh delays.

This project is going to be a record for incuring expenses way beyond the estimated budget:ohno:

Checking the thread's title... Oh no, it's been derailed -_-;

Checking the thread's title... Oh no, it's been derailed -_-;

Change the title?

I'd rather they change the opening date, seriously :-p

News that belong here : CCL will be extended from Promenade to Bayfront.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

So if wana go from Promenade to Landmark station have to transfer like Cityhall style at Bayfront?:ohno:

Woah... now it's getting kinda confusing... :lol:

CCL extended to Bayfront???? Isn't Bayfront part of DTL?

Look at the pdf file in this website http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1763

Bayfront station: the link to phase 6??? :D

Is the promenade station stacked? if it is, maybe bayfront would be stacked as well, making for another cityhall/raffles place styled exchange? ;)

^^ Most probably LTA is extending CCL to bayfront with a future plan of serving the Gardens area. And maybe to merge it with NSL at the Marina Bay station? But the angle seem impossible.hmmmm....wat r they thinking?

http://www.dukenostalgia.com/junk/mrtfuture.jpg


well, judging from this, it might link up with marina bay(i think), have another station and join the unbuilt NE2 station before completing the line at harbourfront :)

Edit: Shenton Way station between NE2 and Marina bay? :D

Look at the pdf file in this website http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=1763

Bayfront station: the link to phase 6??? :D

Is the promenade station stacked? if it is, maybe bayfront would be stacked as well, making for another cityhall/raffles place styled exchange? ;)
Promenade is a stacked interchange station. Floor plan for the platform levels were released during the seat design competition showing "Upper Platform" and "Lower Platform". Have heard that Bayfront is stacked as well.

Long ago, while the NEL was still under construction, SBST had a map of the NEL system integrated into the overall MRT network. It also showed the "Marina Line". The Marina Line was E shaped. The first arm extended from Tanjong Pagar station going through Marina Bay. The middle arm extended to Dhoby Ghaut station. The last arm extended to Kallang station. The middle and last arms are currently under construction as CCL S1 and CCL S2 with changes to the alignment to interchange at Paya Lebar instead of Kallang.

Just to reiterate. CCL is going to open in 2 stages. Half by end of 2010 and the other half by 2010.

Its a shame they cant open it in time for the both IRs. Singapore's status as a transport efficient nation will take a beating because pple will find the trains too crowded.:ohno:

I agree, especially if the proposals for high speed rail ever happen. I think a major central station adds hugely to the identity of a city. Just look at how much effort Chinese cities are putting into making their central stations as impressive as possible. They are the gateway to the city.

Right now, for people arriving by land, the only gateway to the city is the ICA checkpoint, which is hardly welcoming and it's not in the centre. For people arriving by coach, their first proper impression of Singapore is usually Lavender bus station, which just has a few metal huts, or they just get dropped on the roadside. There's no tourist information point or anything, and often they're not even dropped near an MRT station. For people arriving by train, their first impression of Singapore is a beautiful historic station that's owned by Malaysia!!! LOL

It's only the people arriving by air who actually get a proper welcome to Singapore.

Just to reiterate. CCL is going to open in 2 stages. Half by end of 2010 and the other half by 2010.


You mean Stage 2 & 3 opening early 2010 and Stage 1,4 & 5 opening end 2010?

^^ nope. As in they split it into half. I cant find the original news report.

If i can remember correctly its from Dhoby gaut to Bishan opening end 2010
and from Bishan to Harbour Front early 2011.

^^ nope. As in they split it into half. I cant find the original news report.

If i can remember correctly its from Dhoby gaut to Bishan opening end 2010
and from Bishan to Harbour Front early 2011.

Found it ... its Marymount not Bishan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to the SMRT Group CEO, the Circle Line will run in two stages (Dhoby Ghaut to Marymount in LATE 2010) and (Marymount to HarbourFront in 2011). This was published in the ST today.

So, all unofficial earlier speculations that the line will open earlier can now be brushed aside, and in fact it has been delayed somewhat again. SMRT has never intended to open the line early and has given hints from time to time.

SMRT also has interest in buying over NEL, on a willing buyer willing seller basis. But she really does want to do another check on whether NEL is indeed profitable before even starting to evaluate whether to buy or not.

And she says that the CCL will have good returns since it will run through busy areas. But then again, if it has such good returns why did she not want to open the completed sections earlier anyway. I guess we will see the completed Esplanade Station entrance rotting away for the next 4 years, just like the Woodleigh Station is.

I agree, especially if the proposals for high speed rail ever happen. I think a major central station adds hugely to the identity of a city. Just look at how much effort Chinese cities are putting into making their central stations as impressive as possible. They are the gateway to the city.

Right now, for people arriving by land, the only gateway to the city is the ICA checkpoint, which is hardly welcoming and it's not in the centre. For people arriving by coach, their first proper impression of Singapore is usually Lavender bus station, which just has a few metal huts, or they just get dropped on the roadside. There's no tourist information point or anything, and often they're not even dropped near an MRT station. For people arriving by train, their first impression of Singapore is a beautiful historic station that's owned by Malaysia!!! LOL

It's only the people arriving by air who actually get a proper welcome to Singapore.

:lol: :lol: Hahahah I just realised what I've done. You might have wondered why I posted this seemingly random comment in this thread... that's because it's not meant to be here at all! The above quote is meant to be in response to what Kurakura said in post #297 in the Future Transit Lines - ERL, BTL and more (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=357760&page=15) thread!!! Sorry for the confusion! :nuts:

^^ I was wondering about that too:lol:

I am not surprised by SMRT's delaying tactics... probably waiting for the passenger numbers to pick up in order to justify the operating costs of running the Circle Line.

The govt should intervene in this.... the operator should not deprive passengers of the CCL, which was built and constructed with tax payers' money in the first place. Remember the unhappiness caused by NEL and Buangkok station a few years back?

I am not surprised by SMRT's delaying tactics... probably waiting for the passenger numbers to pick up in order to justify the operating costs of running the Circle Line.

The govt should intervene in this.... the operator should not deprive passengers of the CCL, which was built and constructed with tax payers' money in the first place. Remember the unhappiness caused by NEL and Buangkok station a few years back?

Agree!

The primary purpose of public transportation is to serve the people and not to make money. Too much emphasis is based on the bottom line in Singapore.
All decisions revolves around it rather than around the people's convenience.
The public pays their paychecks. :bash: The public doesnt owe them anything.

This project is delayed by 4 yrs...can u believe it?
I was working with Gammon last year and happened to drop by at a site office at Macpherson....one key person told me they are actually taking their own sweet time, telling that they could go way faster if they want to.

I was working with Gammon last year and happened to drop by at a site office at Macpherson....one key person told me they are actually taking their own sweet time, telling that they could go way faster if they want to.

:eek2: taking their own sweet time?! thats insane! but anw, if they were, its got nothing to do with smrt, coz smrt would want to rush construction so that the ENTIRE line would be ready asap, it translates into more profits...
so taking their own sweet time should be blamed on the construction company (and smrt for not pushing them hard enough).

would you be so kind to include that key persons position? oh and maybe a letter to the straits times might help...

These things should be taken in the right context. Maybe the reason why the MacPherson crew are taking things slower is because there's no use rushing it as Paya Lebar is well behind schedule. Even if MacPherson station was completed on time, if Paya Lebar was still yet to be complete, there wouldn't be any point in rushing construction.

These things should be taken in the right context. Maybe the reason why the MacPherson crew are taking things slower is because there's no use rushing it as Paya Lebar is well behind schedule. Even if MacPherson station was completed on time, if Paya Lebar was still yet to be complete, there wouldn't be any point in rushing construction.

Probably....but that fellar told me its all caused by the Nicoll highway collapse....but even so.....he said "we are building it slowly now".


:eek2: taking their own sweet time?! thats insane! but anw, if they were, its got nothing to do with smrt, coz smrt would want to rush construction so that the ENTIRE line would be ready asap, it translates into more profits...
so taking their own sweet time should be blamed on the construction company (and smrt for not pushing them hard enough).

would you be so kind to include that key persons position? oh and maybe a letter to the straits times might help...

Chill lah...but i think they really notch up safety procedures to the max after the collapse. The fellar is just a small fry in the company. But im even smaller fry then :D

Anyway. Temasek has stakes in SMRT and the government owns Temasek. So...its a merry go round....

As reported in other threads, the DTL1 tender is out at http://www.lta.gov.sg/tender_info/notice/tenders_notice_jun07_dtl1_civilpq.htm

According to this line: It also includes an extension of the Circle Line (CCL) from Promenade station to Bayfront station and the North South Line (NSL) Marina Bay station.

and this line: To enable the DTL1 to be operated independently from the CCL, a Marina Bay turn-back and maintenance facility will also be constructed.

does it mean that:
1. Marina Bay Station will be part of the CCL and there will be a turn-back/maintenance facility there
-OR-
2. The Marina Bay is refering only to the turn-back and maintenance facility

Anybody has any ideas on this??? :dunno:

I don't think Marina Bay refers to the MRT station, it refers to the area. I'm not sure if they are connecting the CCL/DTL to the NSL @ Marina Bay MRT station though - they seem vague about that.

As reported in other threads, the DTL1 tender is out at http://www.lta.gov.sg/tender_info/notice/tenders_notice_jun07_dtl1_civilpq.htm

According to this line: It also includes an extension of the Circle Line (CCL) from Promenade station to Bayfront station and the North South Line (NSL) Marina Bay station.

and this line: To enable the DTL1 to be operated independently from the CCL, a Marina Bay turn-back and maintenance facility will also be constructed.

does it mean that:
1. Marina Bay Station will be part of the CCL and there will be a turn-back/maintenance facility there
-OR-
2. The Marina Bay is refering only to the turn-back and maintenance facility

Anybody has any ideas on this??? :dunno:

My guess is that the turn-back and maintenance facility is somewhere near Marina Bay NSL station. We all know that BayFront Station and Promenade are both DTL and CCL stations - so we have two pairs of tunnels - DTL and CCL. One pair - CCL will go straight to Marina Bay NSL Station where the CCL tunnels would surely end - making it a visible possible site for future interchange.

Another pair - DTL tunnels will continue towards Chinatown which eventually leads to Eastern region.

I am very sure that Marina Bay Station will be transformed into a magnificent interchange station to reflect the exciting area - MARINA BAY!

I am almost certain that the CCL tunnels will continue from NSL Marina Bay towards HarbourFront - giving the residents of Marina Bay the FASTEST way to reach Sentosa and the second casino....

Wow.

so the line that says "extension of the Circle Line (CCL) from Promenade station to Bayfront station and the North South Line (NSL) Marina Bay station." basically only describes the path and not about whether it will be an interchange station i guess?

I am almost certain that the CCL tunnels will continue from NSL Marina Bay towards HarbourFront - giving the residents of Marina Bay the FASTEST way to reach Sentosa and the second casino....

Wow.

This might be longer term. Perhaps the line from Marina Bay will extend to serve the future cruise centre....

I'm sure this is the unofficial tender of the projects of Stage 6 of CCL, the sector that goes from Promenade to Harbourfront via Marina Bay NSL. I didn't quite expect Stage 6 to start so fast but I'm glad that the Circle Line is coming full circle, literally.:banana:

Then I have a question, in the station, how would one ever know which train is heading where? (I'm assuming Promenade to Dhoby Ghaut is a branch shuttle line like Changi Airport Extension and could potentially be a spur line to the South section of the former ERL)

How is work progressing on the first phase of the upcoming opening section of the Circle Line? Marymount to Dhoby Ghaut?

so the line that says "extension of the Circle Line (CCL) from Promenade station to Bayfront station and the North South Line (NSL) Marina Bay station." basically only describes the path and not about whether it will be an interchange station i guess?
It doesn't clearly indicate whether Marina Bay will be a station for sure on the CCL. But thinking logically, if the tracks went there they might as well build a station for an interchange as well. :)

As for the turn-back and maintenance facility, I'm assuming that the turn-back is for CCL and maintenance is for DTL although both are located in the same area.

How is work progressing on the first phase of the upcoming opening section of the Circle Line? Marymount to Dhoby Ghaut?
CCL Stage 2
Paya Lebar - They seem to be making some progress. Yesterday I saw that they have done something in the station box, perhaps completed a level since there was some water there and I could not see the tunnels from the pedestrian bridge where you usually can.

MacPherson - The station exits still need to be finished. However, they have refilled pretty much all of the soil back and the road should be rediverted over once again. The exits still bear bare concrete, the one with most progress being located just outside MacPherson ITE and the least completed next to the Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre.

Tai Seng - Everything seems to have been completed. The exits are boarded up to dissallow anyone from entering.

From Wikipedia:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/CC11_Tai_Seng_exterior.jpg/300px-CC11_Tai_Seng_exterior.jpg

Stage 3
Serangoon - Exit structures exist in bare concrete. That's all I saw.

Bishan:
I'll be going over today. Perhaps I can get some updates.

Then I have a question, in the station, how would one ever know which train is heading where? (I'm assuming Promenade to Dhoby Ghaut is a branch shuttle line like Changi Airport Extension and could potentially be a spur line to the South section of the former ERL)
Plasma display screens? Like how they did when they had the Changi through-train service from Boon Lay.

Plasma display screens? Like how they did when they had the Changi through-train service from Boon Lay.
Probably, They have to do like London Underground. The announcement of the train's terminus station will be heard every station before train starts to be pulled away from the station. For instance:
CC15 Bishan, Passengers going towards Marina Bay or Jurong East, please alight and transfer to North South Line. CC15 Bishan. [Train Doors Opened for passengers to alight] This Train Terminates at Dhoby Ghaut via Bayfront. [Door Closing chime]

CCL Stage 3
Marymount - Exit structures beginning to take form slowly. A few concrete walls are up but not much more than that. Back-filling of soil is taking place at the road junction.

Bishan - Didn't really have time to see what's going on at the CCL site. But the new southbound platform is coming along. Quite visible from the existing one. Ad shells have also been hung under the concourse of the northbound track side.

Pretty interesting how Stages 1, 2 and 3 have visible exit structures while Stages 4 and 5 have yet to have their station boxes fully excavated. I wonder if its possible to have a post covering most of the CCL stations graphically. :lol: Any takers?

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/1307/21062007070ci3tl4.jpg
larger version ==> http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2297/21062007070ci3.jpg
the front of the southbound tracks shows the new platform, still all concrete...but structurally completed. if you look closely behind the metal coverings, there is actually a staircase done up already. we could see the NSL trains switching platforms in the next few months to prepare for the link to CCL platform (CCL area not quite ready yet, still looks like an endless pitfall from the multistory carpark above the site)

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/995/21062007069so9ve2.jpg
sorry about the quality, i was rushing downtown, only had my handphone with me

Thanks for the pics. :) You think you could get some of the CCL site from the multi-storey carpark next time when yer free? There's supposed to be an entrance near the bus interchange, I saw on the information panel.

yea, the bus interchange will link at b3 level to the new NSL south platform. (CCL platform at B4)...i will get a shot from the MSCP and from ground lvl next week probably... but not much visible progress, looks the same as it did last year...

oh and you mentioned that there were finished CCL exits at MacPherson and Tai Seng, would love to see some pics of em so we can get an idea of how the rest will look like..

also, does anyone know the latest ETA on CCL operations

From Wikipedia:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/CC11_Tai_Seng_exterior.jpg/300px-CC11_Tai_Seng_exterior.jpg


^^ Tai Seng MRT station. Will try to get some, but I'm kinda tied down with many projects. Will see if I can take a day to get some, have been wanting to see what Mountbatten, Dakota, Stadium look like since I never ever go that way.

Compared to LTA's renderings (pretty accurate, the KPE exit and bus stop are exactly where they should be as are the station exits):

http://www.lta.gov.sg/projects/images/grn_ccl2_uppayalebar.jpg

And also found this:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/TaiSengStationinterior.jpg

CCL operations?
Stages 1, 2 and 3 - end 2010
Stages 4 and 5 - 2011

Bishan - Didn't really have time to see what's going on at the CCL site. But the new southbound platform is coming along. Quite visible from the existing one.

I know that they're building a new southbound platform but i don't really understand what they're doing. is it going to be changed into 2 separate platforms like the braddell station or what? anyone care to explain to me? haha.

^^ Quite a few things going on with Bishan, short of closing the existing station and refurbishing it entirely. The way they are doing it amazes me. Its like a total remodelling. Will list the changes down so its easier to understand point by point.

1. Current platform will in future be dedicated to serving northbound (to Jurong East) trains. This platform serves only Jurong bound trains. (Will refer to this as Platform A)
2. New platform being built will be dedicated to serving southbound (to Marina Bay) trains. This platform serves only Marina bound trains. (Will refer to this as Platform B)
3. Platform B will be connected to Junction 8 basement.
4. Bishan NSL station entrance will be reconfigured so that there are escalators (not sure about lifts) to both platforms.
5. A wall on current southbound platform will be built.
6. Station will be air-conditioned and PSDs installed on both platforms.
7. Shops will be introduced at Bishan NSL entrance (7-11 already open).
8. Connections to/from CCL will be built to both platforms.
9. Platform A to have two escalator points to transfer linkway (per info panel).
10. Platform B to have one escalator point to transfer linkway (per info panel).

That's what's being done at the NSL Bishan station. In a way it is like Braddell with each train opening its doors on its own platform. But the layout is different.

Platform B (To Marina Bay)
Southbound train
=========WALL=========
Platform A (To Jurong East)
Northbound train

3. Platform B will be connected to Junction 8 basement.
you sure? dont rmb seeing it in the plans...

4. Bishan NSL station entrance will be reconfigured so that there are escalators (not sure about lifts) to both platforms.


yup, lifts are on both, the northbound (platform A) has a lift that goes from concourse -> NSL North -> CCL, platform B should have a lift up to concourse...
Bishan is gonna be one complex station to move around... (with 3-4 lifts everywhere)

Yep, pretty sure about that one.

Now I've been posting a lot so I'd better shut up already.

ah okie i finally understand :)

oh no! dun shut up at all. lol. i love the information :D

Yeah, don't shut up, keep the info coming. I wonder why doesn't LTA publish pictures or layout or something...

They have published some, its just that you have to look hard to find them. There's the CCL art competition, where they have some of the station layouts and the seat competition gives the platform floor plan.

From the art in transit competition phase 1 (MacPherson, Tai Seng, Bartley, Lorong Chuan, Marymount) file, its mentioned that:
1. Bartley and Lorong Chuan stations are also Civil Defence shelters
2. The stations along stage 3 have the following colour scheme

Bartley - Purple-red
Serangoon - Yellow
Lorong Chuan - Blue-grey
Bishan - Yellow
Marmount - Red


Also, the stage 3 stations follow a similar floor plan having only one bank of escalators and staircases on one end of the station, the lift at the opposite end and only one corridor at the concourse (compared to NEL's two corridors).

Station concourse and exit layout floor plans:
MacPherson station (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/MacPhersonfloorplan.jpg)
Bartley station (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/Bartleyfloorplan.jpg)
Lorong Chuan station (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/LorongChuanLRCfloorplan.jpg)
Marymount station (http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e130/whataprob/Rail/MarymountMRMfloorplan.jpg)

CCL Stage 3
Bartley - Exit structure still being constructed. Only rebar is visible, no concrete segments yet.

Glad that Bishan NSL is transforming to handle more passengers expected to be pouring from CCL line when in operational. Existing platforms may not be able to accomodate so many people. Having other platform for Southbound NSL trains and one entire existing platform for Northbound NSL trains.

2010 won't be long - 3 years to go. Wish SMRT CCL trains start the operation in 2008 or even 2009.

26th Jun 2007
Bishan CCL Station

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/tamagoo/jun07/jun26-02.jpg

Was just wondering how is Westinghouse (Manufacturer of PSDs) going to install PSD on northbound NSL without closing down the station and how is the air-conditioning going to be installed on northbound NSL without a period where PSD almost complete but air-con not operational without passengers complaining on ST Forums that Bishan is hotter than hell.

I assume they will open southbound NSL new platform first before CCL starts operating. Then, work on northbound NSL, installing PSDs and air-conditioners.

Thanks for the picture Tamago. Last time I saw Bishan station it was still quite deep, think they were working on getting the TBM down. :lol: So now they're working on the roof slab?

As for air-conditioning of Bishan NSL station, I suppose they could temporarily install fans in the station first. Looking at how Hong Kong and Guangzhou installed their PSDs at already operating stations, it seems that the doors will not be closed so as to allow passengers to alight/disembark from the trains while testing will go on during non-revenue hours.

However, the entire station needs to be air-conditioned and I suppose that this will happen once both platforms have operational PSDs. Mist fans may be a temporary solution. Once the PSDs are good to go, a temporary wall can be installed on the southbound side to allow air-conditioning to work while the wall is constructed.

Or maybe they'll just do what London does and close down the entire MRT station for a short while (a few days)? I hope not... but they might have to resort to that.

air-con ducts were already installed as early as end of last yr i think.. if you noticed, the segment between the 2 escalators have fans installed coz after the new lifts and ducts were put up, that area became really stuffy...

oh and as for the PSD, the govt would never allow closing down of NSL... (neither would smrt, too much loses). they could install it part by part in the wee hrs of the morning over a period of maybe a week, during which the parts that have PSDs up would have their doors permanatly open. once all PSDs are up, they, along with the already installed aircon, would be switched on...

I don't mean closing down the NSL, just closing down the station by bypassing it for a few days while the PSD installation and testing takes place. But even then it might cause complaints since Bishan is always so busy.

yea.. you'd probably hear the entire bishan population (myself included complaining...), but then again, they could always provide bus shuttle from braddel to bishan to amk and close the station... troublesome but do-able..

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/8711/29062007088nc9.jpg
escalators to go down to CCL platform
http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7623/29062007087yy8.jpg
temporary fans to cool the station and air-con ducts that were up since end '06
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/7168/02072007093zz1.jpg
NSL south-boundplatform view from train
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4361/02072007094ir7.jpg
the part going into tunnel (towards braddel), still bricks..

Thanks for the pictures. I noticed that the southbound new platform has some black stuff going onto the pillars and platform edge. Any guesses as to what this is for?

havent seen it yet, but i was passing through the bishan station an hr ago and saw the new control station exterior was completed...
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1216/13072007143id2.jpg
looks quite cheap skate, esp with the concrete barrier at the side (hopefuly they will design on it)
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8661/13072007144lv3.jpg
(from left) the existing control sta, new lift that goes all the way to CCL platform, and the and future control sta...
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1020/13072007145se8.jpg
close up...

apologies for the really blur and low quality pics, my hp takes terrible pics @ nite...

Yeah, I saw the control station last time I was at Bishan. Forgot to mention it. I wonder what the new station arrangement is going to be like then.

Stage 1
Dhoby Ghaut - ?

Bras Basah - Entrance completed? Glass pool completed.

Esplanade - Entrance completed.

Promenade - Entrance completed?

Nicoll Highway - ?

Stadium - Entrance completed.

Stage 2
Mountbatten - ?

Dakota - ?

Paya Lebar - Station structure being built.

MacPherson - Entrance structures being built.

Tai Seng - Entrance completed.

Stage 3
Bartley - Entrance structure being built.

Serangoon - Entrances nearly completed. Serangoon Ave 2 exit being painted.

Lorong Chuan - Entrances nearly completed. Roofing being done.

Bishan - Roof slab under construction.

Marymount - Entrances nearly completed. Roofing being done.

Stage 4
Thomson - ?

Bukit Brown - ?

Botanic Gardens - Station excavation under way.

Farrer Road - Station excavation under way.

Holland Village - Station excavation under way.

Buona Vista - Station excavation under way.

One North - Entrance completed?

Kent Ridge - Station excavation under way.

Stage 5
West Coast - Station excavation under way.

Pasir Panjang - Station excavation under way.

Labrador Park - Preparation work under way.

Telok Blangah - Excavation work done?

HarbourFront - ?

looks like most stations are completed. but what about the interiors???

looks like most stations are completed. but what about the interiors???

Interiors always follow after civil engineering and civil structure are completed. When you see signboards of station names and glasses, escalators and metals and panels are being installed at the entrance, this will also indicate the entire station interiors are almost finished.

Final touches will be cleaning up and mopping the whole station. Then they will start calling in staff to test out the system. Then stage mock crowds to test the system and the volume at the station.

As for stage 1 stations that willl remain closed - will be doubled as testings for drills and civil defence tests or even stage for movie or drama serials before they open for full operation in 2010.

Nicoll Highway should hurry up building the tunnel and the station box and then build temporary tunnels over the operational rail tracks (like Dover Station which was built on operational line) so that Stage 1 stations would be able to operate earlier. I believe LTA did consider this - this will help to plan for one station on NEL between Outram Park and HarbourFront eventually.

For HarbourFront - already completed. It was built together with Vivocity. I passed by this many times, saw the signboard - CCL Stage 5 HarbourFront and even saw the station box!

This is why they built CCL HarbourFront first before remaining Stage 5 stations. CCL HarbourFront is just adjacent to NEL Harbourfront. All the walls leading you to Vivocity from NEL station will be eventually dismantled and you will see HarbourFront CCL station merging with NEL station.

Like at Dhoby Ghaut, you would not notice another underground entrance to CCL Dhoby Ghaut. The answer is look for a white wall when u are making transit from NSL to NEL near the masses of escalators. This white wall will be dismantled and reveal the CCL station entrance. You can knock on the white wall. It is not solid.

Now they are building the tunnels connecting from completed section of HarbourFront to the rest of Stage 5. :)

They are digging around the Esplanade Station again...

They are digging around the Esplanade Station again...

yea. it looked completed before this coz they want it to look good for the IMF conference. im sure there are loads of unfinished work beneath the perfect looking entrances

yea. it looked completed before this coz they want it to look good for the IMF conference. im sure there are loads of unfinished work beneath the perfect looking entrances

Correct. Yes. They are building underpass from Raffles City to Esplanade Station. Citilink Mall is the only shopping mall that has two stations at its ends - Esplanade and City Hall.

For HarbourFront - already completed. It was built together with Vivocity. I passed by this many times, saw the signboard - CCL Stage 5 HarbourFront and even saw the station box!

This is why they built CCL HarbourFront first before remaining Stage 5 stations. CCL HarbourFront is just adjacent to NEL Harbourfront. All the walls leading you to Vivocity from NEL station will be eventually dismantled and you will see HarbourFront CCL station merging with NEL station.

Like at Dhoby Ghaut, you would not notice another underground entrance to CCL Dhoby Ghaut. The answer is look for a white wall when u are making transit from NSL to NEL near the masses of escalators. This white wall will be dismantled and reveal the CCL station entrance. You can knock on the white wall. It is not solid.

can u see any of the CCL parts of the stations or something?

Yup. I noticed that white wall is not solid at Dhoby Ghaut... The link between NSL and NEL, aka, the Starhub ads have walls that are not solid either...

Was wondering what would the transfer announcements would be like on the CCL bcos for some stns like Dhoby Ghaut, they can't say "Passengers heading towards Harbourfront, Punggol, Jurong East via Woodlands and Marina Bay, please alight and change to the North East Line and North South Line". It's potentially confusing.

Also, Is One- North station called one- north or One- North?

Off topic but the thread title should be changed cause we all know....THE CCL is not opening on time...

Perhaps, Rafflescity should promote some members to moderater roles. I don't think he can spend so much time here.

its oneNorth isnt it? and i say we remove those transfer announcements! replace them with LED sign boards at every door or at most say 'Dhoby Ghaut Station, Interchange Station with the NEL and CCL' or 'Rochor Intersection Station'

oh btw i thought stages 1-5 should still open in 2010 or did i forget another delay?

Probably, they can do like London Underground/
"This Station is Dhoby Ghaut. Change Here For The North South and North East Line and alight here for Plaza Singapore. This train will terminate at Harbourfront."

havent seen it yet, but i was passing through the bishan station an hr ago and saw the new control station exterior was completed...
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1216/13072007143id2.jpg
looks quite cheap skate, esp with the concrete barrier at the side (hopefuly they will design on it)
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8661/13072007144lv3.jpg
(from left) the existing control sta, new lift that goes all the way to CCL platform, and the and future control sta...
http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1020/13072007145se8.jpg
close up...

apologies for the really blur and low quality pics, my hp takes terrible pics @ nite...

I also wonder what the new 'platforms' on the southbound track are for.

Probably, they can do like London Underground/
"This Station is Dhoby Ghaut. Change Here For The North South and North East Line and alight here for Plaza Singapore. This train will terminate at Harbourfront."

The voice on the London Underground sounds way more affectionate than ours. Ours sound like a soul-less robotic voice. IMO.:)

I also wonder what the new 'platforms' on the southbound track are for.

For the southbound trains (boarding and alighting). The current southboard will be sealed off from the track. Only the northbound platform will remain.

its oneNorth isnt it? and i say we remove those transfer announcements! replace them with LED sign boards at every door or at most say 'Dhoby Ghaut Station, Interchange Station with the NEL and CCL' or 'Rochor Intersection Station'

oh btw i thought stages 1-5 should still open in 2010 or did i forget another delay?

Go to www.lta.gov.sg. Rail Map. I think they say its "one-north", in small caps all the way.

There was another delay. Stage 1 - 3 I think opens LATE 2010. 4 - 5 Opens in 2011.

Taipei has LED signboards at EVERY doorway, but they still have the announcements, in 4 languages/dialects. I think announcements are still a must, though LED displays are good if the cabin is noisy and you can't hear the announcements or for the hearing impaired.

Taipei does it in the following manner on in-train LED displays before the train approaches a station:
"CHINESE TEXT FIRST" (flips)"
"This Station: Taipei Main Station".... (flips)
"Attention, Passengers transferring to Danshui, Xindian or Nanshijiao" (flips)
"Please change trains at this station".

4 language/dialect announcements will also come on before it approaches a station, repeating everything above except the "THIS STATION" part.

And though the distances bet stations in the city centre are comparable to Singapore's, they manage to finish each announcements in time.

Was wondering what would the transfer announcements would be like on the CCL bcos for some stns like Dhoby Ghaut, they can't say "Passengers heading towards Harbourfront, Punggol, Jurong East via Woodlands and Marina Bay, please alight and change to the North East Line and North South Line".
Howe about:
"Passengers heading towards Harbourfront or Punggol, please alight and change to the North East Line. Passengers heading towards Jurong East via Woodlands or Marina Bay, please alight and change to the North South Line".

I think the best transfer announcements are on the NEL.

Outram Park: Next station, Outram Park interchange. Passengers may alight and change to the East-West Line.

Dhoby Ghaut: Next station, Dhoby Ghaut interchange. Passengers may alight and change to the North-South Line.

Sengkang: Next station, Sengkang interchange. Passengers may alight and change to the Sengkang LRT line.

Similarly, I think the new Dhoby Ghaut one would be: Next station, Dhoby Ghaut interchange. Passengers may alight and change to the North-South and Circle Lines.

Holland MRT Station - very messy...

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSCF1987.jpg

Nice angle, I'm impressed with the greenery.

Hope it completes soon, it has been quite unpleasant having the area hoarded up.

Ahhh holland rd. my used to be homeground. All the disconford for a few years but when it is all up, the place will be bustling with life again.

Ahhh holland rd. my used to be homeground. All the disconford for a few years but when it is all up, the place will be bustling with life again.

lol are you kidding me.. Holland V is still packed as sardines in a can.. non-season parking people parking on season parking slots etc..

For the southbound trains (boarding and alighting). The current southboard will be sealed off from the track. Only the northbound platform will remain.

Huh? Platform reorientation?

Huh? Platform reorientation?

Meaning the "island" that you board northbound and southbound trains now will be used for boarding of northbound trains only.

To board southbound trains in the future, you will be directed to a NEW island constructed on the other side of the southbound track. You cannot board from the place that you are boarding from now. Its all on the info panels at Bishan station, wikipedia, sgforums etc.

Meaning the "island" that you board northbound and southbound trains now will be used for boarding of northbound trains only.

To board southbound trains in the future, you will be directed to a NEW island constructed on the other side of the southbound track. You cannot board from the place that you are boarding from now. Its all on the info panels at Bishan station, wikipedia, sgforums etc.

AH i see. paiseh....

But why not still use the island platform for boarding southbound trains?

AH i see. paiseh....

But why not still use the island platform for boarding southbound trains?

My guess is perhaps because the current platform is too narrow (which is quite true). Imagine the congestion when the CCL opens.

lol are you kidding me.. Holland V is still packed as sardines in a can.. non-season parking people parking on season parking slots etc..
I thought I read sometime back that there would be a new multi-storey carpark in Holland V to solve the tight parking situation? Has it been done?

I thought I read sometime back that there would be a new multi-storey carpark in Holland V to solve the tight parking situation? Has it been done?

done long time ago. only 2 storeys lah. adds only about 60 to 80 lots.

AH i see. paiseh....

But why not still use the island platform for boarding southbound trains?
i was hoping they'd just put glass to block the southbound side of the island platform, looks much nicer, allows people on the trains to look into the station, and makes the station appear more spacious, as compared to blocked up stations like Braddell.

The circle line art competition phase 2 has been launched. You can view the details at http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/download/phase2_location.pdf . The details give some rough ideas on the layouts for Mountbatten, Dakota, Pasir Panjang, Labrador Park and Telok Blangah stations.

One key factor about the stage 5 stations is the single entrance at street level. These entrances will be connected to other points via overhead bridges similar to the one at Outram Park EWL station.

The circle line art competition phase 2 has been launched. You can view the details at http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/download/phase2_location.pdf . The details give some rough ideas on the layouts for Mountbatten, Dakota, Pasir Panjang, Labrador Park and Telok Blangah stations.

One key factor about the stage 5 stations is the single entrance at street level. These entrances will be connected to other points via overhead bridges similar to the one at Outram Park EWL station.

Thats my favourite part of the project. The individual design of the stations. I liked the art-work that was featured into all the NEL stations, relating the stations to their context.

The circle line art competition phase 2 has been launched. You can view the details at http://www.lta.gov.sg/circle_line_art/download/phase2_location.pdf . The details give some rough ideas on the layouts for Mountbatten, Dakota, Pasir Panjang, Labrador Park and Telok Blangah stations.

One key factor about the stage 5 stations is the single entrance at street level. These entrances will be connected to other points via overhead bridges similar to the one at Outram Park EWL station.

I don't get it. Why single entrance? Cut costs? Promenade stations etc have multiple entrances. I am guessing to cut costs. Via overhead bridges is sianz. climb up from the station then up then down.

I didn't know Outram Park EWL had only one entrance?

In the pdf, it stated that douby gaut to Stadium as well as macpherson to marymount stations are under phase 1 (a long time ago). since nicoll highway means no go for stage 1, does this mean that stage 3 could be operated first?

In the pdf, it stated that douby gaut to Stadium as well as macpherson to marymount stations are under phase 1 (a long time ago). since nicoll highway means no go for stage 1, does this mean that stage 3 could be operated first?

Idiot SMRT and LTA already said something like Dhoby to Marymount opens together in late 2010. everything else 2011.

and because of the extension of the downtown extension to bugis, from 2012 it became 2013, or maybe its cus of other reasons....

I don't get it. Why single entrance? Cut costs? Promenade stations etc have multiple entrances. I am guessing to cut costs. Via overhead bridges is sianz. climb up from the station then up then down.

I didn't know Outram Park EWL had only one entrance?

omg that really sucks. i thought LTA wanted to play catch up with other advanced public transport systems and improve connectivity???

maybe the stage 5 stations are in pretty low density areas so there's no need for multiple entrances.

I think it may also be related to site location. The stage 5 stations have to deal with the overhead semi-expressway and work around the pillars. I'm not sure if the circle line was taken into consideration when it was built. Pile caps may be much shallower than if the circle line had been anticipated during the expressway construction.

For Telok Blangah, the station sits across HDB blocks. There would be disruptions involved if an underground link was constructed there. And residents might complain too.

At Labrador Park, there isn't much space across the station either. Some warehouses are sited there and there's the traffic junction as well. If they were to dig under that, the construction period might be longer than what it is currently.

At least they are going to provide escalators for the overhead bridges. Outram Park EWL has two sets of escalators and one lift in one entrance structure which is connected to an overhead bridge served by escalators that link the station to SGH across the road.

they are? i hope there'll be up and down escalators, not like the single escalator entrances to commonwealth station i think.

well if there are escalators its not going to make much of a difference whether its above or underground connectivity, so i suppose its ok.

its really irritating when you have to climb up a bridge in the hot sun to cross the road.

A case of poor planning OR a way to save money for an already ultra- expensive and overpriced line OR saving money for more overpriced and expensive lines like the DTL?

Hmmm.

a case of typical singaporean-ism - spend big money, but stinge where it matters.

late 2010.... sigh... there would be sustainable ridership for the (yishun/AMK) bishan- serangoon (hougang) - paya lebar (jalan besar) route, they should have went ahead with this first! now its 3 more year (maybe more...)