Jurong East Modification Project (JEMP)

[運転士]

From an operation point of view coupled with infrastructure limitation, in fact, I am actually in favour of the configuration in utilizing the new NSL track only during morning peak.

Before anything, let’s look at the current scheduling pattern;

Morning Peak
NSL MRB~YIS: About 150~180 seconds (Alternating YIS train)
NSL SBW~JUR: About 150~240 seconds

Evening Peak
NSL MRB~YIS: About 150~180 seconds (Alternating YIS train)
NSL SBW~JUR: About 150~300 seconds

So one would immediately realize that the big gap between SBW~JUR is due to the implementation of Yishun shuttle, which itself generates an additional of about 120 seconds overhead.

Next, based on observations and calculations, JE current middle platform alone itself can allow up to 24tph when being pushed to its maximum capacity. Maximum capacity in this sense would mean that the following train will have to stop 1 block before JE and only proceed after the preceding train has passed by the train.

So the above actually tells one thing;

The poor frequency of trains during morning and evening peak hours between YIS~JUR sector is due to the SST (Short Service Trip) trains, not the bottlenecking that’s occurring at JE.

So why is that a need for SST when it will affect the frequency on the rest of the line? Two reasons;

- Train shortage. There is a need to keep 10% of the total amount of train a line has as spare/cannot be used to facilitate the forwarding of train during an incident and for maintenance purposes. We currently have 106 trains. Assuming 24tph per direction, this would means the operator will at least have 96 trains operating on revenue service.

- If SST is abolished, one would expect residents in Yishun to complain first. This is because by the time the train arrives in Yishun, all seats in the train are generally taken. A weekday morning rush today has passengers packed to the door at Sembawang. Simply shifting the SST trains to run the full length of NSL won’t generate seats by the time the train reaches Yishun, because the number of passengers in a train is in thousands, not hundreds. In fact with the current situation of train shortage, it will generate more complains because the operator is unable to keep up with its 150 seconds frequency due to resource constraints (train shortage) if all the trains are to run the full length of NSL. Of course, the complaints can generally be ignored if the operator wants, which seems highly unlikely.

So what are the viable solutions?

- Buy more trains. The 22 sets of C151A will solve the train shortage issue eventually and hopefully, enhance the maintenance schedule of our “over-worked” trains.

- When all 22 sets of C151A are fit for revenue service, abolish the SST system. NSEWL by then would have enough train sets to maintain at least 24tph throughout the whole line without impacting maintenance.


I think it should be clear by now what's the root of the problems.

Going back to the question of utilization of the platform only during morning rush hour, we will have to look at passengers flow pattern. During morning rush hour, it’s pretty much a standard; it’s either one head towards town or one head towards Tuas. With this in mind, passengers flow in the station is controlled when alighting from NSL to transfer. During evening peak, this flow is reversed. With that, how would one ensure that the passengers flow in the station is 100% controlled at all times with passengers running across the concourse/platform just to catch the next NSL train?

Just my humble thoughts with regards to the issues.

[y2koh]

Thanks for the in-depth analysis. I agree with you especially on the problem with the SST, however based on my observations, I think running 24tph using only one platform at JUR looks difficult, die to the longer dwell time, and trains need to wait for the previous train to exit before it can run into the merged tracks. It looks to me that 18tph seems more realistic with only one platform. On the other hand, using both platforms, you can potentially achieve 30tph with the improved signaling.

[運転士]

Yes you are correct, as the mentioned 24tph is the maximum capacity, not optimum running capacity. In fact, we can achieve 30tph with the existing signalling system with two platform, though the scenario in the that sense would be akin to how trains on NSL have to stop before right before Yishun during rush hour, which can be minimized through effective scheduling.

Personally, I think there is a more pressing concern at hand, which is the already saturated EWL ability to handle the increased NSL traffic, EB in particular.

[deskoh91]

there will be an order of additional 13 trains after the 22 C151As, hopefully allowing the maximization of the increased capacity brought about by the reduced 70m inter-train spacing. I am not good with calculations but I suppose by then, 2.0 minutes throughout the mainlines should be reasonably achievable with the number of trains and signalling system in place.

[TIB1224Y]

Recap on the depot capacities, these are the initial stabling capabilities of each MRTC depot when the system started in 1987.

Bishan: 36
Changi: 30
Ulu Pandan: 34
Total at 1987: 100 lots

Bishan and Changi were identified to be main servicing depots where Bishan will add on to have damage repair and now refurbishment works under its Main Depot building. Ulu Pandan is named as a Holding Area where minor checks is also available.

As at last year we have, 66x C151, 19x C651 and 21x C751B, which are 106 trains. 6 additional trains have to stable at Ulu Pandan, where the entry into stabling tracks have extra straights (stables next to the main building). Adding on to a possible 3x 6-car trains which are not inside the Main Depot servicing, there are 9 additional trains to be stabled at non-designated stabling areas. By Q1 2012 when all 22x C151A will be delivered, SMRT will have 128 trains, 28 trains over-capacity from 1987 total stabling.

Tuas Depot will have capacity for 60 trains (from sources previously posted). Total capacity will be upped to 166 trains. 166 minus 128 trains will be 38 trains, in which 13 will be ordered for additional Tuas (Basic) Extension, leaves 25 trains for the subsequent order which will hit the stabling limit.

Being said so it is to count in the impracticableness to stable trains outside of depot.

[lauper]

Saw an MRT train going into JE station's new platform from Bukit Batok's direction & then out towards Bukit Batok's direction around 11am+ today. Shortly after, another train arrived & did the same thing.

I'm quite excited. Can't wait for the new platform to open officially.

[Kenzo76]

Hi All, These photos are from the Ministry of Transport and dated 24 Feb during Mr.Raymond Lim's tour of the JEMP project.

Everyone is looking forward to the opening next month!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/motsg/s...7626126931740/

[Kenzo76]

From the Ministry of Transport:
Minister Raymond Lim inspects the first of 22 new trains for North-South-East-West (NSEW) Line

Apart from expanding the network with the opening of new rail lines and LTA working with the operators to increase the number of train trips by 1,300 since 2008, we will be completing the Jurong East Modification Project (JEMP) in May this year (2011). The JEMP will relieve the current infrastructural bottleneck by creating an additional train track and platform at Jurong East Station to turn trains around faster, allowing trains to run more frequently. In conjunction with the JEMP, we are progressively adding 22 more trains to the NSEW Lines, which will increase capacity by about 15%. Commuters will then be able to enjoy a shorter waiting times of between 2-3 minutes during the peak periods, compared to the existing 2.5 to 4.5 minutes.

Five of the 22 new trains will be delivered by the time the JEMP is completed this year. Transport Minister Raymond Lim went down to Bishan Depot last week to have a look at the first of these new trains.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/motsg/s...7625895160610/

[circleline4]

Yup, this has been posted in the thread previously though. Nonetheless thanks for updating.

[eX.A.K.R.]

So when is the new platform opening?

[Mith252]

Well, they say it is May but they never mention which day. We have to wait after the elections.

[mrtfreak]

It should be some time soon as the station is pretty much ready and cleaned up. New announcements on northbound trains for Jurong East now say "this train will be crossing over to another track soon" where previously it was called "the middle track". But the GE most definitely will be settled first before you'll hear of any announcements on the JEMP opening.

[circleline4]

We're almost reaching mid-May. Now that elections are over, shouldn't the news be announced any time now? Or are they going to perform the last minute 'surprise' method

[Mith252]

You may never now. We would have to wait and see how it goes.

[Seloloving]

The tests on the C151A must be causing it. Besides, having five new trains in operation probably won't cause a increase in frequencies and people will be querying LTA on why JEMP was necessary. Also, only ONE has been seen running according to SGForums.

I suspect JEMP will commence service in the later half of May.

[circleline4]

You're right about that Selo.
MOT just released a new video on their improvement on public transport.
Indeed JEMP would open at the end of May.
http://app.mot.gov.sg/News_Centre/Se...vqRxMcfeLELQ==

[deskoh91]

all signboards holding system maps and route maps on the platform level had been replaced with the larger ones used on NEL onwards, including existing platforms. there are also extra signs indicating Platform A-F along the length of the beige coloured pillar holding the station name and direction signages that runs across the platforms. extra signages guiding commuters to cross to Platform A & F has been put up as well.

existing Platform D (new Platform E) has six new screens fitted displaying next train information taipei metro style, across the length of the platform. it appears the same screens will be installed on all platforms as well. this might well be what Simon91 is looking for. at 4+ facing the sun, the screens are really dim though.

[ddes]

Haha. It looks like the TSL and ERL will open in the next decade.

On the announcements, I wish they would do a set for City Hall and Raffles Place, not just when the train is arriving at the station... or none at all for the northbound NSL.

[Simon91]

Originally Posted by ddes

Haha. It looks like the TSL and ERL will open in the next decade.

If that's really to happen, we'll all be screwed. No matter how much they increase the capacity of EWL and NSL they will clog anyways with the population increase (yeah I don't believe they will slow it down).

[Seloloving]

Nice video circleline4. I think the only reason ERL and TSL were not featured is becuse their route have not been announced yet, I am keeping my hopes up for a 2018 and I hope all new lines are capable of handing peak hours.

Speaking of peak hours, SMRT needs to start peak hour services at 7, not 7:30. 7 is the time one fifth of Singapore heads to schools. This policy is especially needed at the Circle Line.

Are you listening, SMRT?