New Downtown line to be ready by 2018
-
New Downtown line to be ready by 2018
The government has given the go-ahead for the building of a 12-billion dollar Downtown line.
The 33-station rail line will link estates in the north-west and east to the city centre and is expected to be completed by 2018.
The 40-kilometre line will be mostly underground and is expected to serve half a million passengers daily.
There will be 11 interchanges connecting the Downtown line to the exisiting rail network.
Transport Minister Raymond Lim made this announcement at the Land Transport Authority's work plan seminar today.
"DTL is very important because it goes into areas which are currently not served by the MRT. It takes us from the north side to the easter side, so you have the northwest and to the east. The north western corridor will be served by the RTS. So you have Bukit Panjang right down to the Bukit Timah Corridor which is heavily congested corridor. And pushing to the east will serve areas right now which is not directly served by the RTS, not like Tampines or Macpherson area."
The Downtown line will be constructed in 3 stages.
The first stage to be completed by 2013 will consist of 6 stations, linking the current Bugis station to Chinatown station.
It will also pass by the circle line's Promenade and Bayfront stations located in the Marina Bayfront area.
The second stage to be completed by 2015, will add another 12 stations to the line.
It will run along the Bukit Timah Road corridor and will be linked to the Bukit Panjang LRT.
Residents living in Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang can expect to cut 15 minutes from their current hour long journey to the city.
The final stage of the line will serve residents in the East going into the city, saving up to 10 minutes of travelling time.
The LTA is currently undertaking studies to determine the exact alignment of the stations.
(Adopt from 938Live)
------------------------------------------
What a brand new Downtown Line!
(... by combining Bt Timah Line, Downtown Line, and part of East Region Line...) -
Friday April 27, 10:17 PM
Govt approves S$12b MRT Downtown Line to be built by 2018
The government has approved plans for the S$12 billion Downtown Line, to be completed 2018.
The new rail project will add 40 kilometres to the existing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, with most of the new stations located underground.
It is part of the plan to provide transportation needs for the projected population of 6.5 million people in twenty years' time.
Currently it is estimated that 63 per cent of all commuters use public transport during the morning rush hour.
The government aims to raise this number to 70 per cent by 2020.
Part of the strategy is the addition of 33 stations on the Downtown Line, ten of which will be near or next to existing interchange stations.
Construction of Phase 1 which will serve the Marina Bay area will begin as early as the end of this year, and be completed by 2013.
This 4.3 kilometre section will connect the North East Line from Chinatown station.
Along the way, it will stop at Cross Street, Landmark, Bayfront, Promenade.
This will then be linked with the East-West line at Bugis Station.
Phase 2 of the Downtown Line or DTL, will extend from Bugis along the Bukit Timah Road corridor.
Mid way, it will also make a stop at the Botanic Gardens, before making a connection with the Bukit Panjang LRT network.
This 16.6 kilometre stretch will have 12 stations, and is likely to be completed in 2015.
It is estimated that a trip from Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang to downtown will be cut by some 15 minutes.
And trips from the Bukit Panjang area to the city centre, which takes 60 minutes currently, will be shortened by a third.
The last stage will connect the rest of the DTL to the Expo Station in the eastern part of Singapore.
It will travel through estates such as Macpherson and Tampines.
At 19 kilometres, this is also the longest portion of the project, and will pass through 15 stations.
Residents travelling from Bedok Reservoir and Tampines to the city will be able to cut their journeys by 10 minutes.
Transport Minister Raymond Lim says, "It's part and parcel of our strategy to try and make public transport a choice mode and the key part of this strategy is to increase the rail density and coverage. In detail it's important because it goes into areas which are not served by the MRT, it takes us from the north side down to the eastern side. So you have northwest into the east.
"The northwestern corridor now will be served by RTS, rapid transit system, so you have Bukit Panjang all the way down to the Bukit Timah corridorÂ… and the Bukit Timah corridor is a heavily congested corridor which we needÂ…and also pushing into the east will serve areas which are not served by the RTS."
LTA expects the number of commuters on the DTL to hit half a million daily.
The decision as to which company will get to run the DTL will be made at a later date.
Circle Line will also be extended from the Promenade Station to Bayfront to enhance accessibility of the Marina Bay Area, and this will likely be completed in 2012.
"I think it is good, that people are coming forward with proposals and suggestionsÂ… not just SBST, but others have come forward," says Mr Lim.
"It is good that people come up with proposals, that people debate the issues, engage in this public transport issue.
"And on our part, we'll consider all these various proposals in our ongoing land transport review. But our aim is to ensure we have a more efficient integrated public transport system that will serve commuters well." - CNA/yy -
So I guess when the North/ North West ppl ask for buses to go to east, they will just say, take MRT =)
-
haha.
have one mrt station at ngee ann poly lehz... -
Increase prices soon...yay...
-
Originally posted by C751B:
i really hope so.
......It will run along the Bukit Timah Road corridor and will be linked to the Bukit Panjang LRT.
Residents living in Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang can expect to cut 15 minutes from their current hour long journey to the city. ...... -
and north shore line quickly build lehz.
next line i wan see is the jurong LRT.
den north shore line. -
3 carriage nia
Marine Parade in the end no MRT line -
Wow! Is it?Originally posted by hiphop2009:haha.
have one mrt station at ngee ann poly lehz... -
Can expect lot of construction works/digging process going on here and there.If your property is nearby MRT station,good luck.If your property is seated above the tunnel /affected by the projects,thats it!
-
Bus service: 190's pretty fast to the city. Doubt the line would be able to beat it in travelling time. -
Downtown line is by SMRT right?Originally posted by VODKA KE0601:Bus service: 190's pretty fast to the city. Doubt the line would be able to beat it in travelling time.
Most probably they will cut short 190. -
Operator wise no idea yetOriginally posted by Y_Shun:Downtown line is by SMRT right?
Most probably they will cut short 190.
Dun think that fast one lah -
If its given to SBST how? buses become under SBST?Originally posted by sbst275:Operator wise no idea yet
Dun think that fast one lah -
This line is very good but i wonder if there would be a tunnel linking little india to bugis so passengers travelling from nw to east need not go thru shenton area
-
Alrdy majority of the area are by right SBS areas...Originally posted by Y_Shun:If its given to SBST how? buses become under SBST?
Only BBT and BPJ side nia -
Saturday April 28, 8:17 PM
Residents living near planned Downtown MRT Line welcome service
SINGAPORE : Residents living near the future Downtown MRT Line have welcomed the service, saying it is long overdue.
They also have their own ideas on where the stations should be located.
Our reporter visited the Bukit Timah area, where the Downtown line will run to find out more.
Somewhere near Turf City and around crowded areas where schools like National Junior College are located: these are just some of the potential MRT station sites in Bukit Timah which residents proposed.
But no matter where the stations are, many are just glad they will see a train service headed their way.
"It's fantastic, it would be much more convenient for the Downtown Line to come up to Bukit Timah area and the MRT station is preferably somewhere near COURTS store," said one resident.
"Maybe I can sell my car, and I can take public transport now," said another.
"It makes the whole transport system very accessible because when government is talking about cutting down on the number of cars on the road, then public transport becomes an important thing."
But what about the traffic congestion likely to occur during construction?
"I don't mind really. I think the benefits that comes along after outweighs the inconvenience in the meantime. I just hope it's faster," said one resident.
The Downtown Line comprises three stages.
The first is a loop to link places like the Integrated Resort at Marina to the other MRT lines, like the East-West track.
The second part will head westwards along Bukit Timah Road, stopping at places like Botanic Gardens and ending at Bukit Panjang LRT.
The last section will connect east to the Expo Station, passing through estates like Macpherson and Tampines.
Part of the new Downtown Line is expected to be constructed along Bukit Timah Road.
Currently, there are no MRT stations there.
Residents said the nearest MRT station is the Newton station.
So with the upcoming Downtown Line, residents say not only will it be more convenient, but they are also looking forward to a boost in their property prices.
"The property price sure will go up unless it's too near to it and it's noisy. If not the case, it'll be convenient. So it should add value."
"Of course it'll enhance their property values, And besides that there're quite a few good schools along this track."
So residents in Bukit Timah can soon tap their way into the train carriages when part of the MRT line for the area is ready in 2015. - CNA/ch -
190 goes direct to the city through BKE/PIE, figured travelling time would be last than 20 minutes from mine house at BangKit. Ironicallly, this service was under SBST before being transferred to TIBS/SMRT somewhere in 1997-1998 (IIRC).Originally posted by sbst275:Operator wise no idea yet
Dun think that fast one lah
Anyway, regarding the BPLRT. Whatever's gonna happen to the segment from Phoenix to CCK. Since it defeats the purpose of travelling to CCK for a ride to the city via the NSL/EWL. I believed one of the purpose in constructing the BPLRT was to improve better connectivity throughout Singapore by linking BP to the NSL.
Edit: Think there're other areas more accessible via the NSL (North And West), via the BPLRT, mine bad Seems like many bus-services' kana get canned -
Cos SBS won NEL tenderOriginally posted by VODKA KE0601:190 goes direct to the city through BKE/PIE, figured travelling time would be last than 20 minutes from mine house at BangKit. Ironicallly, this service was under SBST before being transferred to TIBS/SMRT somewhere in 1997-1998 (IIRC).
Anyway, regarding the BPLRT. Whatever's gonna happen to the segment from Phoenix to CCK. Since it defeats the purpose of travelling to CCK for a ride to the city via the NSL/EWL. I believed one of the purpose in constructing the BPLRT was to improve better connectivity throughout Singapore by linking BP to the NSL. -
Argh, so long away
-
In fact , CCK Services were handed over between 1999-2000Originally posted by VODKA KE0601:190 goes direct to the city through BKE/PIE, figured travelling time would be last than 20 minutes from mine house at BangKit. Ironicallly, this service was under SBST before being transferred to TIBS/SMRT somewhere in 1997-1998 (IIRC). -
The DTL seems to be making the BPLRT somewhat redundant, since BPJ residents no longer need to go to CCK to catch the MRT.
Anyway, if SMRT had the subway monopoly, SBS took back BPJ and gave up HGN, Svc 5 may still be around. It would be competing with 961 like 25/854 between BDK and HGN. -
Government Approves Building Of The Downtown Line
1. The Government has given approval for LTA to build the Downtown Line (DTL) at a cost of S$12 billion. The 40km line will be mostly underground and will be built in 3 stages. The DTL is targeted to be completed by 2018.
2. With the DTL, the connectivity of the existing Rapid Transit System (RTS) network will be strengthened. The DTL will facilitate direct travel from the northwestern and eastern areas of the island to the Central Business District (CBD) and the Marina Bay. It also provides a strategic transport link to support the development of the Marina Bay area.
3. The Government's target is to raise the public transport share of all morning peak-hour trips from the current 63% to at least 70% by 2020. To achieve this target, the RTS network as the backbone for our public transport system will have to be expanded, with more rail lines extended to new areas, thereby enhancing accessibility and reducing travel times.
DTL Stage 1
4. DTL Stage 1 comprises the Downtown Extension (DTE) which was previously planned as an extension to the Circle Line (CCL). This 4.3 km section will run from Bugis Station on the East-West Line (EWL) to Chinatown Station on the Northeast Line (NEL). It will have 6 stations in all: Bugis, Promenade, Bayfront, Landmark, Cross Street and Chinatown.
5. Targeted to be completed in 2013, it will be operated independently from the CCL, serving upcoming developments in the Marina Bay area, such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the new Marina Bay Financial Centre.
DTL Stage 2
6. DTL Stage 2 comprises the previously announced Bukit Timah Line (BTL). It will run from Bugis Station on the EWL, along the Bukit Timah Road corridor to link up with the Bukit Panjang LRT. This 16.6 km long stretch of the DTL is targeted to be completed in 2015.
7. With DTL Stage 2, commuters can enjoy a more direct link to the city centre. For example, a trip from Bukit Panjang to the city centre that now takes 60 minutes will be shortened by one-third. Residents who currently take the train from Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang into the city, can also shave up to 15 minutes from their hour-long journey.
DTL Stage 3
8. DTL Stage 3 comprises the northern half of the previously announced Eastern Region Line (ERL). This 19.1 km phase will run from Chinatown Station on the NEL to Expo Station on the EWL.
9. This final phase of the DTL is targeted to be completed in 2018. With DTL Stage 3, commuters who currently take about 40 to 50 minutes travelling into the city by train from Bedok Reservoir and Tampines will save up to 10 minutes.
10. The LTA is currently undertaking studies to determine the exact alignment and station locations of DTL Stages 2 and 3.
Extending the Circle Line to Marina Bay
11. To enhance the accessibility of the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island, the CCL will be extended to Bayfront Station from Promenade Station. This will be completed in 2012.
Interchange Stations
12. DTL will have an interchange station with the Bukit Panjang LRT system as well as 10 other interchange stations with the existing rail network and the CCL which is under construction:
North South Line
Newton
East West Line
Bugis
Tampines
Expo
North East Line
Little India
Chinatown
Circle Line
Bayfront
Promenade
MacPherson
Botanic Gardens
13. In the coming months, contracts will be awarded for the various stages of the DTL project. The first two civil contracts, for the Cross Street and Chinatown stations will be awarded in the second half of 2007. -
Originally posted by SMRT:
Hmmmm this new came as a pleasant surprise to me.. but i find the plans rather weird and some unexpected...
[b]Government Approves Building Of The Downtown Line
Extending the Circle Line to Marina Bay
11. To enhance the accessibility of the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island, the CCL will be extended to Bayfront Station from Promenade Station. This will be completed in 2012.
Interchange Stations
12. DTL will have an interchange station with the Bukit Panjang LRT system as well as 10 other interchange stations with the existing rail network and the CCL which is under construction:
North South Line
Newton
East West Line
Bugis
Tampines
Expo
North East Line
Little India
Chinatown
Circle Line
Bayfront
Promenade
MacPherson
Botanic Gardens
13. In the coming months, contracts will be awarded for the various stages of the DTL project. The first two civil contracts, for the Cross Street and Chinatown stations will be awarded in the second half of 2007.
[/b]
1. if u look at the map, the whole line makes a mini cross from little india to bugis to promenade to chinatown and up to the east... is this a waste of resources? so far no other MRT line makes such an odd shape...
2. i dont understand CCL being extended to bayfront... this means its duplicating the DTE? or will they relocate the tracks such that trains travel from Esplanade station to Bayfront then to Promenade? or is the CCL bayfront station sticking out of the normal CCL line like a sore thumb?
3. this time i find some of the interchanges weird... Newton is super ulu not being a residential area... is it going to be developed soon?
does making Tampines an interchange defeat Tanah Merah being an interchange for the Airport service?
and Expo being an interchange somehow sounds very odd to me...
4. is it inflation rates? how come a 33.7km, 29-station CCL costs 6.7bil bucks, and a new DTE of almost the same size of 40km, 33 stations, costs almost double the price...
5. mostly underground? i heard some saying that the boon lay extension is the last of the elevated stations... hmmmmm.... -
1. - think they want to link Eastern Region line with the Bukittimah line so make such a 'loop'Originally posted by SMRT 32373238:1. if u look at the map, the whole line makes a mini cross from little india to bugis to promenade to chinatown and up to the east... is this a waste of resources? so far no other MRT line makes such an odd shape...