[Trains] Press Releases

• QX179R

  26 Mar 10, 21:40

  SMRT will carry out track maintenance works at the following MRT and LRT track locations between 1.00am and 4.30am from 29 March to 4 April 2010

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/documents/service_updates/SMRT%20Scheduled%20MRT%20&%20%20LRT%20Track%20Maintenance%20Works%2026-March-2010.pdf

• smrt3099

  4 Apr 10, 20:51

  Some news media report today

  Somerset New fare gate in operation

  A video clip of C651 in BSD

• QX179R

  5 Apr 10, 12:39

  SMRT will carry out track maintenance works at the following LRT track locations between 1.00am and 4.30am from 5 to 11 April 2010

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/documents/service_updates/SMRT%20Scheduled%20LRT%20Track%20Maintenance%20Works%205%20April%20%20to%2011%20April.pdf
  

• sbst272

  5 Apr 10, 18:28

  Originally posted by smrt3099:

  Some news media report today

  Somerset New fare gate in operation

  A video clip of C651 in BSD

  SMRT wins "Most Innovative Use of Technology Award

  SINGAPORE : Public transport operator SMRT wanted to use creativity and technology to cut cost and maximise efficiency, and thus came up with two innovative systems to make the ride more pleasant for commuters.
  
  For its efforts, the company garnered the "Most Innovative Use of Technology Award" for the first time at the International Metro Awards in London.
  
  For many MRT users, passing by ticketing gantries is an everyday affair.
  
  Once in a while, passengers would try to sneak past with a free ride - by tailgating the person in front.
  
  SMRT is hot on their trail, with a new gantry that has more sophisticated sensors.
  
  David Ho, senior manager, Fare System Development, SMRT, explained: "We have more sensors, so they actually better detect the different passenger profile, for example children, adults and passengers with trolley and prams. So with a more accurate detection, it increases the throughput of passengers."
  
  The sensors are better able to detect if someone is trying to tailgate, or is simply taking a little longer at the gantry.
  
  Currently, there is only one such gantry at the Somerset MRT station.
  
  SMRT hopes to replace its 20-year-old gantries with the new ones over the next four years.
  
  The train operator also hopes to improve its track maintenance work through a set of cameras tucked underneath a train car. The aim is to record images of foreign objects or detect problems with the tracks.
  
  Ng Chong Joo, senior manager, Permanent Way Branch, SMRT, said: "With the real vision system, we can pick up track abnormalities, which include uneven surfaces.
  
  "With this system, we are able to pick up the defects earlier, so that we can schedule out maintenance activity to smoothen the rail surface in a (speedy) manner."
  
  Currently, SMRT deploys about 60 staff every alternate day to check the tracks manually, using a torch light. This approach is labour intensive and time consuming. With the new camera system, the company hopes to reduce such checks from every alternate day to just once a week.
  
  SMRT has installed the cameras on two trains and hopes to use them more extensively from next week. - CNA/ms

  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1047850/1/.html

  Circle Line's daily ridership expected to hit 200,000 with opening of new stations

  SINGAPORE : Nine more stations along the Circle Line are set to open on April 17.
  
  The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said this should push up ridership on the line by at least five times.
  
  Nearly 52,000 residents and grassroots leaders got a sneak preview of what is in store at its open house on Sunday. LTA said the top stations visited were Bras Basah, Paya Lebar and the Esplanade.
  
  Residents who have had put up with the inconveniences and disruptions from the construction of the line were the first to check out the nine new stations that will open soon.
  
  Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Transport, Lim Hwee Hua, said the open house is LTA's way of saying thanks to the residents and businesses which had put up with the inconveniences.
  
  According to the LTA, with the extension of the Circle Line to include nine more stations from April 17, Singaporeans can expect ridership to reach nearly 200,000 on this line each day.
  
  Also joining the Circle Line will be the Paya Lebar Interchange Station. With that, Singaporeans can now bypass the busy City Hall and Raffles Place interchanges to get into the city and the northern parts of Singapore, like schools in Yishun.
  
  One commuter said: "In the morning, my mum fetches me to school and in the afternoon, I take bus number 39 back home. It takes me 45 minutes. With the train, it will be faster."
  
  Another commented: "On weekends, I take the train and this will be easy for me to get from where I stay at Serangoon and to Suntec and the Esplanade."
  
  The Circle Line has 29 stations.
  
  When fully operational, it is expected to have a ridership of nearly half a million a day.
  
  The first five stations along the Circle Line from Marymount to Bartley stations opened to the public on May 28 last year.
  
  Train ridership along this sector is about 40,000 a day.
  
  The open house was also an occasion for charity work.
  
  Taking to the catwalk in the Circle Line Charity Runway Show were prominent personalities, including Member of Parliament Fatimah Lateef and the LTA's chief executive, Yam Ah Mee.
  
  The show raised about S$100,000 for the LTA Cares Fund to meet the transport needs of the less fortunate. - CNA/ms

  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1047842/1/.html

  
  

• sbst272

  10 Apr 10, 13:03

  SMRT - We Bring You Life!

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/edm/webringyoulife/index.pdf

  Businesses and Community Raise $102,000 at CCL Charity Runway Show

  http://app.lta.gov.sg/corp_press_content.asp?start=7gx9l8nurdp6s4x9c7hiwxvu49r197gcid013tt02tr03x7ezd

• QX179R

  12 Apr 10, 12:20

  SMRT will carry out track maintenance works at the following MRT track locations between 1am and 4.30am from 12 to 18 April 2010

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/documents/service_updates/Schedule%20of%20MRT%20Track%20Maintenance%20Works%20_L_.pdf

• QX179R

  13 Apr 10, 21:32

  SMRT will be conducting track maintenance works at the following LRT track locations between 1am and 4.30am from 19 to 25 April 2010

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/trains/documents/service_updates/LRT_Schedule_120410.pdf

• transportspartan

  14 Apr 10, 17:57

  100th post

  Enhanced train frequency on first day of Circle Line from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley; Shorter travel times for commuters with opening of 11 new stations

  http://www.smrt.com.sg/Upload/201041416362890480.pdf

• sbst272

  15 Apr 10, 10:59

  More frequent train services for Circle Line on opening day (14-04-2010)
  

  SINGAPORE: Commuters hoping to try out the 11 new Circle Line stations can expect more frequent trains on its opening day this Saturday.
  
  More train trips will be added and the waiting interval shortened for trains travelling between Dhoby Ghaut and Bartley stations, in anticipation of an increase in crowds.
  
  From noon to 7pm, commuters can enjoy a shorter waiting time of five minutes.
  
  From 9.30pm until the end of the train service, waiting times will be further shortened to 3.5 minutes.
  
  The waiting interval is normally about seven minutes.
  
  SMRT is also adjusting train timings so that commuters from the last Circle Line train can connect to the last trains along the North-South and East-West lines.
  
  Deputy Director for Station Operations, Chia Chun Wah, said that a high ridership is expected on the first day of operations from people who are keen to try out the new train service.
  
  There will also be many concert goers heading to Taiwanese girl group S.H.E.'s and Taiwanese rock band Mayday's concerts held near Stadium MRT station.
  
  SMRT added that other crowd control measures will also be in place.
  
  Concert goers heading home on the Circle Line are advised to use a stored-value card or purchase a single trip ticket in advance on the same day, to avoid queuing for tickets.
  
  - CNA/yb

  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1050043/1/.html

  Transfers between East-West & Circle Line take maximum of 2 minutes: SMRT

  SINGAPORE: Two minutes. That's the longest length of time you will need to switch MRT lines - from the existing East-West line to the new Circle Line, said SMRT.
  
  The train operator and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are putting final touches before the 11 new stations - from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley - open to the public on Saturday.
  
  After months of checks and tests, the trains and the 11 new stations await its first passenger.
  
  They are the second set of Circle Line stations, after five opened in May last year.
  
  There will be two new interchanges - Dhoby Ghaut and Paya Lebar - that will link the East-West line to the Circle Line.
  
  Currently, a passenger at Paya Lebar station needs to change trains at City Hall, travelling some 13 stops and taking half an hour, if he/she wants to go to Bishan.
  
  Now, with the new Circle Line, the passenger can go directly from Paya Lebar to Bishan in six stops and half the time.
  
  On connectivity between lines, SMRT said passengers will only need to make a short walk to catch the next train.
  
  "At Paya Lebar, there is very good connection between our East-West line," said Chia Chun Wah, deputy director of Station Operations at SMRT. "At the end of the platform, you can take one flight of escalator and straight away you reach the street level and another escalator (takes you to) the Paya Lebar concourse.
  
  "The distance is much shorter compared to the experience in Outram, with much shorter connection. At Dhoby Gaut, you can come up to the North South Line concourse, take an escalator all the way down (directly) to the platform."
  
  Come Saturday, SMRT will also increase its train frequencies, and services will run at between 3.5 and five minutes.
  
  One station expected to be packed is the Stadium station, as two concerts will be held in the vicinity.
  
  "The concourse of the Stadium station is designed with a large holding capacity," said Yee Boon Cheow, deputy director of the Circle Line at LTA. "At each end of the station, we are able to accommodate about 1,000 people at one go."
  
  SMRT said extra staff will be deployed to manage traffic at busy stations.
  
  - CNA/yb

  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1050102/1/.html

• sinicker

  17 Apr 10, 11:51

  11 new stations of Circle Line to operate from April 17, fare savings of up to 41%
  
  Eleven new stations of the Circle Line, stretching from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley, will begin operations on April 17.
  
  It promises faster and cheaper travel - with fare savings of up to 41 per cent for commuters.
  
  Transport Minister Raymond Lim officiated the opening ceremony at Bras Basah Station on Friday.
  
  The Bras Basah Station is described as an "architectural marvel". It is said to be the deepest underground MRT station ever built in Singapore.
  
  It boasts of a 41-metre escalator - the longest in any MRT station - and a unique reflecting pool on the roof.
  
  Commuters will save time, and money.
  
  For example, the journey to Paya Lebar from Bartley takes about 38 minutes and costs about $1.61.
  
  But with the opening of the stretch of new Circle Line stations, it will take just 6 minutes and will save commuters 66 cents of fares - which is over 40 per cent cheaper than the previous fare.
  
  Culture buffs will also be pleased with the stops.
  
  "The stretch of the Circle Line also connects us to the doorstep of major culture destinations, such as our museums, as well as recreational and sporting venues like Fort Canning Park and the stadium, and for those headed to destinations around Suntec and the Esplanade. Whether for work or for leisure, the Circle Line provides an additional and convenient transport option, including those who currently drive," said the Transport Minister.
  
  The 11 new stations, along with five others that are already operating, are expected to bring ridership to about 200,000 a day.
  
  http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1050652/1/.html

   

  underlined portion, bolded : 28 only takes 12mins and ezlink card fare is $0.91! what they take until 38mins and $1.61???

• supremebull

  17 Apr 10, 13:53

  I think CNA assumed a train-only journey,which means Bartley to Bishan, Bishan to City Hall, City Hall to Paya Lebar

  as stupid as it may seem...

• Samuel Lee

  17 Apr 10, 15:31

  So, previously without CCL Stage 1 & 2, the journey between Paya Lebar to Bartley cost how much and the time taken is how long? What is the difference now with the Stage 1 & 2 CCL, in terms of travel time & fares? I am confused......

• sinicker

  17 Apr 10, 20:14

  Originally posted by supremebull:

  I think CNA assumed a train-only journey,which means Bartley to Bishan, Bishan to City Hall, City Hall to Paya Lebar

  as stupid as it may seem...

  i just checked. what you said is true. they expected people to take train only, $1.61.

• jcqh

  18 Apr 10, 15:21

  MRT Circle Line’s 11 new stations open to much fanfare

  SINGAPORE : The Circle Line’s 11 new MRT stations opened on Saturday to much fanfare.

  As at 8pm Saturday, SMRT had a ridership of some 220,000.

  SMRT said with the new stations, travel time can be reduced by over half an hour on certain routes, and commuters can save up to 41 per cent in adult fares.

  The long wait is over for self—professed train enthusiast Ong You Yuan when the train rolled in at Paya Lebar Station.

  "I waited five to six years, and finally it opened, so I want to catch the first train in the morning," said the 18—year—old Ong.

  Over at the Stadium Station, Taiwanese pop band SHE got in on the act.

  They were there for a meet—and—greet session with some 900 fans before performing later in the evening.

  SMRT prepared for this surge in traffic.

  "In Stadium (Station) itself, we are expecting a large crowd for the SHE event. We are putting in some 20—plus additional station personnel there to help out in the station management, passenger flows and the crowd control (issues)," said Chia Chun Wah, deputy director of Station Operations, SMRT Trains.

  Previously, concert—goers had to go to the Kallang MRT Station, transfer to a bus or walk to reach the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Now, they can take the Circle Line service and alight at the Stadium Station, which is just a stone’s throw away from one of the country’s most popular concert venues.

  And this is making some concert—goers, very happy.

  "(With the) Circle Line, I can travel to Bishan (and) use the Circle (Line route) to travel here. It’s faster and easier," said one member of the public.

  "It used to take about one—plus hour, now only 16 minutes," said another.

  SMRT expects daily ridership of about 200,000 with the 16 Circle Line stations now open. — CNA /ls

• Din89

  18 Apr 10, 15:51

  Originally posted by jcqh:

  MRT Circle Line’s 11 new stations open to much fanfare

  SINGAPORE : The Circle Line’s 11 new MRT stations opened on Saturday to much fanfare.

  As at 8pm Saturday, SMRT had a ridership of some 220,000.

  SMRT said with the new stations, travel time can be reduced by over half an hour on certain routes, and commuters can save up to 41 per cent in adult fares.

  The long wait is over for self—professed train enthusiast Ong You Yuan when the train rolled in at Paya Lebar Station.

  "I waited five to six years, and finally it opened, so I want to catch the first train in the morning," said the 18—year—old Ong.

  Over at the Stadium Station, Taiwanese pop band SHE got in on the act.

  They were there for a meet—and—greet session with some 900 fans before performing later in the evening.

  SMRT prepared for this surge in traffic.

  "In Stadium (Station) itself, we are expecting a large crowd for the SHE event. We are putting in some 20—plus additional station personnel there to help out in the station management, passenger flows and the crowd control (issues)," said Chia Chun Wah, deputy director of Station Operations, SMRT Trains.

  Previously, concert—goers had to go to the Kallang MRT Station, transfer to a bus or walk to reach the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Now, they can take the Circle Line service and alight at the Stadium Station, which is just a stone’s throw away from one of the country’s most popular concert venues.

  And this is making some concert—goers, very happy.

  "(With the) Circle Line, I can travel to Bishan (and) use the Circle (Line route) to travel here. It’s faster and easier," said one member of the public.

  "It used to take about one—plus hour, now only 16 minutes," said another.

  SMRT expects daily ridership of about 200,000 with the 16 Circle Line stations now open. — CNA /ls

  So that is youyan,the guy i saw on TV yesterday...i thought he is Willis Chong!!

• willis_chong

  18 Apr 10, 15:53

  Originally posted by Din89:

  So that is youyan,the guy i saw on TV yesterday...i thought he is Willis Chong!!

  I entered via Bishan la. :S

• sbst272

  19 Apr 10, 21:27

  Finally... i found the news from Omy (06/04/2010):

  Taking photo at the MRT platform and post online, Public: safe?

  (�地�月�照片放上网, 公众：安全�?)

  http://news.omy.sg/News/Local%2BNews/Story/OMYStory201004061457-141440.html

• jcqh

  19 Apr 10, 21:31

  Originally posted by sbst272:

  Finally... i found the news from Omy (06/04/2010):

  Taking photo at the MRT platform and post online, Public: safe?

  (�地�月�照片放上网, 公众：安全�?)

  http://news.omy.sg/News/Local%2BNews/Story/OMYStory201004061457-141440.html

  HEY! That Sony Bravia pic was taken by me!!

  Willis was "mentioned" too...

  "本地一个地é“�å�‘烧å�‹ç½‘上论å�›ä¹Ÿåœ¨çˆ†ç‚¸æ¡ˆå�‘生å�Žä¸¤å¤©ï¼Œè´´å‡ºå‘Šç¤ºï¼ŒåŠ�请热衷æ‹�摄地é“�列车照片和录åƒ�的网å�‹ä»Šå�Ž“多加克制”，因为“如果你被å�‘现（å�·æ‹�地é“�），å�¯èƒ½ä¸�会å†�åƒ�以å‰�那样被轻易饶æ�•ï¼Œç”šè‡³å�¯èƒ½è¢«å½“场逮æ�•ã€‚"

• willis_chong

  19 Apr 10, 21:55

  Originally posted by sbst272:

  Finally... i found the news from Omy (06/04/2010):

  Taking photo at the MRT platform and post online, Public: safe?

  (�地�月�照片放上网, 公众：安全�?)

  http://news.omy.sg/News/Local%2BNews/Story/OMYStory201004061457-141440.html

  I have a bad feeling about this.

• jcqh

  19 Apr 10, 22:01

  Originally posted by willis_chong:

  I have a bad feeling about this.

  After reading this, I think we should really stop uploading pics of trains for the time being. I'm not sure of how long, but it would be a long while... We can still take pics of trains for personal reference and sharing among ourselves, but play safe, try as best as possible not to upload them.

• Samuel Lee

  19 Apr 10, 22:03

  Originally posted by jcqh:

  After reading this, I think we should really stop uploading pics of trains for the time being. I'm not sure of how long, but it would be a long while... We can still take pics of trains, but just do not upload them.

  Huh? Then must wait until all terrorist are eliminated? Where possible?

• willis_chong

  19 Apr 10, 22:06

  Originally posted by jcqh:

  After reading this, I think we should really stop uploading pics of trains for the time being. I'm not sure of how long, but it would be a long while... We can still take pics of trains for personal reference and sharing among ourselves, but play safe, try as best as possible not to upload them.

  Time for a new notice! Now lets minimize the number of videos/photos we upload. Only upload new ads and any new and/or special stuff, not general stuff.

• jcqh

  19 Apr 10, 22:08

  Originally posted by willis_chong:

  Time for a new notice! Now lets minimize the number of videos/photos we upload. Only upload new ads and any new and/or special stuff, not general stuff.

  Tell you what. The videos we upload, set them to private status. Then only certain people like us can watch them.

• willis_chong

  19 Apr 10, 22:11

  Originally posted by jcqh:

  Tell you what. The videos we upload, set them to private status. Then only certain people like us can watch them.

  Great idea! But photos just share lo... Only choice to make our enthusiasm persist... Without photos and videos there's not any fun for this hobby at all...

  You know what? It makes me feel sad... Train fans having this hobby is like restricted to have this hobby like that...

• jcqh

  19 Apr 10, 22:15

  Originally posted by willis_chong:

  Great idea! But photos just share lo... Only choice to make our enthusiasm persist... Without photos and videos there's not any fun for this hobby at all...

  You know what? It makes me feel sad... Train fans having this hobby is like restricted to have this hobby like that...

  I agree...

  But well, we gonna learn to be like Kevin... an avid train enthusiast even though he does not own any recording device. I guess it is still possible to enjoy this hobby so long as we do not get ourselves into trouble, as we would definitely get demoralised by them.