Singapore Outlines New Initiatives To Increase Rail Capacity
To improve train frequencies, the signalling system for the North-South-East-West Line (NSEWL) will be upgraded from 2011 to allow trains to run at shorter time intervals.
The Jurong East Modification Project, when completed in May 2011, and the addition of new trains will increase NSEWL’s capacity.
More trains will also be added to the North-East Line.
These initiatives will shorten the waiting time for commuters
Singapore’s rail network will be expanded and upgraded over the next decade to cater to the increased demand in commuter travel. Since the launch of the Land Transport Masterplan (LTMP) in 2008, the rail network has expanded to include the Boon Lay Extension, and the Circle Line Stages 1, 2 and 3 (Marymount to Dhoby Ghaut).
Based on a recent review that MOT/ LTA has done with the public transport operators to update and reassess the expected travel demand on our rail network, several new initiatives beyond what have been announced in the LTMP will be implemented over the next few years to enhance the capacity of the North-South-East-West Line (NSEWL) and the North-East Line (NEL).
Upgrading of the signalling system for NSEWL
To further improve train frequencies, the signalling system for the NSEWL will undergo a major upgrading programme from 2011.
This upgrade will allow trains to run at intervals of 100 seconds at peak periods, compared to the existing intervals of 120 seconds.
This would translate to shorter waiting times for commuters and a 20 per cent improvement to the existing capacity.
Additional trains will also have to be purchased for the NSEWL to reap the full benefits of its upgraded signalling capability.
Given the complexity of upgrading the signalling system on a line that is in operation, the improved signalling system will be completed in stages, with works on the North-South Line expected to be completed first in about six years, followed by the East-West Line about two years later.
This will enable the operator to meet the higher commuter traffic in the medium to long-term.
Adding more trains to the North East Line (NEL)
The capacity of the 20-kilometre NEL will also receive a boost with the purchase of new trains, scheduled to arrive in about four to five years’ time.
These trains will augment the capacity of the NEL and cater to the future ridership growth along the north-east corridor from HarbourFront to Punggol. We expect to progressively increase the peak capacity for the NEL by about 50 per cent.
All these initiatives will help to reduce loading pressures on the NSEWL and NEL, and will complement the additional capacity that will be available when the Circle Line Stages 4 and 5 (Marymount to HarbourFront) and the Downtown Line are completed.
Completion of the Jurong East Modification Project (JEMP)
We are also pleased to announce that the JEMP is targeted for completion in May 2011. We expect to have about five of the 22 new trains to be delivered when JEMP is completed.
By 2012, the NSEWL’s capacity is expected to increase by about 15 per cent when all 22 new trains are added to the system.
Commuters will then be able to enjoy a shorter waiting time of between two to three minutes during the peak periods, compared to the existing 2.5 to 4.5 minutes.
The LTA and public transport operators are mindful of the increasing travel demand on our rail network.
We are fully committed to ensure that we do all we can to increase our rail capacity to meet the needs of the commuting public and improve the overall travel experience for our commuters.
Topics: 2010, Asia, capacity enhancement, commuters, economic development, economic growth, Economy, Governance, government, higher train frequencies, JEMP, Jurong East Modification Project, Land Transport Masterplan, LTA, moniter, monitor, NEL, news, North East Line, North South East West line, NSEWL, Pacific, population growth, public transport, rail, rail network, singalling, Singapore, vehicle population growth
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