Stage 3 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) started passenger services on November 13, 2022. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore and transport operator SMRT Corporation conducted extensive testing to ensure the systems can cope during both peak hours and off-peak hours. They conducted tests using higher train frequencies than those used for passenger services in anticipation of the increased train frequency and ridership.
TEL3 to cut off-peak train intervals to 6 minutes
Trains on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will arrive at stations every six minutes during off-peak hours. Trains typically arrive at stations every two to three minutes on other MRT lines during the peak hours of 7 am to 9 am, and every five to seven minutes during off-peak times. Peak-hour train frequency for the TEL will remain at five minutes
Transport Minister S Iswaran said in his speech that the rail network “is the backbone of our public transport system” and “we have made it a priority to design and build a well-connected and resilient rail network”.
“TEL3 is yet another step towards this goal, as it connects with every other MRT line,” said Mr. Iswaran.
About Thomson-East Coast Line
Bringing mass rapid transit (MRT) stations closer to homes and destinations will encourage more to use public transport. Taking the train generates 90% less carbon emissions than driving an internal combustion engine car. With this in mind, TEL was designed with more station entrances and covered link ways to nearby residential estates and amenities.
TEL alone is projected to serve over 500,000 daily passengers in the initial years, rising to 1 million in the longer term. Another two stations along TEL3, Mount Pleasant and Marina South, will open in the future when housing developments around them are ready. TEL will be further extended to Changi Airport in the future. TEL will provide an interchange with the Rapid Transit System Link when it opens in 2026. Singaporeans can look forward to even better connectivity, within Singapore and also with Johor Bahru.
SMRT, the operator of TEL3, is planning to roll out Project Overwatch to the Operations Control Centre (OCC) at Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). In Project Overwatch, SMRT engineers will use video analytics and artificial intelligence to quickly respond to train traffic anomalies.
Commenting on the same, SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “When we work together, the good we achieve is not just for ourselves now, but also for the generations that come after us.”
Seah Moon Ming further added: “We worked closely with LTA and system suppliers to prepare for a smooth opening of Stage 3 of the new Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).”
Ngien Hoon Ping, SMRT CEO, said: “Our work is purposeful. We promise to do the right things right no matter how challenging it is to do so. We want to also do good and do well for our employees, our customers, and the communities around us.”
Conclusion
The off-peak hour train interval will be cut from nine to six minutes as phase three of TEL opens. Meanwhile, LTA and SMRT are putting in the work, and testing on TEL4, which is slated to open years away, has also started.
About the Author
Sheo-un Lee
Sheo-un is a senior transportation planning manager at a Germany-based company. He is
responsible for establishing standards for train technologies' overall operation, productivity, efficiency, quality, and safety. His articles share his reviews and insights on public transportation in different countries. He enjoys painting in his free time. As ridership on the TEL increases, LTA will be reviewing train frequencies.
