Marking a key milestone for the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 (TEL2), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Friday (Apr 30) the handing over of TEL2 stations and operations to rail operator SMRT.
The TEL2 is slated to be opened in the third quarter later this year.
Major Works for the TEL2 Stations Completed
Upper Thomson MRT station of the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 (TEL2)
LTA said that stations along TEL2 have completed civil & structural works, with some architectural, electrical and mechanical works still ongoing.
“Rigorous testing and commissioning of the trains and systems for TEL2, including tests to ensure that the new stations operate seamlessly with the three TEL1 stations” have also been completed, added LTA.
Handing Over of Operations to SMRT
LTA mentioned that following the handover, “SMRT will conduct its tests to validate the operational readiness of TEL2 systems and familiarise its staff with TEL2 operations.” The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is the fourth MRT line to be operated by rail operator SMRT.
Thomson-East Coast Line Beneficial for Many Commuters
Comprising of six MRT stations, from Springleaf to Caldecott, the TEL2 will benefit residents from over 100,000 households within a 10-minute walk from one of the nine stations along TEL1 and TEL2.
Shorter Travelling Times to the North
A Kawasaki-CRRC Sifang T251 train at Woodlands South MRT station of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
LTA estimated that commuters can expect time savings of up to 50 per cent when travelling via these stations. A Sin Ming resident travelling to Republic Polytechnic by public transport will have their travelling time halved to 25 minutes, from the 50 minutes of today.
Increased Convenience for members of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped
Members of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped with SMRT staff (Photo: SMRT)
Additionally, Caldecott MRT station will be an interchange station connecting to the Circle Line (CCL) and will massively benefit members of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH). SMRT completed a familiarisation tour with the visually impaired staff of SAVH on Wednesday (Apr 28).
Click to learn more about the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) »
Related Posts
Opening Soon: Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 – April 2021 Progress Update
Related Links
Thomson-East Coast Line – SGTrains
Circle Line – SGTrains
External Links
Handover of Thomson – East Coast Line 2 Stations to SMRT – LTA
“Woohoo, we got something to #TEL you! ?? We’ve completed civil and structural works for six #TEL2 stations —Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson and Caldecott! ?” – LTA/FB
“SMRT station staff from the Thomson-East Coast Line (#TEL) guided SAVH members by highlighting safety pointers along the way, and briefing them on directions at road crossings so that they can help them mentally visualise the vicinity better.” – SMRT/FB
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped – SAVH
Pictures adapted from LTA and SMRT
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