6 New MRT Stations for Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 To Open on Aug 28

The second stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL2) will begin operations on Aug 28, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Wednesday (Jun 30).

Comprising six MRT stations, from Springleaf to Caldecott, commuters can enjoy increased connectivity and shorter travelling times with the TEL2 opening.

Ready For Passenger Service After Two Revisions

The second stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL2) was originally scheduled to be opened by end-2020, before the first revision to open in the first quarter of 2021, and then its final revision to open in the third quarter of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic which affected the construction industry and measures to minimise teething issues of the signalling system before the opening of TEL2 were contributing factors that resulted in the two revisions.

Commuter-Centric Features Available in TEL2 Stations

Minister for Transport S Iswaran addresses the latest developments of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) through a Facebook Live at Caldecott MRT station. (Photo: LTA/FB)

Speaking at Caldecott MRT station on Wednesday (Jun 30), Transport Minister S Iswaran mentioned that the TEL greatly demonstrates the goal to make the public transport network “inclusive, user-friendly, and accessible to all commuters.”

Additionally, Mr Iswaran also highlighted that the features of Caldecott MRT station are targeted to benefit both Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped and Lighthouse School, which are in close proximity.

He added that lift buttons, platform seats and signages are equipped with greater colour contrasts, and the installation of lighting into the handrails of staircases, all of which are aimed to better support visually impaired commuters.

In addition, Mr Iswaran said that the seats on TEL platforms are built with backrests and handrails to benefit senior citizens and commuters with mobility difficulties.

Assisted Service Kiosks (ASK)

“Commuters can speak ‘face-to-face’ with a contact centre officer via video call at the Assisted Service Kiosks (ASK) when they need help with ticketing transactions.” (Photo: S Iswaran/FB)

Ergonomically Designed Seats on Train Platforms

“Our elderly commuters and those with mobility difficulties can also look forward to seats on train platforms which are built with backrests and handrails.” (Photo: S Iswaran/FB)

More Than 100,000 Households to Benefit With TEL2

When opened, over 100,000 households within a 10-minute walk from one of the nine stations along the TEL1 and TEL2 can expect travelling times to be halved.

The TEL2 will serve both residential and commercial facilities along Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson and Caldecott.

Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped

Additionally, Caldecott MRT station is an interchange station connecting to the Circle Line (CCL). Caldecott station will benefit members of the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) through shortened travelling time.

Republic Polytechnic

Benefitting from the TEL2 are staff and students from the Republic Polytechnic (RP). LTA estimated that a Sin Ming resident travelling to RP by public transport will have their travel time halved to 25 minutes, from 50 minutes before the opening of TEL2.

Click to learn more about Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) »

Check Out More Related Posts

Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 – On Track To Open In Q3 2021

Opening Soon: Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 – April 2021 Progress Update

Final Preparations for the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2

Related Links
Thomson-East Coast Line – SGTrains
Kawasaki-CRRC Sifang T251 – SGTrains
Signalling Systems – SGTrains
Circle Line – SGTrains

External Links
Speech by Minister for Transport, Mr S. Iswaran, at Media Visit to Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Caldecott Station – Ministry of Transport
Factsheet: Thomson–East Coast Line 2 to Welcome Commuters from 28 August 2021 – Land Transport Authority
Stage 2 of Thomson-East Coast MRT Line to open on Aug 28 – The Straits Times
Second stage of Thomson-East Coast Line to begin operations on Aug 28 – Channel NewsAsia
“#PSA Hooray, it’s official! ? ? Mark 28 August 2021 in your calendars ?️ for the start of passenger service at Thomson-East Coast Line’s Stage 2 stations (#TEL2)! ?” – LTA/FB
“Happy to announce that Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 2 (#TEL2) will open for passenger service from 28 August 2021!” – S Iswaran/FB

Photos adapted from S Iswaran/FB & LTA/FB