The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced that train services between Tanah Merah and Tampines MRT stations will be suspended from December 7 to December 10 to facilitate track connections for the new East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID). During this period, the affected segment of the East-West Line (EWL) will be inaccessible for safety reasons.
According to LTA, a shuttle bus service named “shuttle 7” will operate between Tampines, Simei, and Tanah Merah stations at a frequency of three to five minutes while the train services are suspended. The fare structure for the shuttle bus service will be equivalent to that used for trains.
The temporary closure of the Tanah Merah and Tampines stations will impact adjacent sections of the EWL, necessitating adjustments to train services. LTA stated, “To address this, shuttle trains will operate every five minutes between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, every eight minutes between Tanah Merah and Expo stations, and every 11 minutes between Expo and Changi Airport stations.”
Moreover, LTA plans to increase the frequency of trains on the Downtown Line (DTL) during the affected period by adding four more trips per hour to lessen the impact on commuters. However, individuals traveling through the affected EWL stations are encouraged to consider alternative routes via the DTL and other MRT lines for shorter travel times.
An LTA spokesperson mentioned that the disruptions are essential for connecting the EWL tracks to the ECID, involving the removal of existing tracks, sleepers, and third rails along the existing EWL viaduct. The spokesperson added, “Works are progressing well for the ECID, which is slated to be the world’s first integrated four-in-one depot.”
In conclusion, LTA assures commuters that they will continue to plan works meticulously to minimize disruptions. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and stay updated through LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app and their social media platforms for real-time updates.
