Sunday, April 25, 2010

Circle Line (MRT)

I took my first ride on the extended Circle Line yesterday from Dhoby Ghaut to Bras Basah. It was an enjoyable ride. The walking distance between the platforms from the NE Line and Circle Line was quite acceptable.

On my return journey, I took the Circle Line from Bras Basah to Bishan to change to the NE Line. Although the distance and travelling time is longer, I could get a seat, as the train is not crowded.
This new line has expanded the capacity of the train system and should be able to give the commuters a more comfortable ride.

The Circle Line allows commuters from the North to get to Tampines or Changi by changing at Bishan to Paya Lebar. It took 6 stops, compared to 13 stops from Bishan to Raffles City and to Paya Lebar on the NE Line and the EW Line.

If I travel light, I will go to airport from my home by train and return by train.

Tan Kin Lian
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

>>..I could get a seat

Enjoy while u can....

April 26, 2010 3:10 PM
A Singaporean said...

I think you mean NS line rather than NE line. NS line is the red colour line from Jurong East to Marina Bay; NE line is the purple colour line from Harbourfront to Punggol.

It takes quite a while for people to adjust to a new line. Prior to the opening of the Circle Line was the opening of the NE line. In the first few years, ridership was below expectations, below the breakeven level. During those years, I am able to get seats and the trip is comfortable. But it was loss-making for SBS Transit and there was talk of selling the line to SMRT. Now, NE line can get as jam packed as NS EW lines to the point that people cannot board the train during the peak period. I thought, welcome to Tokyo. This line is now bringing SBS Transit a lot of profits. So, enjoy comfortable trips on the Circle line while you can. It might take several years for people to adjust their traveling patterns. By then it might not be so comfortable anymore.

April 27, 2010 11:31 AM

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