Singapore’s public transport system is known to be relatively reliable at getting you to where you want to go.
Even so, the MRT trains experience their fair share of breakdowns—earlier in April, train services on the Circle Line were disrupted for two hours, resulting in delays as long as 40 minutes for commuters on board.
That delay was caused by faulty parts in the signalling system, which has since been replaced. However, new faults in segments of the Circle Line (CCL) tunnel have just been detected—expect longer travelling times during certain periods in June while maintenance is underway.
Service Adjustments At Seven Stations
From 11 June to 20 July, train services at seven CCL stations will operate from only one platform after 9 pm on most days.
These seven stations are Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Nicoll Highway, Marina Bay and Bayfront.
Obviously, this means longer commutes—a statement by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) informs commuters that they should anticipate an extra travel time of up to 30 minutes, so make sure to take that into account when planning your journey.
The exact periods where that’ll occur are 11-15 June, 19-23 June, 25-27 June and 30 June. In July, prepare for longer journeys during 3-6 July, 9-13 July, and 17-20 July.
The disruptions will last for a period of six weeks till maintenance is complete.
What Exactly Are They Maintaining?
Singaporeans love to grumble about seemingly useless and unending road work, and MRT maintenance is probably not an exception.
In LTA’s statement, though, they explained what exactly this maintenance is for.
According to them, it was found during routine inspections that a small segment of the CCL tunnel has been subject to greater pressure.
This segment is located between Promenade and Nicoll Highway.
Although the LTA assessed that the fault “poses no safety risk” to CCL operations, they’re still planning to carry out maintenance as a precaution. Better to be safe than sorry, after all.
Over six weeks, workers will carry out strengthening works, including installing steel supports to tunnel rings.
“LTA and the operators will continue to regularly monitor tunnels used for rail operations as part of our maintenance regime,” they expressed.
If you plan to take the Circle Line at affected stations during this period, make sure to account for extra travel time caused by the service adjustments. Factor in an additional thirty minutes when you plan your commute.
You can also use other rail lines and transfer to the Circle Line at different stations—take the North-South Line and transfer at Bishan, or the East-West Line and transfer at Paya Lebar.
Of course, you can always take the bus too.
According to the LTA’s announcement, shuttle train services will be available at around 15-20 minute headways between the affected stations—shuttle train services will be provided between Dhoby Ghaut and Promenade, as well as between Marina Bay and Stadium.
In case you forget, there’ll be posters and station announcements at all CCL stations reminding you of the disruption.
If you’d like, you can download LTA’s MyTransport.SG app on your phone, or follow LTA’s official social media accounts to find out more.