Circle Line begin operations on 28 May 2009
Circle Line to open 2 days ahead of schedule, fares identical to NEL
By Channel NewsAsia Posted: 16 April 2009 1202 hrs
SINGAPORE: Commuters can look forward to the first stretch of the Circle Line starting operations two days earlier than scheduled, with fares identical to those on the North East Line (NEL).
The five new MRT stations of the Circle Line from Bartley to Marymount will begin operations on May 28.
The Public Transport Council (PTC) said on Thursday train commuters will either see fare savings or no changes in fares.
Fares will cost between 73 cents and S$2.07 if they are paid using an Ez-link Card.
For example, travelling from Bishan Junction 8 to Serangoon (interchange) on current train lines with a transfer at Dhoby Ghaut interchange will take 31 minutes and cost commuters S$1.60.
Another option is to take bus service 58 which will mean 16 minutes of travelling time and will cost close to one dollar.
However, travelling on the Circle Line now will take only four minutes with commuters paying only 83 cents.
The PTC expects a daily ridership of 55,000.
The council says the Circle Line will cost more to operate and maintain compared to current train systems.
This is because of the air-conditioning and lighting used in the train stations as well as the fire protection and ventilation features used in the underground train depot.
The PTC says the projected unit operating cost of the Circle Line is at least 2.5 times that of the North South Line and East West Line and about the same as that of the North East Line.
Chairman of PTC, Gerard Ee said: "The initial years, the Circle Line is going to make a loss. So it's not a question of trying to peg the fares (to make the Circle Line) viable straight away.”
The Land Transport Authority says the Central Bus Network Planner will review the need to adjust bus routes when more stages of the Circle Line open up. But for now, bus operators say they will not be adjusting their bus routes.
A few private bus operators have expressed interest in providing bus services to some of the five Circle Line stations to further enhance the connectivity around the residential estates and the stations.
One operator has already submitted an application to the PTC to operate a premium bus service to link Sin Ming Estate to Marymount Station.
The 5.7-kilometre stretch of Circle Line has five stations - Bartley, Serangoon (interchange), Lorong Chuan, Bishan (interchange) and Marymount Stations.
More stages of the Circle Line are expected to open progressively from 2010 onwards.
By Channel NewsAsia Posted: 16 April 2009 1202 hrs
SINGAPORE: Commuters can look forward to the first stretch of the Circle Line starting operations two days earlier than scheduled, with fares identical to those on the North East Line (NEL).
The five new MRT stations of the Circle Line from Bartley to Marymount will begin operations on May 28.
The Public Transport Council (PTC) said on Thursday train commuters will either see fare savings or no changes in fares.
Fares will cost between 73 cents and S$2.07 if they are paid using an Ez-link Card.
For example, travelling from Bishan Junction 8 to Serangoon (interchange) on current train lines with a transfer at Dhoby Ghaut interchange will take 31 minutes and cost commuters S$1.60.
Another option is to take bus service 58 which will mean 16 minutes of travelling time and will cost close to one dollar.
However, travelling on the Circle Line now will take only four minutes with commuters paying only 83 cents.
The PTC expects a daily ridership of 55,000.
The council says the Circle Line will cost more to operate and maintain compared to current train systems.
This is because of the air-conditioning and lighting used in the train stations as well as the fire protection and ventilation features used in the underground train depot.
The PTC says the projected unit operating cost of the Circle Line is at least 2.5 times that of the North South Line and East West Line and about the same as that of the North East Line.
Chairman of PTC, Gerard Ee said: "The initial years, the Circle Line is going to make a loss. So it's not a question of trying to peg the fares (to make the Circle Line) viable straight away.”
The Land Transport Authority says the Central Bus Network Planner will review the need to adjust bus routes when more stages of the Circle Line open up. But for now, bus operators say they will not be adjusting their bus routes.
A few private bus operators have expressed interest in providing bus services to some of the five Circle Line stations to further enhance the connectivity around the residential estates and the stations.
One operator has already submitted an application to the PTC to operate a premium bus service to link Sin Ming Estate to Marymount Station.
The 5.7-kilometre stretch of Circle Line has five stations - Bartley, Serangoon (interchange), Lorong Chuan, Bishan (interchange) and Marymount Stations.
More stages of the Circle Line are expected to open progressively from 2010 onwards.
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