TEL & DTL train service adjustments

It may seem as if the train services are constantly being disrupted in 2026, with the Circle Line train service disruptions having just wrapped up and the ongoing closure of the Sengkang West LRT Inner Loop. And now, there are 2 more service adjustments being added to that list – the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Downtown Line (DTL) will have their service adjusted from May to September 2026.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming TEL and DTL train service adjustments, from affected stations to shuttle buses available.

When will the train service adjustments happen?

TEL train service adjustments from May to July 2026

Image credit: Flo Yeow via Google Maps

Commuters on the TEL can expect early closure on Fridays and late openings on Saturdays from May to July 2026, with the exact dates as follows:

On days with early closure, train services will end at 11.30pm, while on days with late openings, train services will begin at 8.30am.

DTL train service adjustments from July to September 2026

Image credit: CT via Google Maps

Similarly, commuters on the DTL can expect early closure on Fridays and late openings on Saturdays from July to September 2026, with the exact dates as follows:

Likewise, train services will end at 11.30pm on days with early closure, and begin at 8.30am on days with late openings.

Why are the TEL and DTL train service disruptions happening?

Stations on the TEL.
Image credit: LTA

It’s not exactly ideal having to deal with shorter train service hours, but these adjustments are necessary to carry out final tests ahead of the TEL Stage 5 and DTL Stage 3 openings in the 2nd half of 2026.

Stations on the DTL.
Image credit: LTA

Brown line commuters can look forward to the openings of the Bedok South and Sungei Bedok stations on the TEL. As for the blue line, new station additions include Xilin and Sungei Bedok, so residents in the Marine Parade vicinity can look forward to easier transfers to the East-West Line and the TEL for more commuting options to the city.

Alternative routes to consider

Image credit: LTA

If you’re worried about how these disruptions might affect your travel plans, you can ease your worries as shuttle bus services will be provided on the affected late opening days.

For TEL, there will be 3 shuttle bus services operating on all late opening Saturdays.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the shuttle buses for the Thomson East Coast Line late opening dates:

Similarly, the DTL will see 3 shuttle bus services being provided for all late opening dates, with the breakdown as follows:

These shuttle bus services will commence at 5am and end at 8.30am with an interval of 5 to 10 minutes, so do take that into account while planning your route. There will also be no shuttle bus services offered during the early closure on Fridays for both the TEL and DTL. Fares will also mirror the fare structure of trains.

You can also choose to take regular bus services in order to avoid the anticipated crowd directed to the shuttles. Alternatively, there are other MRT lines to consider for transit during your journey.

Make adjustments to your travel route during the TEL & DTL service disruptions

Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: LTAsg via X

The constant train service adjustments might feel like a hassle now, but trust that these are necessary to make your journey easier in the long run.

For more MRT-related reads:

• Cross Island Line
• Best MRT Toilets
• Things to do near Circle Line stations

Cover image adapted from: CT & Flo Yeow via Google Maps, LTAsg via X