If you’ve not heard, train services will be disrupted along the East portion of the East-West Line from 7th-10th December 2024. No, it’s not another train breakdown, but the laying of new tracks to connect the EWL to the new East Coast Integrated Depot.
Thankfully, we can pre-empt and make necessary adjustments this time. So, for all affected Easties, here are some preparations and alternatives for a smooth commute to and fro work or school.
Image credit: Land Transport Authority via Facebook
If you live along the East portion of the line, you would probably already know of the service adjustments happening from 7th-10th December. But, for the uninitiated or peeps living in other parts of the island, now might be a good time to note the train disruptions expected between Tanah Merah and Pasir Ris MRT stations as well as the stations towards Changi Airport.
Thankfully for Westies, we won’t have to endure the horror of the EW line train disruptions again. Rest assured that operations along the rest of the East-West line are normal.
Affected MRT stations during this period are Tanah Merah, Simei, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Expo, and Changi Airport.
Just to be safe, we’d factor in at least 20-30 minutes extra travelling time while planning your journey. Tough, I know, but half of the disruption is happening over the weekends, so it’s really only 2 working days that’ll require you to set your alarms just a wee bit earlier.
Image credit: Land Transport Authority via Facebook
Shuttle 7 will be the main bus service between Tanah Merah and Tampines stations. The buses will operate at frequencies of every 3 to 5 minutes, and hours will follow the first and last train times of the East-West Line.
Image credit: SMRT Corporation
If you’re going to be taking the trains per normal, there’s also shuttle train services available. The stations and frequencies are:
| Stations | Train frequency |
| Between Tampines and Pasir Ris | 5 minutes |
| Between Tanah Merah and Expo | 8 minutes |
| Between Expo and Changi Airport | 11 minutes |
Train frequencies on the Downtown Line will also be increasing during the disruptions.
Unfortunately, shuttle services are not free to the public this time around. Fares for the shuttle buses will be the same as regular train fares, while the rates for shuttle trains will remain the same.
We’ll definitely be expecting some level of crowd at the affected stations. Consider changing your routes, especially if your destination is also accessible via other MRT lines. Some options are:
Let’s not get too stressed over the MRT disruptions. As long as you make the necessary adjustments and factor in extra time, things should be A-OK. We hope that you’ll be able to plan your journey in advance with this guide. Do visit LTA’s website for more information and updates.
For other fun transport reads:
Cover image adapted from: SMRT Corporation
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