Longer-term approach needed to improve overall capacity of MRT system: Lim
By Sona Remesh | Posted: 19 July 2010 2242 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Raymond Lim said addressing the issue of train crowding has been one of the Ministry's top priorities.
However, he added that more needs to be done and a longer-term approach is needed to improve the overall capacity of the Mass-Rapid Transit (MRT) system significantly.
Mr Lim said average daily ridership on the North-South and East-West lines has gone up by about nine per cent compared to the same period last year.
Maximum train passenger loading during the morning peak hours has also crept up from about 1,400 per train in 2008, to between 1,450 and 1,500 per train currently.
However, this is still within the regulatory limits of 1,600 passengers per train.
Various initiatives to improve system capacity will start coming on-stream next year.
These include the Jurong East Modification Project, to allow more frequent train trips during peak periods, as well as the purchase of 22 additional trains.
This will enhance the capacity of the North-South and East-West lines by about 15 per cent, in 2011.
The opening of the remaining Circle Line next year will also relieve crowding levels on existing lines.
Work on the Downtown Line has also begun.
Mr Lim said this in a written answer to MP Baey Yam Keng and Nominated MP Calvin Cheng. - CNA/jm
By Sona Remesh | Posted: 19 July 2010 2242 hrs
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</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD class=update> </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
SINGAPORE: Transport Minister Raymond Lim said addressing the issue of train crowding has been one of the Ministry's top priorities.
However, he added that more needs to be done and a longer-term approach is needed to improve the overall capacity of the Mass-Rapid Transit (MRT) system significantly.
Mr Lim said average daily ridership on the North-South and East-West lines has gone up by about nine per cent compared to the same period last year.
Maximum train passenger loading during the morning peak hours has also crept up from about 1,400 per train in 2008, to between 1,450 and 1,500 per train currently.
However, this is still within the regulatory limits of 1,600 passengers per train.
Various initiatives to improve system capacity will start coming on-stream next year.
These include the Jurong East Modification Project, to allow more frequent train trips during peak periods, as well as the purchase of 22 additional trains.
This will enhance the capacity of the North-South and East-West lines by about 15 per cent, in 2011.
The opening of the remaining Circle Line next year will also relieve crowding levels on existing lines.
Work on the Downtown Line has also begun.
Mr Lim said this in a written answer to MP Baey Yam Keng and Nominated MP Calvin Cheng. - CNA/jm
