SMRT deploys more manpower & resources to ease planned EWL Tampines-Tanah Merah disruption from Dec. 7-10

To minimize inconvenience to commuters ahead of the planned East-West Line train disruption, SMRT is working closely with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to "significantly enhance" operational efforts, said Lam Sheau Kai, President of SMRT Trains.

Train services between Tampines and Tanah Merah Stations will not run from Dec. 7 to 10 due to the planned track works.

The four-day-long operation will see the connection of tracks from the East-West Line (EWL) to the East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID), according to LTA and SMRT, in a joint news release on Dec. 4, 2024.

"More than five times more manpower deployed"

In anticipation of the disruption, SMRT has deployed more than "five times more manpower" across the affected stations, said Lam.

He added that site surveys were also conducted during the preparation phase to identify the most suitable shuttle bus boarding points for commuters.

To ensure commuter comfort, tentage equipped with fans, enhanced walkways, designated priority areas for senior citizens, and Personal Mobility Aids (PMA) users have been set up.

Water points have also been stationed at key queue areas with longer waiting times, shared Lam, citing Simei as an example due to its sole reliance on bus services for this period of time.

There will be signs

Signs were also installed throughout the transport network.

Leaflets were also given out — starting a week in advance — to proactively engage with commuters and alert them of the disruption ahead of time, added Lam.

Acknowledging that such disruptions may cause inconvenience to commuters, Lam thanked commuters for their understanding.

"We deeply appreciate commuters’ patience and understanding during this period".

Shuttle trains, buses available

Shuttle trains will operate between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations at the following intervals:

• Tampines and Pasir Ris: Every five minutes
• Tanah Merah and Expo: Every eight minutes
• Expo and Changi Airport: Every 11 minutes

A shuttle bus service (Shuttle 7) will also be available, running between Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations.

The bus will serve commuters from the first train to the last train timings and operate at a frequency of between three to five minutes.

Advised to plan in advance

Commuters are advised to plan their travel in advance, and factor up to 20 minutes of additional travelling time, said LTA in a press release.

For the latest updates, commuters can check the LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA’s and SMRT’s social media platforms.

Station staff will be available at affected stations to assist commuters during the train service adjustment period.

Train frequencies for the rest of the EWL will remain unaffected.

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Top image from SMRT