Branded
Shuttle train & bus services available from Jan. 17 to Apr. 19 during Circle Line’s tunnel works
Take note.
Do you use the Circle Line (CCL) to travel?
Take note that travelling time along the CCL will be longer due to tunnel works.
From Jan. 17 to Apr. 19, the two tunnels connecting Mountbatten (CC7), Dakota (CC8) and Paya Lebar (CC9) stations on the CCL will be closed one at a time. A shuttle train will run between the stations at 10-minute intervals.
How to navigate service adjustments
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has advised commuters to anticipate longer travel times, with waiting times of up to 30 minutes during peak hours. Train frequencies will also be lower across the entire CCL.
Visual of service adjustments along affected stretch. Image from LTA.
Shuttle trains and buses are available for commuters who need to travel along the CCL.
CCL interchange stations, like Bishan and Serangoon, are also expected to be crowded during these times.
To reduce disruptions to your commute, do keep tabs on the alternate MRT lines or regular bus services that can help you complete your journey with less delay.
Here are some options you may consider for your commute.
Shuttle trains
If you need to travel along the Circle Line, shuttle trains will operate on one platform between Paya Lebar (CC9) and Mountbatten (CC7) stations.
The trains will operate at 10-minute frequencies using the tunnel that remains open, while other sectors of CCL will have lower frequencies.
Weekday peak-period shuttle buses from Jan. 5
Shuttle bus services will operate during weekday peak periods to bring commuters to unaffected parts of the train network.
The services have commenced since Jan. 5, two weeks before the start of the tunnel closure, so you can familiarise yourself with a new travel route.
These services follow the same fare structure as trains:
- Shuttle bus service 38 between Paya Lebar and Stadium stations
- Operating hours: Weekdays between 6:30am to 9:30am and 5pm to 8pm
- Frequency: Every six to 10 minutes
- One-way shuttle bus service 37A from Serangoon station to Tai Seng, Macpherson and Paya Lebar stations
- Operating hours: Weekdays from 7am to 9am
- Frequency: Every three to five minutes.
- One-way shuttle bus service 37B from Tai Seng station to Bishan station
- Operating hours: Weekdays from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
- Frequency: Every three to five minutes
- One-way shuttle bus service 37C from Tai Seng station to Serangoon station
- Operating hours: from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
- Frequency: Every three to five minutes
Other travel routes
It may be faster and more convenient to take other MRT lines to bypass the affected stretch on the CCL.
- If you are travelling from the North East region to the west (from Tuas Link to Buona Vista stations): Take the North East Line (NEL) to Outram Park interchange station and continue your journey on the East-West Line (EWL).
- If you are travelling from the North East region to one-north, Kent Ridge and Buona Vista stations: Take the NEL to HarbourFront interchange station and continue your journey on the CCL.
Graphic via Mothership
Alternative routes using public bus services
If these routes don’t meet your needs, fret not. You can consider regular bus services to complete your journey too.
From Serangoon to Buona Vista or Labrador Park
- To Buona Vista:
- Take bus 105 from Serangoon Interchange (bus stop 66009) to Opp Blk 43 (Commonwealth Ave) (bus stop 11181).
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- To Labrador Park:
- Take bus 100 from Serangoon Interchange (bus stop 66009) to Alexandra Retail Centre (Alexandra Road) (bus stop 15041).
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 8 minutes
From Bishan to Tai Seng or Labrador Park
- To Tai Seng:
- Take bus 58 from Bishan Interchange (bus stop 53009) to Aft Tai Seng Stn Exit C (Upp Paya Lebar Rd) (bus stop 70289).
- Estimated travel time: 36 minutes
- To Labrador Park:
- Take bus 57 from Bishan Interchange (bus stop 53009) to Alexandra Retail Centre (Alexandra Road) (bus stop 15041).
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 12 minutes
From Jurong East to one-north or Kent Ridge
- To one-north:
- Take bus 198 from Jurong East Library (Jurong Town Hall Road) (bus stop 28249) to Opp Ayer Rajah Ind Est (Buona Vista Flyover) (bus stop 18121).
- Estimated travel time: 37 minutes
- To Kent Ridge:
- Take bus 198 from Jurong East Library (Jurong Town Hall Road) (bus stop 28249) or buses 97 or 197 from Jurong East Interchange (Jurong Gateway Road) (bus stop 28009) and alight at Opp NUH Buona Vista Flyover (bus stop 18079).
- Estimated travel time: 36 minutes
From Boon Lay to one-north or Kent Ridge
- To one-north:
- Take bus 198 from Boon Lay Interchange (bus stop 22009) to Opp Ayer Rajah Ind Est (Buona Vista Flyover) (bus stop 18121).
- Estimated travel time: 57 minutes
- To Kent Ridge:
- Take bus 198 from Boon Lay Interchange (bus stop 22009) to Opp NUH Buona Vista Flyover (bus stop 18079).
- Estimated travel time: 56 minutes
Why are the tunnel works necessary?
Some stretches of the CCL are built on soft marine clay which is a soft and compressible soil.
This type of soil may continue to settle slightly over time even after tunnelling works are completed.
Graphic via Mothership
Such settlement causes tunnel squatting, a common phenomenon which may lead to structural defects in the tunnel in the long term and possible disruptions in train operations if left unaddressed.
LTA has been monitoring the tunnels and identified three localised sectors of the CCL tunnels between Stadium and Paya Lebar stations that are more affected by tunnel squatting.
The ongoing tunnel works will strengthen these tunnels, ensuring a smoother journey in the future.
For now, plan ahead and safe travels, everyone!
This branded article by the Land Transport Authority made this writer want to explore new travel routes now.
Top photo from Land Transport Guru
