Shorter Waits with More Train Trips

MRT commuters can now expect shorter waiting times for trains, especially during off-peak periods. More trains and train trips have been progressively deployed for the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) over the year during the off-peak periods.

2. In 2014, a total of 13 new trains were added to the NSEWL, increasing the train fleet from 128 to 141. The addition of these new trains has allowed older trains to be taken off from operational service for resignalling upgrading works. The overall average peak wait for NSEWL now stands at 2.3 minutes, from 2.5 minutes in January 2014, an overall improvement of 8%. SMRT has also reduced off-peak headway to between 4 and 5 minutes except when trains have to be withdrawn due to maintenance activities.  In total, about 400 or 5% of the weekly train trips have been improved on the NSEWL, compared to 2013.

3. For the North East Line (NEL), SBST has deployed more NEL train trips during the heaviest evening peak period since July 2014. This has improved headway to 2.7 minutes from 3 minutes previously. Three more trains have also been deployed during off-peak periods since January 2014 so that the off-peak headway is not more than 5 minutes except when trains have to be withdrawn due to maintenance activities. In summary, NEL has added about 400 or close to 14% more weekly train trips since January 2014. There will be further improvements in morning peak headways as new trains are delivered from 2015 to 2016.

4. For the Circle Line (CCL), over 390, or 8.4% more weekly trips have been added since January 2014, reducing off-peak wait times to between 5 and 6 minutes. Peak headways are maintained at 3.5 minutes. This will improve as new trains are delivered from 2015 to 2016.

5. With more trains added to the MRT network over the next few years, commuters can look forward to more train trips throughout the day, shorter waiting time and more comfortable journeys.