//beconfused

TODAY Singapore reports that, in order to solve the MRT squeeze, Singapore is to build two new lines that run parallel to the present routes at the cost of $20 billion.

(Map of the new $20 billion MRT lines. Image credit: TODAY Online)

Answer to the MRT squeeze

THE problem is a familiar one: The passenger squeeze in MRT trains.

The solution is radical — at least in the Singaporean context: Build two new lines that run parallel to the present routes at a cost of $20 billion.

One will run from Marina Bay and end at Woodlands, very similar to the present North-South route adding new townships like Sin Ming, Kebun Baru, Thomson and Kim Seng. The other will mirror the eastern portion of the East-West Line, running through Tanjong Rhu, Siglap, Marine Parade and Bedok South.

By 2018 and 2020, respectively, the 18-station Thomson Line and the 12-station Eastern Region Line will be up and running.

The routes of the two new underground lines caught National University of Singapore (NUS) researcher Han Songguang off-guard. Said Mr Han: “In most cases, you wouldn’t run parallel rail lines because they would be tapping into the same market.”

Still, Assistant Professor Terence Fan of the Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Lee Kong Chian School of Business pointed out that such a model is seen in New York, London and Hong Kong.

The two new lines are not the only changes to the rail network announced by Transport Minister Raymond Lim in part two of his big bang strategy on Friday: There will also be extensions to the existing lines to be ready by 2015. The North-South Line will be stretched to Marina South to take commuters to the upcoming Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Barrage. And workers at the Jurong Industrial Estate will be able to make use of the five-station Tuas Extension to get to work.

Read more at TODAY Online

My mom’s already confused with the MRT tracks, with an additional 100 stations coming up, she probably has to ask around more often in future. Even as the government announces these new MRT tracks, people are still wanting their cars. I’m not sure if we can even fill the trains by 2020, we’re likely to fill up the roads first.

Tags: mrt, singapore