Singapore’s public transportation network is one of the world’s best transit systems. Every day, almost 5 million commuter journeys are taken on public buses and trains for work, school, and leisure. The Singapore GDP from transport is projected to trend around 6414.00 SGD million in 2023 and 6549.00 SGD million in 2024, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations. To meet increasing travel demand, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the government are making improvements in public transport to make it the mode of choice for Singaporeans. Amid the rail expansion, renewal works, and new innovative technology, here is the outlook of Singapore’s public transport for 2022:
1. The Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 3 from Mount Pleasant to Gardens by the Bay is expected to open in 2022.13 mass rapid transit (MRT) stations, including Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay, Marina South, Gardens by the Bay, Mount Pleasant, Stevens, and Napier, will open for passenger services in 2022. Commenting on the Thomson-East Coast line, transport operator SMRT’s Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “The second stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) opened in August 2021, adding six stations to our network. The third phase can be expected to be operational in 2022. These new stations will provide time savings and greater convenience to many households in Singapore.”
2. New trains will be deployed in the Bukit Panjang light rail transit (LRT) line. New Bombardier Innovia APM 300R (C801B) trains will replace the 19 C801 trains. These new Movia CR151 trains are also expected to be delivered in 2022.
3. LTA awarded a civil contract worth around $116.6m to Sato Kogyo to deliver the SPLRT depot expansion project. Sato Kogyo will start the SPLRT depot expansion works in Q1 2022.
4. The first phase of the Integrated Train Testing Centre (ITTC) is targeted to be completed by the end of 2022. This will allow transport operators to test the new Circle line Stage 6 trains in 2023.
5. Tampines North Temporary Bus Interchange at Tampines North, situated along Tampines Street 62, is scheduled for completion by 2022. It will be built in tandem with upcoming residential developments in Tampines North.
6. SMRT Corporation, a leading public transport operator in Singapore, has been replacing the track circuit system along the North-South and East-West lines. More than half of the track circuits have shifted to the new system. SMRT is on track to complete replacement by end-2022.
7. 106 new Bombardier trains will enter the NSEWL line, operated by SMRT, from 2022 to 2026. Starting in 2022, SMRT and Bombardier will work together for train repairs and system upgrades or replacements.
8. Starting from 2022, self-driving buses will be deployed in three towns -Punggol, Tengah, and Jurong Innovation District – during off-peak periods. At the same time, autonomous shuttles will provide first-last mile connections for residents and workers in these districts.
Conclusion
Singapore has the highest ranking in urban mobility. To make the country’s public transportation network even more accessible, efficient, convenient, sustainable, and affordable, LTA and public transport operators are improving the rail network, introducing new technology, and constructing new lines and stations.
About the Author
Chi-su Park
Chi-su has a postgraduate degree in electrical engineering from a leading university in Singapore. In his 30 years of working experience, across the country, Chi-su has helped numerous clients improve existing business systems and infrastructure.
