Monday, 21 January 2013

More opportunities to explore Singapore with new MRT lines



By Ridzuan Osman


I am sure many of you would have probably heard about the recent announcement by the government that by 2030, Singapore will have two new MRT lines. They are called the Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line. Apart from the fact that it will be much more convenient to travel in the future, the new lines also mean that there will be more opportunities for everyone to explore the different parts of the island!

The Cross Island Line will run from Jurong Industrial Estate and it will end in Changi.  It will also be connected to all existing lines. The Jurong Region Line meanwhile will be passing through places such as Jurong West and Choa Chu Kang. In addition, the three existing lines, which is the Circle Line, Downtown Line and North-East Line will all be extended which means there is no reason why everyone should not be excited about travelling within the country! I don’t think we have to look that far ahead in order to see the potential benefits that the new lines will bring to the commuters. 

Botanic Gardens is located next to Botanic Gardens Station
Picture from Singapore Tourism Board
Let’s take the Circle Line for example. Before it was opened, I can’t really remember when was the last time I visited popular attractions such as the Botanic Gardens and the Esplanade. I was amazed at the changes made to the Botanic Gardens. If it wasn’t for the Circle Line, I don’t think I would have been there to see it for myself given how lazy I am to travel such a long distance. Now however, I just can’t stop going to those places because travelling has been made so much easier. In fact, there are still many places along the Circle Line route that I am planning to visit.

I also used to go to Marina Bay taking the North-East Line, alighting all the way at the Marina Bay station but after the opening of Circle Line, things are much more easier for me and the area has become of my favorite places to visit. There is always something new and interesting to see especially when there are many new attractions being developed with the most recent one being the Gardens By The Bay. According to the Land Transport Authority, eight in 10 households will be within a 10-minute walk of a train station by 2030 and this can only be good to encourage more Singaporeans to travel from one end to another. Some of you might have complained before that Singapore is boring and that you are always doing the same thing.
Marina Bay Sands located next to Promenade Station
Picture from Wikipedia 

Honestly speaking, I had the same opinion too until I started exploring more. The Circle Line was one of the major factor for me to go out there and see what does the different parts of Singapore have to offer. And with the building of the two new lines, along with extension of the existing lines, I am even more excited at the potential of finding out even more interesting places that I might not heard of. Singapore in 2030 will be different from what it is now. There will be many new attractions and developments taking place. I’m not sure about you but I cannot wait to start exploring all of it given the convenience of travelling in the future! I want to hear from you so post a comment below!

18 comments:

  1. Great article! sometimes I find it troublesome to go out since some places are too far for me to go to. But now, with more MRT lines, I am looking forward to explore Singapore. Can't wait to read for more articles! :)

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    1. Hi Mysara! Thank You for your comments. I am glad that you share my enthusiasm in exploring the different parts of Singapore as well. Have a nice day!

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  2. Awesome article, very insightful and hope to read more about your articles in future. :)

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    1. Hi Zaki! Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. Stay tune for more!

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  3. Man I totally agree on the part about the circle line. Never have I thought I would say that Bishan park is accessible for me considering I live in pioneer and before the circle line, it would've taken me atleast 1 hour to get there but with circle line I can travel there in just 20-30 minutes which is awesome because I go there often! best part is that it's easier to get to NUH cuz of the farrer park station. Boy I sure can't wait for the new lines! finally I won't find it hard to travel! :D this is a good read man good job!

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    1. Hi SYN_Thunderkid! It makes me smile knowing that you are also enjoying the benefits of Circle Line. I am sure you are going to be just as excited as I am when the new lines are open! Thanks for your comments!

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  4. I think your article really bring up a more positive side to the mrt lines.what we see on the news more often are about singaporeans complaining about the lack of mrts/people during peak hours and even the languages the new mrt now implement.i agree with what your post states.travelling is actually much more easier now because of the new lines.palces such as botanic garden and the staidum has been on my recent places that i have went to.although taking buses will get to my destination,it has provide a more easier route since the mrt stations are usually located in front of the place.good job with the article!

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    1. Hi Farahhin. Yes, even I am guilty of complaining about our trains and our transportation system in general but looking at the bigger picture, we are fortunate that it is getting much more easier for us to travel with the opening of new lines in the past and in the future as well! Thanks for your comments!

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  5. Omg, now I can go to town without hesitating because I know that I can depend on the new mrt lines which takes me to the place I want in a short period of time! I think that the new mrt lines would definitely benefit Singaporeans like me ! Thanks for your article man!

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    1. Hi Adelene! I agree with you. Going to town doesnt require me to spend a lot of time as well! Thanks for commenting!

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  6. Yup agree with your article! I hope this will ease up the congestion on public transport such as bus and train! It will give us more option what mode of transport to take to our route

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    1. Hi Shahdan! Thank you for your comments! Couldn't agree with you more on the easing up of congestion on public transport!

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  7. I totally agree with you.

    The circle brings much convenience to my life.
    I was at Bishan the other day trying to get to Boon Lay.
    Usually it'll take 2 hours,with the circle line, it merely took me 40 minutes!

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    1. Hi Sueyee! Thanks for the comments. No doubt shorter travelling time means more time for everyone to explore the different parts of Singapore!

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  8. That's an informative and relatable article! I agree with you that it is more convenient too! And I can't wait for Singapore to have new MRT lines so that traveling to the east will be easier for me too! :)

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    1. Hi Wanyee! Thank you for your kind words! I am glad you are just as excited as me over the new lines. :)

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  9. I really loved this article!! Through your article, I got to know that there are 2 new lines coming up. It is so exciting to know. Well, indeed we are going to be able to explore Singapore further! :)

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    1. Hi Durga! I am glad that you enjoy reading this article. And yes, we are going to be able to explore Singapore further in the future! Thanks for your comments!

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