A new platform will be opened at the Jurong East MRT station on Friday 27 May 2011. The platform is part of the Jurong East Modification Project (JEMP). It will enable the deployment of additional trains on the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL) to ease crowding and increase capacity.
The new platform will allow five new trains to be deployed on the NSEWL from May 2011. By December 2011, another 17 new trains (on top of the five new trains) will be added, bringing the total number of new trains to 22. This will bring the total number of trains in service on the NSEWL to 128. With this, the carrying capacity on the two lines will expand by 15%. Commuters can look forward to shorter waiting times of 2 to 3 minutes at the busiest stretches, compared to the current 2.5 to 4 minutes.
For a start, from 27 May 2011, the new JEMP platform will be used during the morning peak hours, from 7am to 9am on weekdays (except public holidays), as this is the time period during which Jurong East Station is the most crowded. When more trains are delivered by December 2011, we will also open the platform during the evening peak hours.
Commuters will also be able to enjoy other improvements being made at the Jurong East MRT station. These include an additional entrance and a new passenger drop-off point for commuters working at the International Business Park as well as a pedestrian overhead bridge linking a new private bus pick-up point to the station. About 150 new bicycle racks have also been installed at the new entrance to the station for the convenience of commuters who cycle and ride as part of their daily commute. Please refer to Annex for the location of the new entrance.
Mr Chew Hock Yong, LTA Chief Executive said, "The Jurong East Modification Project introduces a new platform and a new commuter entrance at the Jurong East MRT station. It also involves the injection of 5 new trains from May and a total of 22 new trains by December. It is a major project to improve the capacity of the North-South, East-West Lines. The additional platform will allow more trains to be run at shorter intervals so that commuters can benefit from shorter waiting time and a more comfortable journey. This project is a key part of LTA's plan to significantly enhance Singapore's MRT network."
3D image of the new platform (SMRT image)
Getting Around
Jurong East MRT station is an interchange station providing connections between the North-South and East-West Lines. As with all interchanges, commuters may need to change platforms to transfer to another line.
To get around, commuters only need to remember these four easy steps:
i) Listen to the audio announcements in the train and at the station;
ii) Check the train platform and schedule on the Passenger Information Display screens;
iii) Follow the signs at the concourse and platform to find their way; and
iv) Ask the service ambassadors or staff if they need help.
