SINGAPORE – About 295,000 homes are expected to receive information packs which give updates on rail renewal projects on the East-West line.
Residents living along the line can expect to find a set of four collectible fridge magnets meant to commemorate significant rail upgrades in each pack, which will be sent to their homes, said transport operator SMRT in a release today.
Titled “Paving the Way for Better Journeys”, each pack contains information on ongoing works, explanation why they are needed and how they will benefit commuters.
SMRT is carrying out multiple projects at the same time on the East-West Line as well as the North-South Line (NSL). Both are Singapore’s oldest MRT lines.
The upgrading works include replacing old wooden sleepers with concrete ones, installing new signalling systems and renewing the third rail, apart from introducing new trains.
The sleeper replacement work has slowed down train speeds at some parts of the line because the newly-laid concrete sleepers needed time to stabilise on the track bed, said SMRT.
With the completion of the renewal work, commuters can look forward to smoother rides, shorter waiting times, a more reliable network and more trains.
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Upgrading ahead of schedule
Mr Lee Ling Wee, SMRT Trains’ managing director said: “Thanks to the patience and understanding of commuters, we have been able to carry out the renewal and upgrade work along the NSEWL ahead of schedule, even as we continue to keep the network operational every day.
“There will be some inconveniences along the way, and this is a meaningful way for us to show our appreciation for their patience and support.”
Commuters can take part in a “Better Journeys” survey, accessible via a QR code printed on the pack’s pamphlets.
Those who complete the survey stand a chance to win a limited-edition EZ-Link card with a stored value of $20.
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Shin Min Daily News, The Straits Times
