5 Circle Line Stations Open

Source : The Straits Times, May 27, 2009

THE first five stations of the new Circle Line were opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean on Wednesday morning.

A 'raindrop' concept bench seen at the Bishan MRT station. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

Trains will start rolling from Thursday morning at Bartley, Serangoon, Lorong Chuan, Bishan and Marymount stations.

Commuters can transfer to the existing North-South line and North-East line at Bishan and Serangoon respectively.

15 Y-shaped beams are a unique feature at the Circle Line stations and can be seen at the Lorong Chuan (left), Bartley and Marymount stations. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

'The Circle Line will open up multiple new connections for residents in the north and the north-east,' said Mr Teo before launching the new line.

About 55,000 commuters are expected to use the first five stations every day.

The Circle Line station platform is seen at the Marymount station. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

The remaining 24 stations of the line will open from next year. Once fully operational, the line's daily ridership is expected to go up to 500,000.

Transport Minister Raymond Lim told reporters on Wednesday that progress at the other stations are on track.

Circle Line escalators are seen at the Serangoon station. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

Tunnelling work for the entire line is almost completed, and is expected to be finished by September, said the Land Transport Authority.

While it is not clear yet which other stations will open next, the LTA said six stations have already received the Temporary Occupation Permit - an indication that they will be next in line.

Trains will start rolling from Thursday morning at Bartley (left), Serangoon, Lorong Chuan, Bishan and Marymount stations. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN

These are Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Stadium and Tai Seng.

Public transport operator SMRT, which will operate the new line, said it will donate takings from its first 22 days of operations to charity.

SMRT's president and chief executive officer Saw Phaik Hwa said the operator expects to collect about $400,000.