MRT end earlier, start later?

By: Leong Sze Hian

Why train services must end earlier

I refer to the article “Why train services must end earlier” (Straits Times, Apr 8).

End at 11 pm

It states that “This is why SMRT is ending service between Lakeside and Joo Koon, as well as between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport, earlier at 11pm on April 14 and 21 (Lakeside-Joo Koon), and April 28 and May 5 (Tanah Merah-Changi Airport).

Shuttle buses will be provided at these stations instead.”

Worse in the world?

I believe our last train times are now the earliest among all the major cities in the world.

Other countries?

Our earliest train times have also gotten later. How do other countries do it? Do they also keep deteriorating in their operation hours?

Hong Kong

For example, I understand that Hong Kong’s MTR starts as early as 5.50 am and ends as late as 1.15 am.

What’s the point of building a train system to the airport, when the earliest start time from Paya Lebar MRT on the East- West Line in the weekend (6.39 am on Sundays) may be too late to catch the early morning departures.

Disruption?

The disruption,  additional costs, delays and inconvenience to businesses, workers and Singaporeans in general may be extensive, and run into the millions.

Conduct a study?

The Government should do a study about this.

Talking rubbish?

The above irks me with the constant rhetoric that train services have improved, commuter satisfaction levels have increased and therefore we have to raise fares!