Debated in Parliament on 6 Feb 2024.
Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the current passenger load at Sengkang MRT station and the Sengkang LRT system during morning peak hours; and (b) what further measures will LTA implement to meet commuter demand for public transport services at Sengkang.
Currently, most commuters boarding the North East Line at Sengkang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station in the morning peak are able to board the first arriving train. With the opening of the North East Line extension to Punggol Coast station in 2024, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will add six new trains to the North East Line, which will shorten wait times for commuters.
Based on ground observation, apart from Compassvale and Renjong Light Rapid Transit (LRT) stations, most commuters using the Sengkang LRT are able to board the first arriving train. Trains arriving at Compassvale and Renjong stations are more crowded as they are the last stops on the east and west loop respectively before Sengkang Town Centre station where most passengers alight.
LTA has procured 25 two-car trains to boost the Sengkang-Punggol LRT capacity. The new trains will be delivered progressively from this year onwards and will double the number of two-car trains in Sengkang-Punggol LRT fleet by 2027. LTA will also enhance Sengkang Town Centre station to improve commuter flow.
In addition to the MRT and LRT systems, residents in Sengkang Town are served by 37 bus services, travelling to destinations such as Ang Mo Kio, Tampines, Pasir Ris and Changi Airport, including two City Direct Services that run during the morning peak to bring Sengkang commuters directly to the city.
LTA has also been implementing improvements to Sengkang bus services to meet new demand, such as adjusting the route of Service 102 to serve new housing developments in Fernvale.
PAPERCUTS