Land Transport Authority

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the backbone of the country's public transport network, whisking residents and visitors across the island nation efficiently. While the system is already extensive, it's constantly evolving to meet the needs of a growing population.

New lines and extensions are under development, promising to take Singapore's journey to the next level. A prime example is the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), which has become a game-changer, with projections estimating it will serve a staggering 1 million commuters daily.

This ongoing expansion exemplifies Singapore's commitment to providing its residents with a world-class public transport system. Let's have a deeper discussion about it!

Google Review - Alan Wee

Is the Thomson-East Coast Line fully open? The opening of Stage 4 took place on June 23, 2024, a major milestone in its development. The line's reach into the eastern regions through these expansions improves connectivity and offers passengers more convenient travel options.

Future plans are for the TEL's Stage 5 to wrap up in 2026. Bedok South and Sungei Bedok are the two additional stations in this last stage.

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Here are the breakdown of TEL station locations:

Woodlands North is the TEL's northern end, like the top lollipop on a stick. Trains from here whizz down to Woodlands South in about 9 minutes, and they come often, like every 3 minutes. The station opened its doors on January 31st, 2020.

Springleaf pops you right by Upper Thomson Road, near reservoirs, a nature park, and loads of places to grab a bite. It takes about 13 minutes to get from there to Caldecott South. This whole chunk of the line, with six stations from Springleaf to Caldecott, opened on August 28th, 2021.

Mount Pleasant station is still under wraps, waiting for the residential and commercial areas to be ready. If you fancy a ride from Stevens to Gardens by the Bay, that's about 17 minutes on the TEL. This stage, with 13 stations from Mount Pleasant to Gardens by the Bay, opened on November 13th, 2022 (except for Mount Pleasant itself and Marina South).

Tanjong Rhu sits in the Kallang planning area. If you're tootling down the TEL from Bedok South, that's about 10 kilometres away. This section, which opened for a sneak peek on June 21st, 2024, has eight stations in total - Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, Bayshore, and finally, Bedok South.

Bedok South on Upper East Coast Road is under development as we speak and should be ready to ride by 2026. It'll bring proper train access to the area. From there, it's a short hop, just 1 kilometre, to the next stop, Sungai Bedok. This last stage only has two stations - Bedok South and Sungai Bedok.

Operational schedules for Thomson-East Coast Line trains vary by station. You can check the train schedule on the available website.

Typically, the first train departs between 5:36 AM and 6:17 AM on weekdays and between 5:56 AM and 6:37 AM on weekends. The last train generally runs daily from 11:40 PM to 12:23 AM.

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Feeling peckish around the Thomson-East Coast MRT? Check out these five top eats:

Fancy some American scran and a chilled beer? Look no further than Kontiki. Their lamb rack is a real crowd-pleaser, and the outdoor seating is perfect for mates and even your furry mate!

Looking for a budget-friendly bite? Katong Mei Wei in Katong Shopping Centre won't break the bank. Their steamed chicken is a local favourite, and you get a massive portion for your buck! Plus, it's near Marine Parade MRT, so it's an easy spot for a quick and yummy feed.

Want a spot of greenery amidst the urban jungle? Katong Park is your best bet. This historic park boasts a playground for little ones, a designated dog run for furry friends, and even an Instagram-worthy giant rain tree. Take a breather and soak in some local vibes!

Craving some seaside fun? East Coast Park is the place to be! Think pristine white sand, sparkling waters, and a plethora of activities. Fancy trying your hand at water sports? No problem! Want to build sandcastles or have a picnic with a view? East Coast Park caters to all.

Shopaholics, rejoice! Parkway Parade is a haven for retail therapy. Browse through a variety of stores, grab a bite at the food court, or catch the latest flick at the cinema. It's the perfect place to unwind and indulge in some retail bliss.

Calling all seafood lovers! Beach Road Prawn Noodles House is near Marine Terrace and serves up some of the best prawn noodles in Singapore. The broth bursts with prawn flavour, and the pork ribs are a perfect addition. Be prepared to queue, but it usually moves quite quickly.

The Thomson-East Coast Line stands as a testament to Singapore's commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility for its residents and visitors alike. As a vital part of the island nation's public transportation network, it not only eases commuting but also encourages exploration and discovery of Singapore's diverse neighbourhoods and attractions.

To experience the convenience and efficiency of this remarkable transportation system, open Traveloka for more information and book your flight ticket tickets today!