Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on NEL loading and plans to manage its capacity

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Acting Minister for Transport what are LTA's plans to alleviate train congestion or to increase train frequency for the North-East Line (NEL), especially for commuters living in the northeast. 

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Acting Minister for Transport

a.      what is the current number of trains operating on the North-East Line (NEL) during peak-hours;  

b.      what is (i) the corresponding maximum passengers per hour per direction and (ii) the capacity utilisation during peak-hours; and  

c.      whether there are plans and the potential to further increase capacity of the NEL given rising demand.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.      This response will also address related questions for subsequent Parliamentary Sittings from 24 September and 25 September 2025.

2.      SBS Transit (SBST) is currently operating up to 40 trains along the NEL during the peak-hours of 7.30am to 9.30am, up from 36 trains previously in 2024. The wait time between trains during peak hours is less than two minutes. Most commuters are able to board the first train that arrives; however, during peak hour, some commuters may have to wait another two minutes to board the second train.

3.      Beyond increasing NEL train frequencies and adding new trains, LTA has enhanced the five existing peak-hour bus services and added five new peak-hour bus services for the Northeast Region. Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also improved incentives for the Travel Smart Journeys programme to encourage commuters to shift their timing or mode of their journeys.

4.      While the pandemic had delayed the planned opening of Cross Island Line (CRL), we are on track to completing the CRL Phase 1 and the CRL Punggol Extension by early 2030s. LTA is also conducting feasibility studies for a new Seletar Line to provide an additional option for commuters travelling from the Northeast to the city centre.