Written Reply to Parliamentary Questions on Correlation Between Number of Trains Operating on NEL During Peak and Capacity Utilisation

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 Dennis Tan Lip Fong 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.     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.

2.     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. LTA has also improved incentives for the Travel Smart Journeys programme to encourage commuters to shift their timing or mode of their journeys.

3.     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.