Tampines-Tanah Merah MRT suspension: Most passengers unfazed

But some unaware despite reminders on social media, in stations and on trains

- Fatmah Khan and Kok Yufeng

Despite repeated reminders on social media, in stations and on trains, some MRT passengers were caught off guard on the first day that train services were suspended between Tampines and Tanah Merah stations.

Most passengers on the East-West Line (EWL) on the quiet morning of Dec 7 were, however, relatively unfazed by the partial stoppage of service, which will last until Dec 10.

Based on The Sunday Times' observations, the situation at the affected stations remained trouble-free as the day wore on.

The suspension, which was announced in early November, is needed to safely connect the rail line to the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot. Adjacent sections of the EWL are also impacted.

Instead of regular train service, shuttle trains will run every five minutes between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, every eight minutes between Tanah Merah and Expo stations, and every 11 minutes between Expo and Changi Airport.

For the sector without train service, a shuttle bus service - Shuttle 7 - will bridge the gap, running at a frequency of three to five minutes and stopping at Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations. Fares for the shuttle will be the same as that for an MRT journey along the same stretch.

At the shuttle bus boarding points in Tanah Merah, Simei and Tampines, metal barricades have been set up for passengers to queue in an orderly fashion. The queueing points are sheltered, with designated priority boarding areas for seniors and personal mobility aid users.

Up to 55 double-decker buses will be deployed each day for the shuttle service, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said previously.

In addition to SMRT and LTA staff, groups of workers in black tops and high-visibility vests carrying LED wands were seen at affected stations directing passengers and addressing their queries.