11 Thomson-East Coast Line stations to open on Nov 13, free train rides on Nov 11

The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) stations between Stevens and Gardens by the Bay will open from Nov 13, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Friday (Oct 7). 

The 11 stations – Stevens, Napier, Orchard Boulevard, Orchard, Great World, Havelock, Outram Park, Maxwell, Shenton Way, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay are part of the third stage of the TEL. It spans 13.2km and consists of four interchanges. 

To familiarise commuters with the 11 stations, a preview will be held on Nov 11, two days before the stations open for service. 

Train service along the TEL3 stations will be free from 10am to 9pm on that day. 

Once the 11 stations are open, commuters travelling on the TEL can expect to save about 40 per cent of their travelling time. A resident travelling from Bright Hill to Gardens by the Bay will take about 40 minutes, compared to 65 minutes currently. 

The last stage of the TEL, which comprises eight stations such as Tanjong Katong, Siglap and Marine Parade, is expected to open in 2024. 

When fully opened, the TEL will span 43km long with 32 stations and serve approximately 500,000 commuters daily in the initial years. 

The TEL will improve connectivity between the northern, central, and eastern parts of Singapore and strengthen the resilience of the rail network by providing alternative routes for commuters on other lines. As segments of the TEL run parallel to the North-South Line, it will also help to reduce reliance and crowding on the North-South Line.