Impact of Starting Train Operations Later on Sundays on Workers

70 Ms K Thanaletchimi asked the Minister for Transport with the delayed commencement of MRT trains affecting 13 train stations on Sundays with effect from June (a) how many commuters, especially workers, will be affected; (b) whether more bus services will ply along the train route with minimum inconvenience to workers commencing work at 7 am or earlier; and (c) whether the Ministry will work with the affected sectors, such as the hospitals, to assist healthcare workers commuting via public transport and who commence work at 7 am.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The temporary change in operating hours on Sunday mornings may affect about 13,000 passengers. I would like to thank the affected commuters for their understanding and patience. The additional hour per week will allow the train maintenance staff to speed up the on-going track renewal works.

LTA has assessed that there are adequate bus services plying the affected stretch. Nonetheless, we will be adding an interim bus service, with a frequency of 10 minutes, running between Bukit Gombak and Joo Koon via Jurong East. We will monitor the situation closely and adjust our measures to mitigate the impact on commuters.