Buzz over opening of 7 stations on fourth stage of TEL

Passengers and train enthusiasts turn up early; businesses near stations expect boost

- Lee Li Ying

Primary school teacher Gladys Ng is set to save money on her daily commute from work with the opening of the fourth stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL4) on June 23.

The 55-year-old, who lives in a condominium near Bayshore MRT station, usually takes private-hire car rides, which cost around $20 each way to and from her workplace, located near Great World station.

This is because her journey on public transport consists of two bus rides that would take 1½ hours inclusive of waiting time. This is 70 minutes longer than a journey by private-hire car.

But with the opening of TEL4, she can save on at least one private-hire car ride a day.

“I’ve timed my journey, and it’s about 52 minutes from my doorstep to my workplace. I will likely use the new TEL4 line to cut costs when going home. Using it to get to work could still be a stretch time-wise because it is preferable that I arrive before 7am,” said Ms Ng.

She was among 20 commuters who boarded the first train that departed from Bayshore MRT towards Woodlands North at 6.16am on TEL4’s first day of passenger service.

Spanning 10.8km, the TEL4 stretch consists of seven stations – Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap and Bayshore – providing commuters in the East Coast area with alternative travel options.

Another early riser was Mr Chua Kin Tong, 69, who was headed for his daily exercise class at East Coast Park at 7am from his home near Bayshore station.

“I usually drive, but I’m taking today’s journey as a trial to see how long it would take for me (to get to my class),” said Mr Chua, who alighted at Marine Parade station.