Our train services are planned based on travel demand, the carrying capacity of trains, and the time required to call at each station for passengers to alight and board.

Over the years, SMRT has increased train service frequencies during peak and off-peak hours for both the East-West and North-South lines. Our train service frequencies for both lines currently range between two and five minutes during peak hours. This short headway also takes into consideration the need to maintain a minimum distance between trains. During off-peak hours, the average train frequency is about seven minutes for both lines.

Since 2004, the number of train trips operated per week during peak hours has increased. For instance, in 2004, more than 50 train trips were added per week, and in 2006, more than 75 train trips were added per week. Last year, SMRT added more than 15 train runs per week to improve service frequency during off-peak hours. Starting today, passengers travelling during peak hours will benefit from improved service frequency with the addition of 83 train trips per week.

Mr Thng observed that our total train kilometres had been reduced since 2003. We would like to clarify that SMRT adjusted train services along the East-West Line in 2003 to better serve our passengers. In the adjustment, the direct train service from Boon Lay Station to Changi Airport Station was replaced with a shuttle train service between Tanah Merah and Changi Airport stations, which led to the reduction in total train kilometres operated.

Please be assured that SMRT will continue to monitor train loads to ensure train service frequencies are optimised to meet commuters' travel demands.

We thank the writers for their feedback.

Kuek Chor Ling (Ms)
Manager
Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation Ltd