SINGAPORE - The Downtown Line 2 (DTL2) opens on Sunday (Dec 27), but Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan warns of overcrowding and long waiting times on the first day of operations.
Entry to the line will be free for six days until Jan 1, so there is no need to rush to experience the new MRT line, Mr Khaw said in his latest blog post.
"My worry is that there may be severe overcrowding. It is a Sunday, during a holiday season, there is novelty value, and travelling is free. If too many rush in to be among the first wave of commuters, there will be overcrowding and long waiting time," he wrote.
SBS Transit will deploy more staff members to man the stations and there will be goodwill ambassadors to guide commuters, he said.
He urged commuters to help by not overcrowding the line on its first day of operation.
"DTL is here to stay, and there will be plenty of opportunities to experience its wonders, including the artwork in each station," Mr Khaw wrote.
Commuters can also check the MyTransport.SG mobile app for updates on how crowded the DTL stations are, he added.
The 12-station DTL2 starts in Bukit Panjang and passes through the Bukit Timah corridor towards Rochor, connecting to the Downtown Line 1 at Bugis station.
