Weekend services on Thomson-East Coast, Downtown lines to end earlier, start later for rail expansion works

TEL Stage 5, the final stretch of the Thomson-East Coast Line, will extend the line from Bayshore to Sungei Bedok, adding two stations. 

Sungei Bedok will serve as an interchange with the Downtown Line, which will also be extended by two stations to connect to Expo station.

The service adjustments will facilitate the integration of new line segments into the existing rail network, the authorities said.

Prior to the opening of TEL Stage 5 and the DTL extension in the second half of 2026, LTA, together with the respective rail operators, will conduct a series of final systems integration tests.

“These tests involve running trains across the entire line from TEL Woodlands North to Sungei Bedok stations, and from DTL Bukit Panjang to Xilin stations, as well as launching and withdrawing trains from the new East Coast Integrated Depot for both lines,” LTA, SMRT Trains and SBS Transit said.

“Longer stretches of engineering hours beyond what is available each night will be required to carry out these full test runs. Service adjustments are thus necessary.”

Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance. They should also check LTA’s MyTransport.SG mobile app, as well as LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit’s social media channels for the latest updates.

“Besides these shuttle bus services, commuters are also encouraged to use existing public bus services and alternative MRT lines to complete their journeys,” LTA, SMRT Trains and SBS Transit said.

“Staff will be stationed at affected stations to assist commuters during the service adjustment periods. Commuters can also refer to station posters at the relevant stations.”