I have some suggestions on future lines:
1. We should have a more centrally placed circle line. The
current one is more of a suburban circle line to me; that is it
links the suburbs to the city mainly via a circle.
That centrally placed circle line would result in a line similar
to the Yamanote line in Tokyo where almost all the stations are
interchanges.
It should include these stations:
Orchard, Little India, Kampong Glam, Bugis, Esplanade, Marina
Bay, Raffles Place, Harbour Front, Chinatown.
Somewhat like a circle though vague, but it’s good to link all
of the major central spots of Singapore.
2. Regional Centre line.
Seeing example from the Fukutoshin line in Tokyo, which links
the secondary city centres of Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya, we
should have one to relieve the crowd.
From Tampines, it will cut to Hougang, then to Ang Mo Kio and
cut through Mandai to Choa Chu Kang and terminate at Boon Lay.
A branch line will cut up to Woodlands and join back with the
line again. This is good for commuters who stay in East/West and
have to work in West/East.
Another line could cut down to Toa Payoh and back up to the line
but it’s enough with the North-South line so it’s kind of a waste
of money.
3. Private Competitor
I’ve been noticed the single track line that goes from Tanjong
Pagar to Woodlands which is owed by the Malaysian company. In fact,
they could take advantage of the situation.
Perhaps by offering a quicker route down to the Tanjong Pagar
from Woodlands, they could turn it into a commuter line as well.
(they would have to dual track it)
It’ll start from Woodlands down to perhaps Bukit Panjang, then
down to Buona Vista and to Bukit Merah and finally Tanjong
Pagar.
That line could be a very strong competitor for SMRT. And if they offer rapid services down during
rushhour, more people may choose to take it instead if they can
charge competitive fees with SMRT.
4. Airport Rapid Express
For a higher fee, SMRT could expand major
interchange stations to be 4-tracked and create a rapid service
from Changi Airport to Boon Lay and another north from
Woodlands.
Of course the seats will be more of reserved rather than free
seating.
