Boon Lay MRT extension offers shorter journey times for
Jurong West residents
SINGAPORE : Residents and workers at Jurong West can
expect shorter journey times when the Boon Lay Extension of the
Mass Rapid Transit System is officially opened on February
28.
Residents and workers at Jurong West have been eagerly waiting for
the launch of the Boon Lay Extension.
And some 5,000 thronged the Open House on Saturday, ahead of the
official launch - to take the first ride along the
newly-constructed rail line.
They were joined by Senior Minister of State for Finance and
Transport Lim Hwee Hua.
The 3.8-kilometre stretch along the East-West Line consists of two
stations - Pioneer and Joo Koon.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the new stations will
benefit Jurong West residents, and those working in the Jurong
Industrial Estate.
It will also give commuters direct access to the MRT system.
Currently, they have to make bus transfers at the Boon Lay MRT
Station to get to their intended destination in Jurong.
The LTA said it expects some 35,000 riders to use the new service
daily. And commuters said the shorter travelling time will make it
a more appealing travel option.
The new service is expected to cut travelling time by up to 15
minutes.
One commuter said: "I need to travel from my house to Boon Lay
Interchange, and it takes around 15 minutes, but with this MRT in
Pioneer, it will take me around five minutes to reach."
Another commented: "Boon Lay station is very packed everyday. With
the additional station, it will be better."
The new stations will be fully operational on February 28.
There are seven retail outlets located throughout the two
stations.
Private buses can now also use a new 100-metre long pick-up point
along Benoi Road. - CNA/ms
