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SINGAPORE: The first weekend opening of Singapore's second integrated resort has led to an increase in traffic flow to the downtown Marina Bay area.
SMRT saw a ten to 15 per cent jump in ridership at the Promenade Station while businesses in the area are looking forward to more customers.
Many visitors hoping to check out Singapore's latest downtown attraction opted to get there by public transport and SMRT said it's taking measures to ensure that passenger needs are swiftly attended to.
Chia Chun Wah, deputy director of Station Operations, SMRT, said: "We are increasing our staff on duty for the three stations Raffles, Marina Bay and Promenade.”
Most passengers ask for directions to the Helix Bridge which leads to the integrated resort.
Ahmad Sulaiman, manager, Promenade Station, said: "We're giving them pamphlets and we have staff to direct them to the location."
With only 35 out of the 300 stores open at Marina Bay Sands, visitors head to the nearby shopping centres and restaurants.
One restaurant at the Esplanade has seen more customers streaming in since Friday and expects a 15 per cent increase in customers this weekend.
Shireen Khoo, business development manager, Simply Peranakan, said: "During their conversation, the customers say they have no time and they ask us to serve them quickly because they have to go to Sands for a walk."
For now, Ms Khoo said there are no plans to introduce special promotions to draw in more MBS visitors.
But the restaurant may do something to coincide with the F1 race in September.
Businesses at the One Fullerton which include restaurants and pubs said they're also hoping for a spillover effect from the resort's opening.
However, most of them said it's still too early to tell if there will be a noticeable increase in customers and they're adopting a wait-and-see approach before deciding if special promotions or an increase in manpower is needed. - CNA/vm
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