Rigorous tests on Downtown Line 2 ahead of Dec 27 launch
Gali Batu Depot, which will house the Downtown Line 2 trains. Photo: Robin Choo
SINGAPORE – Rigourous train testing is being carried out ahead of the new Downtown Line 2 (DTL2) launch on Dec 27.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SBS Transit (SBST) have been carrying out testing of systems and equipment every day since Oct 31. In total, over 800 tests are being carried out, more than that of previous MRT line launches.
The new 17km line will add 12 new stations – Bukit Panjang to Rochor – to the existing DTL1, with a combined fleet of 43 trains.
Apart from regular operations, the testing includes preparation for emergency situations such as evacuations and train breakdowns. In such cases, SBST Customer Service Officers (CSO) are trained to operate the usually automated trains depending on the severity of the situation.
Intensive testing of trains have also been conducted to ensure that the trains are durable and can last several trips in a short span of time. Over the last weekend (Nov 28 to 30) SBST ran 30 trains every hour from Bukit Panjang Station to Chinatown Station.
However, despite the extensive testing, CEO of the SBST Downtown Line, Simon Lane, said that glitches were to be expected in the initial stages of the DTL2 operations. He also assured that SBST are prepared for such an eventuality.
Chief Executive for LTA, Mr Chew Men Leong, echoing Mr Lane’s sentiments, said: “In the coming months, we would of course expect that we would need some stabilisation of the train station, and there will be some teething challenges. While we will keep some of these challenges to a minimum, we hope that we can have the commuters and the general public to bear with us as we work in the initial stabilisation period.”
The DTL2 will be holding an open house this Saturday (5 Dec) to give the public a preview of the line, as well as to test the trains filled with passengers in a live environment. Over the first seven days of its opening, “welcome teams” of about 300 additional staff will be present at DTL2 stations to usher and guide new commuters around the new line.
