yuuka
@yuuka-miya.bsky.social
Editor, FTRL Blog. Been places, seen things.
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yuuka
@yuuka-miya.bsky.social
· Oct 18
yuuka_miya | Instagram | Linktree
Media from the FTRL Blog by yuuka_miya.
linktr.ee
I write!
Other socials in linktree here: linktr.ee/ftrlsg
(bluesky still can't let me add a personal website? hmmm)
Other socials in linktree here: linktr.ee/ftrlsg
(bluesky still can't let me add a personal website? hmmm)
Here's a ride down the westbound EWL track between Tanah Merah and Bedok.
The Changi Airport Branch tracks have been almost completely severed from the EWL tracks, in preparation for their upcoming transfer to the TEL.
The Changi Airport Branch tracks have been almost completely severed from the EWL tracks, in preparation for their upcoming transfer to the TEL.
December 23, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Here's a ride down the westbound EWL track between Tanah Merah and Bedok.
The Changi Airport Branch tracks have been almost completely severed from the EWL tracks, in preparation for their upcoming transfer to the TEL.
The Changi Airport Branch tracks have been almost completely severed from the EWL tracks, in preparation for their upcoming transfer to the TEL.
SMRT recently announced plans to upgrade all 92 of the older KSF trains on the North South and East West lines, a project that will end by the mid-2030s.
A proof of concept train was shown to the media, showcasing many technologies that will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet.
(1/6)
A proof of concept train was shown to the media, showcasing many technologies that will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet.
(1/6)
SMRT to upgrade 92 trains with improved air-conditioning, more sensors to preempt disruptions in real-time
The additional 180 sensors placed throughout the train will help detect early signs of faults and potentially prevent lengthy service disruptions.
www.channelnewsasia.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:01 AM
SMRT recently announced plans to upgrade all 92 of the older KSF trains on the North South and East West lines, a project that will end by the mid-2030s.
A proof of concept train was shown to the media, showcasing many technologies that will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet.
(1/6)
A proof of concept train was shown to the media, showcasing many technologies that will be rolled out to the rest of the fleet.
(1/6)
New signage are coming up around the Circle Line, in preparation for CCL6 opening in the 2nd quarter of next year, after the tunnel strengthening works in the first quarter.
CCL6 will be the first of 2026's 3 (or 4 depending on how you count) strategic rail openings - small, but transformational.
CCL6 will be the first of 2026's 3 (or 4 depending on how you count) strategic rail openings - small, but transformational.
December 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM
New signage are coming up around the Circle Line, in preparation for CCL6 opening in the 2nd quarter of next year, after the tunnel strengthening works in the first quarter.
CCL6 will be the first of 2026's 3 (or 4 depending on how you count) strategic rail openings - small, but transformational.
CCL6 will be the first of 2026's 3 (or 4 depending on how you count) strategic rail openings - small, but transformational.
2026 will see plenty of engineering works being done on the rail system.
What has to be done, must be done.
But the question I think needs to be asked is, is there a better balance of the tradeoffs?
Because for now, it doesn't seem like anything is being done to make it all easier to swallow.
What has to be done, must be done.
But the question I think needs to be asked is, is there a better balance of the tradeoffs?
Because for now, it doesn't seem like anything is being done to make it all easier to swallow.
And the work continues
Fresh off the heels of Singapore’s longest MRT shutdown, there are more works yet incoming.
medium.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:01 AM
2026 will see plenty of engineering works being done on the rail system.
What has to be done, must be done.
But the question I think needs to be asked is, is there a better balance of the tradeoffs?
Because for now, it doesn't seem like anything is being done to make it all easier to swallow.
What has to be done, must be done.
But the question I think needs to be asked is, is there a better balance of the tradeoffs?
Because for now, it doesn't seem like anything is being done to make it all easier to swallow.
By now, trains should have been coming from this track from Bedok South.
Not for a while yet, with TEL Stage 5 only opening in the 2nd half of 2026, six years past the original goal of 2020, as announced in 2008's Land Transport Masterplan.
Not for a while yet, with TEL Stage 5 only opening in the 2nd half of 2026, six years past the original goal of 2020, as announced in 2008's Land Transport Masterplan.
December 18, 2025 at 11:13 AM
By now, trains should have been coming from this track from Bedok South.
Not for a while yet, with TEL Stage 5 only opening in the 2nd half of 2026, six years past the original goal of 2020, as announced in 2008's Land Transport Masterplan.
Not for a while yet, with TEL Stage 5 only opening in the 2nd half of 2026, six years past the original goal of 2020, as announced in 2008's Land Transport Masterplan.
In Singapore, such works would take weeks of full early closures with bus replacement services.
But Hong Kong can do it in just 2 days. They know that they simply cannot afford to close the railway, so must make the time work.
But Hong Kong can do it in just 2 days. They know that they simply cannot afford to close the railway, so must make the time work.
Hongkongers to change trains at Hung Hom for 2-day Tuen Ma line works in 2026
MTR Corp says disruptions on February 1 and March 8 will add about four to five minutes to journeys and will not affect train frequencies.
www.scmp.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
In Singapore, such works would take weeks of full early closures with bus replacement services.
But Hong Kong can do it in just 2 days. They know that they simply cannot afford to close the railway, so must make the time work.
But Hong Kong can do it in just 2 days. They know that they simply cannot afford to close the railway, so must make the time work.
Funny thing is that this means small batches of electric buses will be bought from 4 makers.
This means there's no economies of scale in bus maintenance, spare parts, and such. The largest electric bus fleet will be BYD at ~500 units, but this later batch may differ in spec from last purchase.
This means there's no economies of scale in bus maintenance, spare parts, and such. The largest electric bus fleet will be BYD at ~500 units, but this later batch may differ in spec from last purchase.
660 new electric public buses to be rolled out progressively from end-2026: LTA
This includes 300 double-deckers, the first large-scale purchase of electric double-deck buses in Singapore. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Funny thing is that this means small batches of electric buses will be bought from 4 makers.
This means there's no economies of scale in bus maintenance, spare parts, and such. The largest electric bus fleet will be BYD at ~500 units, but this later batch may differ in spec from last purchase.
This means there's no economies of scale in bus maintenance, spare parts, and such. The largest electric bus fleet will be BYD at ~500 units, but this later batch may differ in spec from last purchase.
The LTA recently said that they need to close one tunnel between Mountbatten and Paya Lebar stations to strengthen the tunnel structure.
This will happen in early 2026; tentatively for 3 months. Similar steel plates added to the tunnel in 2023 can be seen near Nicoll Highway station in this video.
This will happen in early 2026; tentatively for 3 months. Similar steel plates added to the tunnel in 2023 can be seen near Nicoll Highway station in this video.
December 16, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The LTA recently said that they need to close one tunnel between Mountbatten and Paya Lebar stations to strengthen the tunnel structure.
This will happen in early 2026; tentatively for 3 months. Similar steel plates added to the tunnel in 2023 can be seen near Nicoll Highway station in this video.
This will happen in early 2026; tentatively for 3 months. Similar steel plates added to the tunnel in 2023 can be seen near Nicoll Highway station in this video.
Do we have a date for the opening of MRT extensions to Changi Airport T5?
Recent LTA tenders for systems works relating to the TEL extension to T5 and DTL extension to Sungei Kadut, call for works for these projects to be done by the 1st of October 2035.
Recent LTA tenders for systems works relating to the TEL extension to T5 and DTL extension to Sungei Kadut, call for works for these projects to be done by the 1st of October 2035.
December 14, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Do we have a date for the opening of MRT extensions to Changi Airport T5?
Recent LTA tenders for systems works relating to the TEL extension to T5 and DTL extension to Sungei Kadut, call for works for these projects to be done by the 1st of October 2035.
Recent LTA tenders for systems works relating to the TEL extension to T5 and DTL extension to Sungei Kadut, call for works for these projects to be done by the 1st of October 2035.
In recent weeks, we've seen a credibility gap between rhetoric and reality in public transport.
The lack of real-time public data for rail means the damage has been done when people treat the rail system with all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Things are being done to fix that.
The lack of real-time public data for rail means the damage has been done when people treat the rail system with all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Things are being done to fix that.
December 13, 2025 at 4:04 AM
In recent weeks, we've seen a credibility gap between rhetoric and reality in public transport.
The lack of real-time public data for rail means the damage has been done when people treat the rail system with all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Things are being done to fix that.
The lack of real-time public data for rail means the damage has been done when people treat the rail system with all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Things are being done to fix that.
The Health Ministry recently published new guidelines aimed at speeding up the building of hospitals in Singapore.
These include standardizing room layouts with pre-agreed medical best practices, reducing repeated design work across hospital projects, and also allows prefabrication to be used.|
These include standardizing room layouts with pre-agreed medical best practices, reducing repeated design work across hospital projects, and also allows prefabrication to be used.|
New Singapore hospitals will be built faster, likely to cost less: Ong Ye Kung
New Singapore hospitals will be built faster and at lower cost through standardised design guidelines, enhancing efficiency and patient care. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at…
www.straitstimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:00 AM
The Health Ministry recently published new guidelines aimed at speeding up the building of hospitals in Singapore.
These include standardizing room layouts with pre-agreed medical best practices, reducing repeated design work across hospital projects, and also allows prefabrication to be used.|
These include standardizing room layouts with pre-agreed medical best practices, reducing repeated design work across hospital projects, and also allows prefabrication to be used.|
At the new platforms at Tanah Merah station, these signboxes stand tall.
The main criticism with the TEL signage system, as predicted by its designer, is how it poorly handles stations where the decision point for exits is right at the platform itself.
The main criticism with the TEL signage system, as predicted by its designer, is how it poorly handles stations where the decision point for exits is right at the platform itself.
December 11, 2025 at 10:01 AM
At the new platforms at Tanah Merah station, these signboxes stand tall.
The main criticism with the TEL signage system, as predicted by its designer, is how it poorly handles stations where the decision point for exits is right at the platform itself.
The main criticism with the TEL signage system, as predicted by its designer, is how it poorly handles stations where the decision point for exits is right at the platform itself.
39.
Buried in the LTA's latest rail reliability reports is one key denominator we all need to know.
Every year, the MRT system clocks around 39 million train-kilometres travelled. To achieve an MKBF of 1 million, it means that no more than 39 delays above 5 minutes can happen.
Buried in the LTA's latest rail reliability reports is one key denominator we all need to know.
Every year, the MRT system clocks around 39 million train-kilometres travelled. To achieve an MKBF of 1 million, it means that no more than 39 delays above 5 minutes can happen.
December 9, 2025 at 10:04 AM
39.
Buried in the LTA's latest rail reliability reports is one key denominator we all need to know.
Every year, the MRT system clocks around 39 million train-kilometres travelled. To achieve an MKBF of 1 million, it means that no more than 39 delays above 5 minutes can happen.
Buried in the LTA's latest rail reliability reports is one key denominator we all need to know.
Every year, the MRT system clocks around 39 million train-kilometres travelled. To achieve an MKBF of 1 million, it means that no more than 39 delays above 5 minutes can happen.
Tickets on sale now.
We don't have HSR, so this will have to do.
But to think that HSR could easily be more than twice as fast as the ETS service.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
We don't have HSR, so this will have to do.
But to think that HSR could easily be more than twice as fast as the ETS service.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Malaysia announces 30% discount to mark start of new electric train service from KL to JB
Malaysia's KTMB launches a new electric train service from KL to JB, offering a 30% discount for travel from December 12 to January 11, 2026. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at…
www.straitstimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Tickets on sale now.
We don't have HSR, so this will have to do.
But to think that HSR could easily be more than twice as fast as the ETS service.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
We don't have HSR, so this will have to do.
But to think that HSR could easily be more than twice as fast as the ETS service.
www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia...
Interesting that the business association and developer have stepped forward to do this themselves.
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fr...
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fr...
Free weekend late-night shuttle buses from Clarke Quay to other parts of town, Tampines, Jurong
The CQ Night Shuttle will be available every Friday and Saturday night. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Interesting that the business association and developer have stepped forward to do this themselves.
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fr...
www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fr...
JRL works are humming along quietly in the west, and Stage 3 will open in 2029 under current plans.
When that happens, another kind of modal shift must take place around the new stations.
Not public buses, but the private sector.
(1/4)
When that happens, another kind of modal shift must take place around the new stations.
Not public buses, but the private sector.
(1/4)
December 7, 2025 at 4:00 AM
JRL works are humming along quietly in the west, and Stage 3 will open in 2029 under current plans.
When that happens, another kind of modal shift must take place around the new stations.
Not public buses, but the private sector.
(1/4)
When that happens, another kind of modal shift must take place around the new stations.
Not public buses, but the private sector.
(1/4)
I thought this photo was interesting.
The prime directive of a public transport system is to serve the vibrancy of the city.
But yet, Blackpink and Jacky Cheung fans especially coming from overseas had to navigate the 10 day EWL closure.
The prime directive of a public transport system is to serve the vibrancy of the city.
But yet, Blackpink and Jacky Cheung fans especially coming from overseas had to navigate the 10 day EWL closure.
December 6, 2025 at 4:05 AM
I thought this photo was interesting.
The prime directive of a public transport system is to serve the vibrancy of the city.
But yet, Blackpink and Jacky Cheung fans especially coming from overseas had to navigate the 10 day EWL closure.
The prime directive of a public transport system is to serve the vibrancy of the city.
But yet, Blackpink and Jacky Cheung fans especially coming from overseas had to navigate the 10 day EWL closure.
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow's rhetoric about better communications rings hollow in recent weeks.
Is that because of human factors? Control rooms can be too busy trying to recover from incidents, that they are largely unable to give updates.
Is that because of human factors? Control rooms can be too busy trying to recover from incidents, that they are largely unable to give updates.
Passengers left confused after East-West Line delay due to track fault on Dec 2
A Dec 2 East-West Line track fault caused 20-minute delays and confusion among SMRT passengers, with no official social media updates. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow's rhetoric about better communications rings hollow in recent weeks.
Is that because of human factors? Control rooms can be too busy trying to recover from incidents, that they are largely unable to give updates.
Is that because of human factors? Control rooms can be too busy trying to recover from incidents, that they are largely unable to give updates.
Where does that track to the right go?
It's a connection track between the Circle and Downtown lines at Bayfront station, which allows rail vehicles to be moved between lines.
It was mainly used over 10 years ago, before Gali Batu Depot opened, and DTL trains were maintained at Kim Chuan Depot.
It's a connection track between the Circle and Downtown lines at Bayfront station, which allows rail vehicles to be moved between lines.
It was mainly used over 10 years ago, before Gali Batu Depot opened, and DTL trains were maintained at Kim Chuan Depot.
December 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Where does that track to the right go?
It's a connection track between the Circle and Downtown lines at Bayfront station, which allows rail vehicles to be moved between lines.
It was mainly used over 10 years ago, before Gali Batu Depot opened, and DTL trains were maintained at Kim Chuan Depot.
It's a connection track between the Circle and Downtown lines at Bayfront station, which allows rail vehicles to be moved between lines.
It was mainly used over 10 years ago, before Gali Batu Depot opened, and DTL trains were maintained at Kim Chuan Depot.
The LTA seems to know how to do this. Similar tunnel strengthening works in the Nicoll Highway area were done in 2023.
They closed at 9pm on weekday nights, and even managed to finish work nearly a month ahead of schedule.
What's different this time that a full-day service change is necessary?
They closed at 9pm on weekday nights, and even managed to finish work nearly a month ahead of schedule.
What's different this time that a full-day service change is necessary?
These works will be similar to BART's Transbay Tube strengthening works.
LTA should also learn from BART and optimize technology deployment and worksites to reduce the downtime.
LTA should also learn from BART and optimize technology deployment and worksites to reduce the downtime.
Transbay Tube Retrofit - Completed 2024 | Bay Area Rapid Transit
Create your own customized schedule
www.bart.gov
December 1, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The LTA seems to know how to do this. Similar tunnel strengthening works in the Nicoll Highway area were done in 2023.
They closed at 9pm on weekday nights, and even managed to finish work nearly a month ahead of schedule.
What's different this time that a full-day service change is necessary?
They closed at 9pm on weekday nights, and even managed to finish work nearly a month ahead of schedule.
What's different this time that a full-day service change is necessary?
Are they insane? Cutting service will only make a bad situation on the Circle Line even worse.
No one should question the need for critical structural retrofits to reduce safety risks.
No one should question the need for critical structural retrofits to reduce safety risks.
Longer waits between CCL trains from Jan 17 to April 19 due to tunnel works between three stations
The stretch of underground tunnels was built in soft marine clay, making them more prone to deformation. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Are they insane? Cutting service will only make a bad situation on the Circle Line even worse.
No one should question the need for critical structural retrofits to reduce safety risks.
No one should question the need for critical structural retrofits to reduce safety risks.
KL's Kelana Jaya Line and Bangkok's BTS Skytrain use dark sunlight protective films on their trains, which do wonders in keeping them cool.
That could help here too; not only discomfort and more energy use, but also more wear and tear on equipment; rail reliability means reducing wear and tear too.
That could help here too; not only discomfort and more energy use, but also more wear and tear on equipment; rail reliability means reducing wear and tear too.
Forum: Reduce ambient heat in North-South and East-West MRT lines
Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.
www.straitstimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:00 AM
KL's Kelana Jaya Line and Bangkok's BTS Skytrain use dark sunlight protective films on their trains, which do wonders in keeping them cool.
That could help here too; not only discomfort and more energy use, but also more wear and tear on equipment; rail reliability means reducing wear and tear too.
That could help here too; not only discomfort and more energy use, but also more wear and tear on equipment; rail reliability means reducing wear and tear too.
What's wrong with Google and even Apple Maps in SG public transport?
Poor public transport data means public transport looks like an even worse option compared to driving, especially for the casual search and not commutes.
(1/5)
Poor public transport data means public transport looks like an even worse option compared to driving, especially for the casual search and not commutes.
(1/5)
November 30, 2025 at 4:00 AM
What's wrong with Google and even Apple Maps in SG public transport?
Poor public transport data means public transport looks like an even worse option compared to driving, especially for the casual search and not commutes.
(1/5)
Poor public transport data means public transport looks like an even worse option compared to driving, especially for the casual search and not commutes.
(1/5)
Passed by recently, and saw that they're putting the final touches on the new Pasir Ris-bound platform at Tanah Merah.
Next week, the entire stretch from Tampines and Expo to Bedok will close for 10 days of works to finish up and open this new platform.
Next week, the entire stretch from Tampines and Expo to Bedok will close for 10 days of works to finish up and open this new platform.
November 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Passed by recently, and saw that they're putting the final touches on the new Pasir Ris-bound platform at Tanah Merah.
Next week, the entire stretch from Tampines and Expo to Bedok will close for 10 days of works to finish up and open this new platform.
Next week, the entire stretch from Tampines and Expo to Bedok will close for 10 days of works to finish up and open this new platform.