MASS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (Priority for north-south line)

Mr Lim Boon Heng asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour, in view of the high population density along the proposed north-south line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, and the existing traffic congestion in this sector, whether top priority can be given to the construction of the north-south line so that the commuting problems of workers in Yishun, Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh can be solved.

The Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the full MRT system, including the extensions to Bukit Batok, Tampines and Yishun, will take some 10 to 12 years to complete. One of our first tasks therefore is to carefully determine the staging programme and time-table to be adopted for the construction.

Providing maximum relief to traffic congestion is a major consideration. But there are other equally important factors. One, for instance, is our objective of maximizing the development potential of our Central Area and the reclaimed land in Marina South. And whilst the Member for Kebun Baru has rightly identified the north-south corridor as deserving top priority from the standpoint of traffic congestion, it is the east-west line - not the north-south line - that is expected to carry the most passengers.

In addition, engineering considerations must be taken into account. For example, the first section of the line should be linked to the depot. We also have to spread investment over a number of years in a way that would not overheat the economy.

Having said that, let me add that regardless of which of the two lines comes into operation first, it does not mean that we have to complete the first line before commencing work on the second line. The staging programme may well be staggered in such a manner that part of the second line could come on-stream shortly after the first line is completed.

We are now studying the matter more carefully, and hope to have more positive answers within a month or two.