NORTH-EAST LINE

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Transport what is the consideration determining that the North-East line be built underground and that it be driverless.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: The North-East Line (NEL) has to be built underground because it passes through many areas which are already densely developed. By building it underground, we also achieve several benefits.

First, it gives us maximum flexibility to site stations at more accessible locations for the greater convenience of commuters.

Second, it minimises the environmental impact by reducing visual intrusion and noise pollution for residents living along the corridor.

Third, it allows us to optimise land-use.

A fully automated system was chosen for the NEL because of the significant benefits it would bring.

First, it is safer. Experience around the world shows that most rail accidents are caused by train drivers. A fully automated system eliminates such a risk.

Second, it provides greater operating flexibility as the deployment of trains is no longer dependent on the availability of train drivers. This allows the operator to schedule train services better and to deploy additional trains to cope with any sudden increase in passenger volume. This means shorter waiting time for commuters on such occasions.

Third, it makes better use of manpower. Instead of putting an officer in the driver cabin on each train to perform routine and repetitive functions, the officer can now, if necessary, provide direct customer services to commuters on the train while continuing to attend to the other train operations.