The upcoming public preview of the Thomson-East Coast Line’s (TEL) fourth stage promises an exciting sneak peek into Singapore’s expanding MRT network. Scheduled for June 21, this exclusive event offers free rides along the seven new stations of TEL Stage 4, namely Tanjong Rhu, Katong Park, Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, Marine Terrace, Siglap, and Bayshore, ahead of the official opening on June 23.
During the preview, which runs from noon to 9pm, commuters can access the new stations by train or bus. For those taking the train, a free shuttle service will operate from Gardens by the Bay station to Tanjong Rhu station, with trains running approximately every eight minutes. To board the shuttle, passengers must first alight at Gardens by the Bay station, tap out at the fare gates next to the passenger service center to end their paid journey, and follow signs to the shuttle train platform.
Alternatively, commuters can alight at Stadium MRT station on the Circle Line and walk for 10 to 15 minutes via the Tanjong Rhu footbridge to Tanjong Rhu station. Several bus services, including 11, 30, and 158, also stop near or outside TEL Stage 4 stations.
During the preview, all seven stations will host a variety of engaging activities and games. Highlights include the Friends of Land Transport booth at Marine Parade station, where visitors can try their hand at being a train driver using a TEL train simulator. Additionally, passengers can meet and greet the Thoughtful Bunch, a group of characters launched in 2014 to promote gracious behavior on trains. The Thoughtful Bunch will be present at various stations and will perform a special dance at Marine Parade station at 6pm on June 21.
At the Caring SG Commuters booth at Marine Terrace station, visitors can learn about helping people with mobility needs and initiatives to make public transport more inclusive. Exclusive merchandise, such as T-shirts, will also be available for purchase at a pop-up store at Marine Parade station on June 21.
Following the opening of TEL Stage 4 on June 23, trains from Woodlands North to Bayshore station – spanning TEL Stage 1 to Stage 4 – will run every three minutes during peak hours and every six minutes during off-peak hours. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT, the operator of the line, will monitor train loading and adjust operations as needed.
While some, like investment professional Dawn Tay, are eager to explore the new stations with their families, others, like educator Juliet Yuen, find the timing of the preview on a weekday challenging. Despite this, anticipation is high for the completion of the TEL with the opening of its final stage, comprising Bedok South and Sungei Bedok stations, expected in 2026.
Where the TEL STAGE 4 Stations are:
(Credits: Arup, The Straits Times)
