Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan wrote that while residents will be moving into Built-to-Order (BTO) units in Keat Hong and Choa Chu Kang towns and the future Tengah Town, the increase in ridership is not sufficient to support a new station between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak MRT stations.
These comments were made on Monday (15 August) as a written reply to a question from Chua Chu Kang GRC Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad.
Apart from asking if an additional MRT station could be built between Chua Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak MRT stations to service existing and future residents of the area, Mr Zaqy also asked what are the technical and cost considerations in the Ministry’s review on such a viability.
Mr. Khaw said that the Ministry of Transport will continue to monitor developments in the area and will reconsider our position if and when the ridership case becomes stronger.
He stated that ridership is a key consideration when deciding to build an additional MRT station.
Mr Khaw wrote, “Ridership is a key consideration in deciding whether to build an additional MRT station. In this case, while there will be some increase in ridership with the new BTO units, it is still insufficient to support a new station for now. We will continue to monitor developments in the area and will reconsider our position if and when the ridership case becomes stronger.”
He added that three bus services have been introduced as part of the Bus Service Enhancement Programme, to serve additional residents in the area.
“This should be sufficient for now. We will further increase bus services and capacity as necessary.” wrote the Transport Minister.
