1. The Government has given approval for LTA to build the Downtown Line (DTL) at a cost of S$12 billion. The 40km line will be mostly underground and will be built in 3 stages. The DTL is targeted to be completed by 2018.

2. With the DTL, the connectivity of the existing Rapid Transit System (RTS) network will be strengthened. The DTL will facilitate direct travel from the northwestern and eastern areas of the island to the Central Business District (CBD) and the Marina Bay. It also provides a strategic transport link to support the development of the Marina Bay area.

3. The Government's target is to raise the public transport share of all morning peak-hour trips from the current 63% to at least 70% by 2020. To achieve this target, the RTS network as the backbone for our public transport system will have to be expanded, with more rail lines extended to new areas, thereby enhancing accessibility and reducing travel times.

DTL Stage 1

4. DTL Stage 1 comprises the Downtown Extension (DTE) which was previously planned as an extension to the Circle Line (CCL). This 4.3 km section will run from Bugis Station on the East-West Line (EWL) to Chinatown Station on the Northeast Line (NEL). It will have 6 stations in all: Bugis, Promenade, Bayfront, Landmark, Cross Street and Chinatown.

5. Targeted to be completed in 2013, it will be operated independently from the CCL, serving upcoming developments in the Marina Bay area, such as the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the new Marina Bay Financial Centre.

DTL Stage 2

6. DTL Stage 2 comprises the previously announced Bukit Timah Line (BTL). It will run from Bugis Station on the EWL, along the Bukit Timah Road corridor to link up with the Bukit Panjang LRT. This 16.6 km long stretch of the DTL is targeted to be completed in 2015.

7. With DTL Stage 2, commuters can enjoy a more direct link to the city centre. For example, a trip from Bukit Panjang to the city centre that now takes 60 minutes will be shortened by one-third. Residents who currently take the train from Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang into the city, can also shave up to 15 minutes from their hour-long journey.

DTL Stage 3

8. DTL Stage 3 comprises the northern half of the previously announced Eastern Region Line (ERL). This 19.1 km phase will run from Chinatown Station on the NEL to Expo Station on the EWL.

9. This final phase of the DTL is targeted to be completed in 2018. With DTL Stage 3, commuters who currently take about 40 to 50 minutes travelling into the city by train from Bedok Reservoir and Tampines will save up to 10 minutes.

10. The LTA is currently undertaking studies to determine the exact alignment and station locations of DTL Stages 2 and 3.

Extending the Circle Line to Marina Bay

11. To enhance the accessibility of the Marina Bay area to the rest of the island, the CCL will be extended to Bayfront Station from Promenade Station. This will be completed in 2012.

Interchange Stations

12. DTL will have an interchange station with the Bukit Panjang LRT system as well as 10 other interchange stations with the existing rail network and the CCL which is under construction:

North South Line
Newton

East West Line
Bugis
Tampines
Expo

North East Line
Little India
Chinatown

Circle Line
Bayfront
Promenade
MacPherson
Botanic Gardens

13. In the coming months, contracts will be awarded for the various stages of the DTL project. The first two civil contracts, for the Cross Street and Chinatown stations will be awarded in the second half of 2007.

DTL Maps