Downtown Line ridership soars 30%, says MOT

It’s expected to cut car usage.

Ridership of the Downtown Line (DTL) has soared 30% since the 2016’s first day of school and work.

In a blog post by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan, the rest of the transport network are enjoying this uptick as well. Since 4 January, about 5% of commuters on the East-West Line have shifted to the DTL, thereby marginally reducing crowding at station like Jurong East. Buses plying the DTL2 corridor are also less crowded.

Khaw expressed optimism that DTL2 will push more Singapore motorists to give their cars a break. He notes that already, schools in the area are seeing fewer cars dropping off their students, making Dunearn Road and Bukit Timah road less crowded in the mornings. Several establishments along the line are also enjoying business after putting up with construction of the DTL2.

“All in all, DTL2 has started very positively. I think it will be a game changer in our journey towards a car-lite lifestyle,” concluded Khaw.