Downtown Line 2 on track to open on December 27: LTA

There will be free rides during the holidays.

Commuters will be able to ride the Downtown Line 2 (DTL2) starting from 27 December 2015, Sunday, according to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

The opening of DTL1 and DTL2 will facilitate direct travel from the north-western parts of Singapore to the Central Business District (CBD) and the Marina Bay area.

Minister for Transport Liu Tuck Yew said that commuters will enjoy free rides for a short period once the DTL2 officially opens. 

"When opened, rides will be free on DTL1 and DTL2 for a short period of time to encourage commuters to try out the new line and familiarise themselves with the stations. I encourage residents from Bukit Panjang and Bukit Timah to take the trains to the city to enjoy the festive lights, do some post-Christmas shopping or attend the
New Year Countdown," he said in a speech at a visit to Gali Batu Depot, one of the final pieces for DTL2.

The 16.6 km DTL2 runs from Bukit Panjang, along the school district and food enclaves of Bukit Timah Road, before connecting to the six Downtown Line 1 stations.

There will be links with the East-West Line at Bugis station; North-South Line at Newton station; North East Line at Little India and Chinatown stations; Circle Line at Botanic Gardens, Bayfront and Promenade stations; and Bukit Panjang LRT at Bukit Panjang station.

"Commuters can also expect to see significantly improved travel time. A journey from Bukit Panjang to Bugis today can take about 50 minutes. With DTL, it will take about 30 minutes," the LTA said.