Introduction
Commuting from Kent Ridge MRT to Bugis MRT is a common journey for many Singaporeans. With the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Stage 2 in 2025, commuters will have a new option to travel between these two stations.
Table 1: Current Travel Options
| Option | Time (min) | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (via City Hall) | 25-30 | 1.79 |
| Bus (SBS 97) | 20-25 | 1.40 |
| Taxi | 15-20 | 10-15 |
Table 2: Projected TEL Stage 2 Travel Time
| Station | Time from Kent Ridge MRT (min) |
|---|---|
| Buona Vista MRT | 4 |
| Pasir Panjang MRT | 7 |
| One-North MRT | 9 |
| HarbourFront MRT | 12 |
| Tanjong Pagar MRT | 15 |
| Raffles Place MRT | 17 |
| Bugis MRT | 19 |
Comparison of Options
Time
- The TEL Stage 2 will significantly reduce travel time from Kent Ridge MRT to Bugis MRT.
- It will take approximately 19 minutes, compared to the current 25-30 minutes via MRT via City Hall.
- The bus (SBS 97) is slightly faster than the current MRT route, but still slower than the TEL Stage 2.
Cost
- The TEL Stage 2 will cost 1.79 SGD, the same as the current MRT route via City Hall.
- The bus (SBS 97) is slightly cheaper at 1.40 SGD.
- Taxis are the most expensive option, costing between 10-15 SGD.
Convenience
- The TEL Stage 2 will offer direct access to Bugis MRT, eliminating the need for transfers.
- The current MRT route via City Hall requires a transfer at City Hall MRT, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
- The bus (SBS 97) is less convenient as it does not have dedicated bus lanes and can be subject to traffic congestion.
Pros and Cons
TEL Stage 2
- Pros: Faster travel time, direct access to Bugis MRT, convenient.
- Cons: None.
Current MRT Route (via City Hall)
- Pros: Same cost as TEL Stage 2.
- Cons: Longer travel time, requires transfer at City Hall MRT.
Bus (SBS 97)
- Pros: Slightly cheaper than MRT, no transfers required.
- Cons: Slower travel time, subject to traffic congestion.
Taxi
- Pros: Fastest travel time, door-to-door service.
- Cons: Most expensive option, not environmentally friendly.
Reviews
“The TEL Stage 2 is a game-changer for my commute to Bugis MRT. It will save me so much time and make my journey much easier.” – Sarah, a regular commuter
“I’m not a fan of transfers, so the direct access to Bugis MRT on the TEL Stage 2 is a huge plus for me.” – James, a working professional
“I’m on a budget, so the fact that the TEL Stage 2 costs the same as the current MRT route is important to me.” – Emily, a student
“I’m willing to pay a little more for the convenience and speed of a taxi, but I understand it’s not the most eco-friendly option.” – Peter, a businessman
Conclusion
The TEL Stage 2 is the best option for commuters traveling from Kent Ridge MRT to Bugis MRT in 2025. It offers the fastest travel time, direct access to Bugis MRT, and the same cost as the current MRT route via City Hall.
