Transportation options in Woodlands
There is a Chinese saying that roughly translates to “a place where even birds refuse to lay their eggs”. The saying is used to describe places that are cut off from everywhere else. Woodlands is often deemed to be such a place, but this underrated neighbourhood is set to shake off the unflattering label.
Woodlands currently has three MRT stations, namely Marsiling (NS8), Woodlands (NS9/TE12) and Admiralty (NS10). Connectivity via the MRT network will improve greatly when the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) starts operating from 2019.
In addition, the road network linking Woodlands to the rest of the island will improve when the North-South Corridor (NSC) is fully completed in 2023. The NSC will allow motorists to link up easily with the existing expressway network.
MRT stations in Woodlands
Residents in Woodlands have three MRT stations along the North-South Line serving them, but travelling via MRT to the city takes about 40 minutes. However, commute time for the office worker living in Woodlands will soon reduce greatly with the gradual completion of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
The TEL will add 31 new stations to the existing MRT network with seven interchange stations. The upcoming MRT line will start in Woodlands and run through Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Thomson, Stevens, Orchard, Outram, Marina Bay, Kallang, Tanjong Rhu, Marine Parade, Siglap and Bedok South before ending at Upper East Coast.
One of the interchange stations is Woodlands and two of the stations on the TEL are in Woodlands. The upcoming Woodlands North MRT station is located near Republic Polytechnic while the Woodlands South MRT station is located near Singapore Sports School and Woodlands Health Campus. Both MRT stations are expected to open in 2019.
Search for properties for sale near future MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Many Singaporeans often associate Woodlands with the Causeway that links Singapore and Malaysia. Woodlands’ association as the link between the two countries may be enhanced if a Rapid Transit System is constructed. It will tap onto the existing MRT network and the Woodlands North MRT station is slated to be the interchange for the Rapid Transit System.
Bus interchange in Woodlands
In addition, Woodlands is well served by the Woodlands Bus Interchange that is conveniently located next to Woodlands MRT station. A total of 26 bus routes and two Peak Period Short Services originate from the bus interchange. There is also a cross-border service bus that brings passengers to Johor Bahru.
Motorists in Woodlands are well served by a network of roads with 12 main roads running through the neighbourhood. The notable ones are Woodlands Avenue 2, 3 and 7. Woodlands Avenue 2 links the area to Seletar Expressway (SLE) while Woodlands Avenue 7 connects it to Admiralty and Gambas. In addition, Woodlands Avenue 3 brings motorists from Marsiling to the Causeway.
In line with the government’s plans to transform Woodlands into a regional centre, the road networks of Woodlands is set for an upgrade.
The North South Corridor (NSC) is currently under construction. When fully completed in 2023, it will serve the increasing traffic along the north and south of Singapore, thus relieving some pressure from the Central Expressway (CTE). In addition, the NSC will connect Woodlands to Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh and the CBD. It will allow motorists to link up easily to Seletar Expressway (SLE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and East Coast Parkway (ECP).
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There are usually two things that come to mind when people mention Woodlands. One is its linkage to Malaysia via the Causeway and another is its far flung location.
Its association as the linkage to Malaysia looks set to be even more firmly entrenched in the minds of people if the Rapid Transit System is developed. That is a good thing because people who need to visit Malaysia frequently will definitely look at Woodlands as their choice residential location.
Woodlands’ perceived far flung location may soon be a thing of the past. The upcoming TEL and NSC will greatly cut down travelling time from Woodlands to all parts of the island. Workers living in Woodlands and commuting to Raffles Place for work may soon be able to sleep in a little later.
