Hume MRT Station Set to Open Ahead of Schedule: A Game Changer for Bukit Timah Residents!
2025-01-24
Author: Nur
SINGAPORE – Get ready for a major boost in connectivity!
The Hume MRT station, located in the scenic Bukit Timah area, is set to open its doors for passenger services ahead of schedule on February 28, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat revealed on January 24.
This eagerly anticipated station, positioned between the existing Hillview and Beauty World stops, marks the completion of the second stage of the Downtown Line (DTL). Notably, DTL Stage 2 has been operational since December 2015, but the Hume station has remained a long-awaited addition.
Scheduled to commence service at 3 PM, the Hume station was originally projected to open in the second quarter of 2025. This change is a significant win for local residents who will now enjoy easier access to the bustling city center. Minister Chee emphasized that the journey from Hume station to Downtown station will be cut down from approximately 45 minutes to a breezy 30 minutes.
But that’s not all! Traveling to the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens? The new station will slash the travel time to just 15 minutes—half the time required by bus. Residents will also find it easier than ever to explore local attractions like the Former Ford Factory and the picturesque Rail Corridor.
In preparation for the launch, SBS Transit is conducting operational testing, ensuring everything runs smoothly. With an expected daily ridership of over 20,000 people, this station is set to serve the needs of numerous residents currently situated between Hillview and Beauty World MRT stations. The station is not just a structure; it was a shell built in 2015 that finally started fitting out in 2021, thanks to years of advocacy from local residents eager for enhanced transport options.
Previously, the government held that the area's developments did not justify the station's opening due to low ridership. However, a recent push for the redevelopment of the Rail Corridor and the former Bukit Timah Fire Station has changed that narrative, leading to the station's imminent launch.
Low Yen Ling, MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, lauded the station's opening as a "wish come true," stating, "This is what the community has been asking for." In a bid to enhance accessibility, the station will feature two entrances: one on Upper Bukit Timah Road and another on Hume Avenue, connected by covered linkways that promise sheltered access to nearby bus stops and drop-off points.
For cycling enthusiasts, the station will also boast 60 bicycle parking spaces, making it easier to integrate cycling into daily commutes.
The Downtown Line will expand to 39 stations, including four currently under construction. In the east, the Xilin and Sungei Bedok MRT stations are in progress, with plans to connect to the Thomson-East Coast Line, slated for completion in late 2026. Additionally, two more stations in the west will link the DTL to the North-South Line, with one located on Sungei Kadut Avenue and another interchange between Yew Tee and Kranji stations expected to finish by 2035.
As Singapore continues to bolster its public transportation infrastructure, the Hume MRT station marks a vital enhancement that aligns with the nation's vision for a more connected and efficient urban transit system. Be sure to mark your calendars for February 28 – this is a groundbreaking development you won’t want to miss!