However, I would like to highlight the fact that the residents of Joo Seng estate - with a population of more than 8,000 (including a Gurkha contingent of 2,000) - who live just 1km from the station, are unable to make full use of the NEL, although Woodleigh Station is much closer to their homes than Aljunied Station on the East-West Line.

Currently, residents working in the town area along the NEL have to travel up to Serangoon Station, as there is no direct link to Potong Pasir Station, which is also 1km from the estate.

There is only one bus service to Serangoon Station, and the waiting time can go up to 30 minutes.

Moreover, residents have to pay an additional 20 cents per trip to travel to and from Serangoon Station instead of Potong Pasir, which means that it is neither economical nor time-efficient.

Therefore, most residents are "forced" to travel to Aljunied Station instead on the same bus service travelling in the opposite direction, which is usually too packed for residents to board during rush hours.

With higher transfer rebates coming up next month, I believe more residents would be willing to make transfers for faster access to town via the NEL.

I do hope the authorities could do something to benefit the residents living near Woodleigh Station soon.

Mr Lim Wenhui

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