The open house for downtown line 3 was last week and i am sorry for this delayed post; it's so late that Singapore's latest subway extension is actually having its official opening today!
Nevertheless, better late than never and with so many photographs of the kids, it's a waste if i am going to just save them in my hard disk. So, what's the reason for me to attend the open house when i abhor crowds?
Love; not so much love for Singapore's train system as i have been frustratingly disappointed with it for the past few years and this can be seen from my occasional instagram posting whenever i am faced with yet again another train delay.
Rather, i went because of my love for my niece and nephew as Jerald loves trains, the stations etc and you know how fast kids grow; i am not going to miss out on their childhood.
I know, i know, i am such a great uncle! To be fair, my sister (their auntie), joined us too! Start of the journey was Fort Canning station; the first on the new extension that ends at Expo.
Train wasn't as crowded as expected but we must keep in mind that Fort Canning doesn't have much of a residential population and throngs of people would be expected towards the built-up towns like Bedok etc.
Our little boy in the train carriage! All smiles obviously as trains are his kind of thing whereas commoners like i look at trains as a mode of public transportation. Anyway, there were complaints of train delays on the social media although i thought it wasn't as bad as the ones i encountered on my way to work!
We dropped at orange-colored themed Bencoolen station; which was the deepest MRT station ever built in Singapore at 43 meters underground.
Despite the award (of being the deepest MRT station), i was there simply because my younger sister would be meeting us there.
Jovyn having a fun time with the artwork. Maybe i can rent her out as a model or something as she is always so full of expression. Pity she is a bit shy in front of strangers; just like her uncle.
From top to the floor of Bencoolen station. I didn't see any stairs even though that's a problem for the working population as precious time would be wasted with just a few space hoggers blocking the escalators.
Oh yes, forgot to mention the train tunnels! I don't often take downtown line and even if i do, i am seldom at the head of the train. Hence, i didn't know the interior of the tunnel was shimmering like diamond when the train drove along the track!
Despite the existence of cold concrete walls, it almost felt like a tunnel after death; one that would light up as you pass by and eventually brighten up when you reach your "station".
Having the lights coming from the trains actually save money from installing lights in the tunnels as in the case of Circle Line. Furthermore, it's eco-friendly yet pretty.
Traffic lights in play even though Downtown Line, like Circle Line and Northeast Line, is entirely driverless with an automated system that moves the trains.
Tampines Station was way more crowded and maybe because it was past lunchtime, many people were participating in the numerous games and activities for the open house.
I am guarded when it comes to games and activities as it often means time would be wasted unnecessarily! Thankfully, the kids didn't insist on taking the booklet to get a stamp at every station in order to redeem a prize at the end. Taking photos would be the best!
In the train from Tampines to Expo; so many passengers! Okay, there's another selfish reason why i chose to embark the journey with the kids; i wanted to check out the Travel Malaysia Fair at Singapore Expo!
Expo station; the words on the wall seemed to refer to the different translations around the world for subway. Honestly, i thought there would be a lot more.
Art installation on the wall near the exit.
Smack yourself hard on the cheek if you don't know which station you are at. Haha. The wordings were so huge and contrasted with the bland, boring passageway.
We went back to Tampines station again as Jerald has identified a few keepsakes (limited editions hor) and i couldn't reject him as i had yet to purchase any present for his birthday in September!
My damage; less than S$40 for a miniature downtown lego train and a keychain. Am secretly happy that the model train was sold out as it would have torn a hole in my pocket with a price tag of over S$120!
Whatever the case, i am most happy when the kids enjoy themselves!