Commonwealth MRT

by | Jun 9, 2022

Commonwealth MRT

commonwealth mrt rail track

Guide to know more about the Commonwealth MRT

When the MRT network commenced operations in 1987, Commonwealth, like all above-ground stations, had no physical barriers between the platforms and tracks. The Land Transport Authority decided in 2008 to put in half-height platform screen doors for all above-ground stations after multiple incidences of commuters falling on the path and unlawful invasions. The screen doors were erected in January 2011 and began functioning with Queenstown on April 28, 2011. From June 11, 2012, TITAN fare gates get deployed. From January 21, 2018, cash top-ups will not be allowed at Commonwealth MRT station’s passenger service centers.

Meta description:

On March 12, 1988, the Commonwealth MRT station opened as part of the MRT system’s extension from Outram Park to Clementi.

Platform:

  • Platform A: East-West Line via EW19 Queenstown towards EW1 Pasir Ris 
  • Platform B: East-West Line via EW21CC22 Buona Vista to EW33 Tuas Link 

Commonwealth station has two elevated East-West Line platforms in an island platform style. Half-height Platform screen doors are built at the platform edge for commuter safety, while modified Pro-Jet fans keep passengers cool. A primary flat roof protects the platform level, similar to many earlier stations along the Western side of the East-West Line, and the Commonwealth MRT station gets painted with a single base color, Yellow in this case.Expected train arrival times and messages get shown on Passenger Information Systems, which are plasma display panels positioned at each platform. Tactile flooring aids the sight-impaired in getting from the platform to the station exits. The Platform level gets connected to the Ticket Concourse level below escalators, lifts, and stairs.

Concourse:

On Level 2, the station features two ticket concourses. A second ticket concourse, which opened in 2015 at the station’s western end, complements the original ticket concourse. Both concourses lead to overhead bridges that span the road and connect to street level by lifts, escalators, and steps. Faregates at both concourses are utilized for automatic fare collection and offer access between the station’s paid and unpaid sectors, with at least one bidirectional wide-swinging gate for passengers in wheelchairs, those carrying heavy objects, or those traveling with prams. Commuters can buy tickets for single or many travels at General Ticketing Machines, which, like TransitLink Add Value Machines, accept contactless card transactions. During business hours, the station office functions as a Passenger Service Center, where commuters may ask questions about their travel plans.

Station Services:

  • Concourse level retail businesses and public restrooms (unpaid areas)
  • Concourse level ATMs and self-service machines (unsettled areas)
  • Station exits have bicycle stands.

Exits:

A1 and A2: Commonwealth Avenue, Haw Par Techno Centre, Tanglin Halt Road, Faith Methodist Church, MDIS, New Town Primary School, Queenstown CC, Queenstown Polyclinic, Sheng Siong Supermarket.

B1 and B2: Commonwealth Avenue, Commonwealth Close, GMTI Building, Leng Kee Carmart, MOE Heritage Centre, Queensway Secondary School, One Commonwealth, Queenstown Lutheran Church,  Yin Foh Kuan Cemetery.

An additional pedestrian connection bridge linking the station to two new exits, one on either side of the road, was erected with Queenstown and Clementi stations. Gateways get equipped with fare gates,  ticketing machines, and exit numbers divided into 1 and 2.

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