What exactly is changing during the circle line closure?

From 17 January to 19 April, trains will single-track between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten at about 10-minute intervals. SMRT will deploy shuttle buses to bridge demand, with weekday peak headways of 3 to 10 minutes. Expect longer transfer times, more crowding at key nodes, and tighter operating buffers.

How often will SMRT shuttle buses run in peak periods?

During weekday peaks, SMRT shuttle buses are planned at 3 to 10 minute headways. Actual waits will vary by traffic and demand. Investors and commuters should watch if arrivals stay within this band, as longer gaps may signal capacity strain, bus bunching, or route congestion that could affect reliability.

Which stations are most affected by the adjustments?

The single-tracking segment runs from Paya Lebar to Mountbatten, with Dakota in between. These stations will see the most crowding and transfer pressure. Nearby bus stops serving shuttle routes will also be busier, especially in peak periods when commuter volumes rise and shuttle turnover is tight.

What should investors monitor during the works window?

Focus on on-time performance, crowding at Paya Lebar, Dakota, and Mountbatten, and whether actual waits exceed weekday peak headways. Watch for signs of higher manpower and fuel costs tied to shuttle operations. Management updates on service reliability and any cost offsets will frame near-term margin risk.

Global Market Insights

January 7: Circle Line Closure – SMRT Maps Peak Shuttle Headways

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Singapore investors should watch the circle line closure from 17 January to 19 April. SMRT will single-track trains between Paya Lebar and Mountbatten at about 10-minute intervals and run SMRT shuttle buses with weekday peak headways of 3 to 10 minutes. The plan is temporary but could lift costs and test reliability. We explain the timing, frequencies, and the on-the-ground signals to track. This helps assess execution quality, commuter impact, and any margin pressure during the works window.