Author: Wei Jie

The New Integrated MRT and LRT System Map

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 16 May 2009
1 Comment on The New Integrated MRT and LRT System Map

With two new MRT stations in the west of Singapore opening on the last day of February earlier this year, we have been speculating that TransitLink would be printing new System Maps to be distributed to commuters at the Passenger Service Centres who request for them, either because they are lost somewhere in the network of train stations or because they are collecting them. Since January this year, we have been collecting these System Maps from MRT stations all over the island, to note if there is any new System Map available.

Joo Koon and Pioneer MRT stations, which opened its doors to the public on 28 February, first appeared in the ‘new’ System Map as a sticker. As of our knowledge, it appears that this ‘sticker’ version of the System Map can only be obtained from the North-South Line Passenger Service Centre at Outram Park MRT station. It is not available from the North-East Line Passenger Service Centre as of 3 May. While stocks last!

Today, I have finally seen the new System Map, updated with the two new MRT stations in the west, as well as the five Circle Line MRT stations which will be opening in less than two weeks’ time. On 16 April 2009, it was announced on the media that the new line will commence operational service on 28 May, two days ahead of 30 May when first announced on 12 February. It would have been possible that this System Map was printed sometime between 12 February and 16 April, since it reflects the old date of commencement. Grab yours now at Ang Mo Kio MRT Station like I did.

For those living in Sengkang or Punggol, the future LRT stations have been now taken out of the System Map. It appears that it would not open any time soon. So, will there be another reprint of the System Map any time soon?

Singapore

Henderson Waves

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 10 May 2009

Part of the Southern Ridges trail, the Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge at 36 metres above Henderson Road, connecting Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park. In the evenings, the bridge magically transforms into a colourful and brightly lit structure, glowing attractively under the stars.

The pedestrian bridge is nearly 300 metres in length, and will take approximately five to ten minutes for a leisurely walk across. This pedestrian bridge is characterised by its unique structure which resemble waves. Within the curved steel ribs are shelters with seats. There is a diverse variety of plants on the pathways leading up to the Henderson Waves. In the quiet early morning, birds and insects can be spotted.

Collectibles

Get Your Very Own ERP

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 7 May 2009

You can now have your very own Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantry at home! To be more exact, it is a miniature version of the gantry. As the ERP gantry has become a unique landmark on the streets of Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has specially transformed the ubiquitous ERP gantries into mini-souvenirs.

These include an ERP gantry digital table clock, a mug and a set of coasters. The mug is the one which interests me the most. When it is filled with warm water, the words ‘In Operation’ will become visible on the gantries. From the article, an LTA spokesperson says, ‘Many foreign visitors had always bring a souvenir which could represent Singapore back home, and a design inspired by the ERP will serve this purpose.’

Now, if you are wondering where to get these souvenirs, it can be obtained from the Land Transport Gallery at 1 Hampshire Road. However, these souvenirs do not come cheap. The digital clock costs $20, and the mug and set of coasters would each set you back by $10. However, you can do your part for charity as proceedings from the sale will be donated to the LTA Cares Fund, which provides transport subsidies for the poor and disabled.

This article appeared in Lianhe Zaobao on 6 May 2009.

Stamps

Flora & Fauna Definitives

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 6 May 2009

Today, Singapore Post Limited released a new stamp issue on two flowering plants – the Pigeon Orchid and the Blue Pea Vine. This is to add variation to the 2007 Definitive stamps featuring various plants and animals.

The Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum) is a member of the family Orchidaceae. This orchid produces white, fragrant flowers with a yellow tinted throat. From the side, the orchid is resembles a flying pigeon, and hence, it is also commonly known as the Pigeon Orchid. This epiphytic plant, is common in Singapore and Malaysia, growing naturally on trees. It is a widely cultivated ornamental and landscape plant.

The Blue Pea Vine (Clitoria ternatea), also commonly known as the Butterfly Pea, is a vine native to tropical and equatorial Asia. A perennial climber with a woody base, it can climb tall grasses and crops, grows well in moist neutral soil and requires little care. It has been used as a leguminous mulch within elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) to improve the grass protein levels. Now it is widely grown as an ornamental plant. The flowers are harvested and are a traditional source of a blue food colour.

Food

Sushi Maker

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 30 April 2009

Machines are really getting more and more creative today. Even simple machines such as a sushi roller can be created! Apart from the traditional style of rolling sushi with the bamboo mat, this machine can produce the same tasty sushi. Simply load with short-grain Japanese rice (or any other types of rice that is available), add some ingredients such as cucumber or tuna, then adding more rice, pull the level like a jackpot machine, then finally winding a piece of seaweed in. Release the lever and in front of you is a perfectly round sushi roll.

This masterpiece was designed by Osko+Deichmann from Germany, and will be on showcase at the Kitchen Ecology Exhibition in Los Angeles coming June. Perhaps, with this simple yet innovative machine, many of us can prepare sushi at a faster rate than using a bamboo mat, but it is not necessarily the case for shops selling sushi. Currently, The Restaurant does not have any plans to get such a machine as of yet!

Article: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10225104-1.html

Singapore

Under the Sea

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 29 April 2009

It is really amazing that roads can be built so deep underground. With the Kallang Paya-Lebar Expressway (KPE) built across a river underwater, now the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) too is built literally, under water. The tunnel will pass under the Singapore River, near the Marina Barrage. This new five-lane expressway will be the tenth expressway in Singapore, providing a link to the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE), the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). This is to cater to the likely increase in traffic volume around the Marina Bay area, especially with the opening of the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort and the upcoming Marina Bay Financial Centre.

Stretching 3.6 km from end to end, the MCE runs through reclaimed land. It also consists of more than 0.4 km of tunnel running directly under the seabed of Marina Bay. The MCE is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013, not long after the opening of the Integrated Resort. These developments in architectural techniques have allowed Singapore to make full use of her limited land space.

Singapore

A Better Public Transport Fare System

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 26 April 2009

Since 1 October 2008, the Public Transport Council has introduced changes to the system of calculating fares for public transport such as buses and trains. Also known as ‘distance-based throughfares’, the fares will be calculated based on the distance travelled. Commuters can then choose the route which allows them to reach their destination with flexibility, based on shortest travelling time, or minimum walking distance. Also, the transfer rebates have increased. Soon, in the coming months, this will be in full effect, where the fare for the transfer journey would be comparable to that of a direct journey.

Well, it appears to me that the ‘better and fairer’ fare system does not benefit students much. Even though I have to agree that 44 cents per trip is really subsidised, down from 45 cents before 1 April this year, it would be great if the price would be the same up to 3 transfers. I have realised that some students would rather walk a longer distance just to save the additional 34 cents of transfer. Even though the 34 cents seems small, it would cost more than $100 per year! If the price was increased to 60 cents per trip, similar to the new system of calculating fares for adults, those who require transfer journeys would be able to benefit.

Since they are able to give adults a ‘better and fairer’ public transport fare system, why not allow students to enjoy a similar version as well? After all, the aim is to encourage commuters to have flexibility in deciding the best route to take to reach their destination.

Singapore

Happy Earth Day!

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 22 April 2009

Earth Day falls on 22 April every year, with its aim to promote care for the environment and towards our delicate nature. For the 39th time, Earth Day is celebrated by countries from around the world, through different creative methods. For example, several pro-environmental organisations in Singapore are promoting the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Also, many student groups have been found generating and executing innovative ideas to convert such waste materials into more useful products. In support of this special day of the year, The Restaurant has switched off the air conditioning system in its outlets for today, in order to cut down carbon emissions.

Recently, a new compressed natural gas (CNG) refilling station has appeared not far away from The Restaurant. CNG is a better alternative of fuel as compared to diesel or petrol. In addition, this is safer as than other types of fuels if spillages occur, since it contains of mainly methane. In fact, CNG will diffuse very quickly since it is less dense than air. As I travel pass the CNG refilling station almost every day, many vehicles, mostly taxis with the green diamond-shaped CNG label are spotted. One drawback is that it requires a cylinder to be installed in the car and maintained at a pressure of 3000 psi, adding some extra weight and taking up quite a large space in the vehicle.

This post is in green too!

The Restaurant

Contact Us

Post author By Wei Jie
Post date 18 April 2009

If you would like to send us a letter, please drop us a message for our mailing address.

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