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!

Boon Lay Extension sticker!

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.

Something wrong?

Old system map

New system map

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?

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.

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.

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.