I wasn't so sure if it would since it meant changing twice (Bishan and Serangoon) instead of the normal switch at Raffles Place. But I was curious to find out if it actually would be.
So I tried it today.
From my usual door on the NS line, the walk to the Circle platform was probably less than 100 steps. Even during peak hour at 8am, the Circle train was astonishingly empty and I could get a seat with plenty of empty ones around me.
But it was a different matter at the Serangoon station though. Having boarded the Circle train at the last train carriage's door, it meant walking the entire train length to take the escalator to travel in the direction of the NE platform. Thankfully, the Circle line, being a medium capacity transport, has only 3 cars and not the full 6 car lengths like the NS/EW/NE ones. Even though escalators were available liberally en route, it was much further on foot compared to the switch at Raffles.
The NE, now more established and passing through the "developing" towns of Punggol, Sengkang and Potong Pasir, is visibly more congested compared to the Circle at this point in time.
Timing-wise, it seems quicker in reaching my station as the ride is far more pleasant (I typed this entry during the ride) compared to the one on the NS/EW line. I will reserve judgment on whether it is quicker during normal working days.
Financially, it costs the same as I exit from the same station.
A bonus of switching to this route is that I'd be able to have continuous 3G coverage throughout my trip compared to the paltry GSM one that the NS/EW offers, which is quite tempting.
Will try it again at a more 'realistic' time as I'd be on leave during this holiday season.
Stay tuned ;)
