Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2)
Posted On at by rajChangi Airport MRT Station (CG2) was opened on 8 February 2002 as one of the terminal Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations for the East West Line, and located in between Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. It is currently the only MRT Station in Singapore to have both fare gates and the platforms on the same level. There are two other stations that have fare gates on the same level as the platform: Landmark Station in 2013 and Sentosa Station of Sentosa Express on 15 January 2007.
Changi Airport had been operating since its opening in 1981 with no rail link and with full reliance on taxi and bus connections, proven effective given the short 20 kilometre distance to the city via the East Coast Parkway and their relative affordability. Public buses also provide cheap express trips to the city, and link commuters to the MRT network at Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris. There was thus no pressing need to build the rail line despite regional competition, and was only given the green light when the Singapore Expo was built along the line and helping to add potential traffic.
Since the station's opening, passenger traffic has been moderate, as most bus routes were maintained and continue to be a popular means of cheap, direct transport for local airport/airline employees, as well as travelers not living along the East West Line. Many air travellers also prefer to continue taking taxis or private transport as the MRT service does not provide for convenient luggage storage beyond Tanah Merah MRT Station, and they have to contend with the commuting crowd especially during peak hours. Thus primary users of the station are usually confined to airport/airline employees, leisure visitors, well-wishers, and budget air travellers, in particular backpackers. Most passengers on weekends used the station merely as a transfer point from the Expo to the bus terminal.
Bus services
Bus services to the city centre and to other parts of Singapore are available at the nearby Changi Airport PTB 1, 2 & 3 Bus Terminal located at the basement levels of three Terminals 1, 2 & 3.
