Pasir Ris MRT station

Works for the extension of the overrun viaducts in November 2020

Like the other elevated MRT stations, Pasir Ris station initially did not have platform screen doors installed. After it was announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to install half-height platform screen doors on elevated stations on 25 January 2008 to improve safety,[15][16] Pasir Ris station was the first elevated station to have such platform screen doors installed in 2009.[17] Later in November, these platform screen doors were fully completed and began operations.[18] High-volume low-speed fans were installed above the platforms of the station between 2012 and 2013 as part of a national programme to improve ventaliation at the platforms.[19][20]

On 29 June 2018, LTA announced the extension of the EWL overrun viaducts by 150 metres (490 ft). A new crossover, in conjunction with the implementation of Communications-based train control (CBTC) will allow faster turnarounds for trains and segregation of platforms at the terminus.[21] The station's operations will be unaffected by the works as the enhancement works will be done away from the station itself.[22] Contract 1503 for the partial removal of existing overrun tracks, and construction of new overrun and crossover tracks was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Branch Office Singapore / Gates PCM Construction Ltd (JV) at a sum of S$56.7 million (US$41.69 million) in March 2019.[23] Construction commenced in 2019, and will be completed in 2023.[24]

On 25 January 2019, LTA announced that Pasir Ris station will be an interchange with the proposed Cross Island line (CRL). The station will be constructed as part of Phase 1, consisting of 12 stations between Aviation Park and Bright Hill, and is expected to be completed in 2029.[25][26][27] Later, on 5 March 2020, it was additionally announced that this station will serve as the eastern terminus for the CRL extension to Punggol station. The 7.3-kilometre (4.5 mi) Punggol extension, consisting of four stations between this station and Punggol, is expected to be completed in 2031.[28][29]

On 22 March 2016, two SMRT maintenance trainees were ran over and killed by an incoming C151 train at around 11:10 am. They were part of a team of 15 personnel tasked to investigate a possible signalling system fault, after a high voltage alarm set off. The incident took place at the track switch 150 metres (490 ft) away from the station.[30] This led to a 2.5-hour train service disruption from 11:10 am to 1:56 pm for train services between Pasir Ris and Tanah Merah, and had affected at least 10,000 commuters.[31][32]

In light of the incident, train operator SMRT Trains has sacked the train driver and the assistant engineer Lim Say Heng and has disciplined the staff for their role in the incident. The operator, the director of control operations and the engineer were charged for the incident.[33][34] Upon investigation, it was revealed that safety protocols were not implemented that would have prevented the train from entering the worksite.[35] The SMRT engineer Lim, who was responsible to "ensure a safe inspection", was sentenced to four weeks' jail on 4 March 2018 after pleading guilty to causing death by negligence.[36] On 20 July 2018, the Land Transport Authority has fined the operator S$1.9 million (US$1.38 million) for the incident, in addition to the Bishan tunnel flooding.[37][38]

As the name suggests, the station serves the town of Pasir Ris. The name "Pasir Ris" means "white sand" in the Malay language, referring to the stretch of white sandy beach along the coastline at the northeast.[39] The station is adjacent to the White Sands shopping centre and the Pasir Ris Bus Interchange, and is close to prominent landmarks such as the Pasir Ris Town Park, Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre, Pasir Ris Park and the retail development of Downtown East.[40][41]

The EWL station exterior

Like most EWL elevated stations on the eastern segment on the line (after Kallang station), Pasir Ris station has the notable feature of the dome-shaped roof, segmented like a caterpillar, over the platform level. The design was an attempt by the MRT Corporation (MRTC) to give the stations on the EWL an "attractive look".[42] The station has a pink colour scheme, reflected on the doors to the restricted areas and the ceiling trunking box at the platform level of the station.[14]

Pasir Ris is currently the eastern terminus of the EWL. The next station on the line is Tampines station. The station code is currently EW1 as reflected on official maps.[43] The station operates between 5:28 am and 11:23 pm.[44] Train frequencies range from 2 to 5 minutes depending on peak hours.[45]

When the CRL Phase 1 and the Punggol extension is completed, the station will be between the Pasir Ris East and Tampines North stations on the mainline. The CRL will branch off from this station to Punggol station via Elias station, which is the next station on the branch.[46]