Everything about Singapore Transport Year 2027/2028 | Novena, Newton, Orchard, Great World and Thomson–East Coast Line

Novena, Newton and Orchard are connected by the existing North–South Line, while the Thomson–East Coast Line offers a different corridor through Orchard, Orchard Boulevard, Napier, Great World and Havelock. Novena (NS20), Newton (NS21/DT11) and Orchard (NS22/TE14) already carry passengers, as do Napier (TE12), Orchard Boulevard (TE13), Great World (TE15) and Havelock (TE16). For 2027 or 2028, a hospital appointment, shopping trip or commute should use the station nearest the actual building entrance rather than assume that all of central Singapore is one short walk from Orchard.

The biggest construction clarification concerns the North–South Corridor near Novena: LTA’s September 2026 announcement revised the viaduct opening target to phases from 2029 and the tunnel to phases from 2031, after challenging excavation below the operating North–South Line. It expects local roads and footpaths previously occupied by works to be progressively reinstated from 2028, not the expressway itself. An existing bus improvement is Service 21X, introduced in April 2025 as a faster weekday peak connection between Whampoa and Novena MRT. This guide puts operating trains, useful buses, healthcare and shopping routes, and later infrastructure on separate, honest timelines.

Operating NSL: Novena NS20, Newton NS21 and Orchard NS22.
Operating DTL interchange: Newton NS21/DT11, useful for routes toward Bukit Timah and other Downtown Line destinations.
Operating TEL interchange: Orchard NS22/TE14; Orchard Boulevard TE13 and Great World TE15 are separate TEL stations.
Other nearby TEL: Napier TE12, Havelock TE16, and Stevens DT10/TE11.
Future TEL Mount Pleasant: infill station awaiting surrounding development and a confirmed opening date; do not plan a 2027 train to it.
Whampoa 21X: supplementary service for faster connections to Novena, first introduced April 2025; weekdays excluding public holidays, peak windows under the original schedule.
Novena roadworks: NSC construction and associated traffic shifts continue; follow current on-site signs.
NSC project: viaduct targets from 2029; tunnel from 2031; progressive road and footpath reinstatement expected from 2028.
Healthcare: confirm the exact hospital, clinic, medical centre and registration entrance; Novena has several different facilities.
Shopping: Orchard, Orchard Boulevard and Great World may serve distinct malls and office towers.
Best habit: compare the whole trip, including bus waiting, station exit, crossings, sheltered links and return timing.

Information checkpoint: 6 November 2026. Future road targets, bus stops and travel fares can change; dated official sources and live station notices take priority for time-sensitive journeys.

Chapter 1. Why one central-city map is not enough

Novena, Newton, Orchard and River Valley sit near one another, but each area contains several distinct destinations. The North–South Line follows one route and the Thomson–East Coast Line another. Connecting them creates choices, but a station close on a schematic map may still be far from the building someone needs. The effective last kilometre becomes important for a patient, shopper or worker carrying equipment.

Start with the actual address, not the name of a district. Identify its entrance and compare the walking path from two plausible stations. A route that looks shorter because of fewer stops can still require a long transfer or busy road crossing. A useful guide tells the reader where to alight and how to finish the journey safely, not just which railway colour to follow.

Chapter 2. Novena NS20 is a working North–South Line station

Novena NS20 is an established North–South Line stop between Toa Payoh and Newton. It serves the medical and commercial area around Thomson Road, including offices, shopping and healthcare facilities. A visitor should not assume that Novena is a multi-line interchange; passengers changing to the Downtown Line do so at Newton, and changing to the Thomson–East Coast Line can be done at Orchard.

For a medical appointment, identify whether the destination is near a direct station-linked path or requires an outdoor walk. Large developments can have several lobbies and drop-off areas. Reaching the MRT fare gate at the appointment time is not reaching the correct reception counter. Include the building approach and any required registration in the travel allowance.

Chapter 3. Newton NS21/DT11 is a true interchange

Newton connects the North–South and Downtown lines. This provides a useful transfer for journeys between the northern corridor and some Bukit Timah, central or eastern DTL destinations. It is different from merely passing through a station with a common road name. A passenger may be able to avoid a longer detour by changing here.

But a train interchange is physical, not instantaneous. Find the platform for the right DTL direction, allow time through the connecting passage and use lifts if appropriate. During weekday peaks, queues and walking can add time. A direct bus to a particular building may be easier for a senior than a journey involving two rail platforms and a final outdoor walk.

Chapter 4. Orchard NS22/TE14 links two busy lines

Orchard is an operating interchange between the North–South and Thomson–East Coast lines. The TEL connection began passenger service with Stage 3 in November 2022. A person using the NSL may change at Orchard for TEL destinations such as Great World or Napier, while another commuter arriving via TEL can travel onward on NSL without leaving the railway network.

The interchange also serves a busy shopping environment where entrances, underground passages and mall levels are easy to confuse. The best exit for one mall may be inconvenient for another. Save the exact shopping centre or office tower. A large station’s number of connections does not tell a visitor which entrance is nearest the intended destination.

Chapter 5. Orchard Boulevard TE13 is not Orchard station

Orchard Boulevard is a separate TEL station north of Orchard TE14. It serves another segment of the shopping, embassy and residential area. A passenger heading to a particular building along Orchard Boulevard or nearby roads should compare TE13 with the main Orchard interchange rather than select a familiar shopping-street name.

The road layout can make a short-looking map distance misleading. A destination across a divided road may require an authorised crossing and a longer walk. Consider whether the preferred route is sheltered in rain and manageable for the passenger. The closest station is the one with a practical path, not merely the smallest straight-line distance.

Chapter 6. Napier TE12 and the quieter edge of the corridor

Napier is an operating Thomson–East Coast Line station serving part of the area around Napier Road and nearby destinations. It is useful for some visitors who might otherwise travel to Orchard and take a bus or taxi back toward their destination. But not every site described as being near the gardens or Dempsey will be within a short walk of TE12.

A visitor should confirm the venue address and entrance, especially for a medical, business or embassy appointment where security procedures may apply. A station can put someone closer to the general district while leaving a substantial uncovered walk. When mobility or heat is an issue, compare a suitable bus connection or legal drop-off before settling on the route.

Chapter 7. Great World TE15 is an operating rail destination

Great World TE15 opened with TEL Stage 3 in November 2022 and serves the River Valley and Kim Seng Road area. It gives people rail access to a shopping and residential corridor that previously relied more heavily on road connections. A shopper or office worker should not default to Orchard simply because the destination has retail in its name.

The appropriate station exit is determined by the actual building and direction of approach. A person with a stroller may prefer a connected path or lift even if it takes slightly longer. A commuter going to another TEL stop may remain on the same line rather than change to a bus at Orchard. This is a genuine operating improvement, not a future 2027 station.

Chapter 8. Havelock TE16 extends the River Valley options

Havelock is another operating TEL station, providing rail access to the Havelock Road neighbourhood and nearby residences and developments. It sits south of Great World on the TEL. A visitor whose destination is closer to Havelock should avoid automatically alighting at Great World and walking back across the district.

For a work or clinic appointment, save the building entrance and compare TE16 with a direct bus or another nearby station. A short rail ride can be useful, but the final approach can involve multiple street crossings. If the person is travelling after dark, check whether the intended walking path is well lit and whether the last connection home will still operate.

Chapter 9. Stevens offers another transfer before Orchard

Stevens DT10/TE11 is an operating interchange between the Downtown Line and Thomson–East Coast Line. It is useful for some commuters reaching the Orchard or Novena side from Bukit Timah without taking a long road detour. A person whose destination is on the TEL may find it easier to change at Stevens rather than continue toward Newton and use another line.

The best route depends on the starting station and destination. Changing trains at Stevens adds walking through the interchange, while remaining on the DTL toward Newton may suit an NSL destination better. Compare both at a real weekday hour. A direct bus can also be sensible when it reduces multiple changes for an older traveller.

Chapter 10. Medical appointments are door-to-door transport problems

The Novena area has several hospitals and specialist medical facilities. They have different entrances, clinics, registration points and appropriate drop-off arrangements. A transport direction that says only ‘take MRT to Novena’ may be insufficient for a patient using a wheelchair or someone with a strict appointment time.

Check the facility’s own map and the specific department before leaving home. Add time for lifts, reception and waiting areas. A more direct lawful road ride may be suitable when the person has difficulty walking. The return journey can also be more tiring after treatment, so it is sensible to identify a comfortable alternative before the appointment.

Chapter 11. Tan Tock Seng and the HealthCity precinct

Tan Tock Seng Hospital is a major Novena destination, but the broader health precinct contains multiple buildings and services. A patient travelling to a particular specialist centre should confirm which entrance and level are needed. The closest station exit may not be the one that serves the department most directly.

Plan with the individual’s mobility needs and medical instructions. If someone must attend early, check the first complete bus or train connection from home rather than assuming an MRT station near the hospital guarantees on-time arrival. For an older patient, one direct bus and a short walk may be preferable to a rail itinerary with two interchanges.

Chapter 12. Mount Elizabeth Novena and different medical lobbies

Private medical facilities around Novena also have distinct access and parking arrangements. A person arriving at a named medical centre should not assume the entrance is identical to another hospital in the same neighbourhood. The building’s official directions should take priority over a broad mapping result.

Taxis and private-hire cars may need to use designated drop-off points. A caregiver should know where the patient will actually be received and whether the car can stop safely. For rail travel, use the intended accessible route and allow time to reach the correct lift lobby. The whole journey should fit the person, not simply the fare budget.

Chapter 13. Service 21X and the Whampoa connection

LTA introduced supplementary Service 21X from 28 April 2025 to provide a faster connection between Whampoa and Novena MRT during weekday peak periods. The original published schedule excluded public holidays and ran selected morning and evening windows. The service supplements Service 21 and stops only at certain points.

This matters for residents whose daily trip begins around Saint Michael’s Bus Terminal, Jalan Tenteram or Kim Keat Road. A passenger should check the correct stop and current schedule, because a supplementary route is not necessarily a full-day service. A person reaching Novena after the evening peak may need the regular Service 21 or another alternative.

Chapter 14. Why a limited-stop bus is not interchangeable with Service 21

Service 21X is designed to shorten particular Whampoa–Novena journeys by serving selected stops, whereas the regular Service 21 has a wider route. They cannot be treated as identical because one might not call at the stop needed. A traveller should read the service suffix and destination display.

A resident using the route for a workday can compare actual waiting time and journey duration. If the supplementary bus only operates at specific peaks, it may be excellent in the morning but unavailable on a Saturday shopping trip. A reliable transport guide gives both the convenience and the limitation rather than saying a new fast bus solves every journey.

Chapter 15. Orchard shopping routes and different entrances

Orchard Road has shopping centres spread along a long corridor. A person visiting one end of the shopping belt may find Orchard Boulevard more convenient; another may prefer the main Orchard interchange. Some malls offer linked underground access, while other destinations require crossings or a longer street-level walk.

For a shopper carrying bags, consider the end of the day. A station close to the first shop may be far from the final restaurant or event. Instead of returning unnecessarily to the original station, identify a suitable nearer operating station for the return. Check the current first and last service if the outing ends late.

Chapter 16. Great World versus Orchard for family trips

A family headed to Great World should consider the TEL station with the same name rather than assume all major malls are reached through Orchard MRT. This may reduce walking, especially when travelling with children or a stroller. However, a direct bus may still be useful from a nearby home.

The best option depends on origin and physical access. A route with an MRT transfer can be slower than a one-seat bus when the destination is local. During rain, sheltered links may make the rail approach more comfortable. Compare walking distance, expected crowding and the return time rather than choose only by the number of train stops.

Chapter 17. The North–South Corridor is not opening in 2027

LTA’s revised 17 September 2026 timeline clearly states that the North–South Corridor viaduct is expected to open in phases from 2029 and the tunnel from 2031. Older project summaries describing a 2027 viaduct and 2029 tunnel are superseded. A Novena commuter cannot drive through the finished project during 2027 or 2028 based on the latest official plan.

This matters for a household evaluating a flat, an employer planning staff transport or a driver trying to estimate future travel times. Use existing roads and NSL/TEL rail. A later infrastructure target can be valuable context, but it should never be substituted for a route that must operate on a date already scheduled.

Chapter 18. Why the Novena tunnel is technically difficult

LTA explains that fractured rock and groundwater inflows beneath the live North–South Line tunnel required engineers to excavate in smaller sections with continuous rock removal, grouting and supports. The NSC tunnel passes both above and below operating NSL infrastructure, at points with very little clearance. These constraints required especially careful work to protect train operations and nearby road traffic.

That explanation is more useful than a vague statement that ‘the project is delayed’. In a built-up city, underground construction must coexist with functioning transport and utilities. A technically slower sequence can be necessary for safety. Residents should follow current traffic signs rather than infer from visible barriers that construction has stopped or a tunnel has opened.

Chapter 19. What changes in 2027 and 2028 near roadworks

LTA expects more NSC construction activity to shift underground from 2027, reducing some surface disruption. From 2028, affected roads, footpaths and adjoining areas are expected to be progressively reinstated as individual work sections permit. ‘Progressively’ means local improvements occur in stages rather than all hoardings disappearing on a single date.

A restored footpath may improve the walk to Novena station while the future NSC tunnel remains years away. A temporary bus stop or lane shift may still exist elsewhere. For a regular route, check notices every few months and follow actual site signage. A construction update about one junction is not proof that all Novena access has changed.

Chapter 20. Whitley Road and Thomson Road diversions

OneMotoring lists traffic reconfiguration around Thomson Road, Whitley Road and related junctions for NSC works from October 2025 into the first quarter of 2028, subject to updates. These roads connect routes used by motorists reaching Novena and the northern city. A driver should not assume the old lane or turning pattern remains legal.

Use the current road signs and LTA traffic information rather than a saved navigation shortcut. If the normal slip road is restricted, continue to a lawful alternative instead of forcing a last-second crossing. Businesses can help by giving clear directions to the actual delivery entrance and parking area while construction affects access.

Chapter 21. Roads, buses and the last kilometre

Even with several MRT stations nearby, direct buses remain important for Whampoa, Balestier, Newton and River Valley destinations. An older person attending an appointment may find a local bus stops nearer the building than the station exit. A bus can also avoid a long interchange walk when the journey is relatively short.

On the other hand, rail may be more predictable during heavy road congestion. Compare the real trip: walk to stop, wait, ride, transfer if necessary, and walk into the destination building. A person should not assume that either bus or train is always faster across all of central Singapore. The best transport is the one that fits the passenger’s actual route.

Chapter 22. Students travelling between schools and activities

Schools and enrichment venues in the corridor can have concentrated morning and afternoon demand. A child may need to travel from a home in Whampoa to a school near Newton or Orchard. The simplest safe route can be a direct bus or one train ride rather than a complicated interchange that only saves a few theoretical minutes.

Practice the route with the child, including the correct school gate, station exit and crossing. Discuss what to do if a train is missed or a stop changes during roadworks. On CCA days, confirm the later return service. A child should know how to contact a trusted adult and seek help from official staff, not improvise with a stranger offering transport.

Chapter 23. Accessibility and mobility aids

Public buses and MRT stations provide accessibility features, but the full trip requires suitable external paths, ramps and lifts. A wheelchair user heading to a Novena medical facility may need a designated entrance and extra time to reach the correct clinic. A person using a walking frame may prefer a route with fewer transfers even when it takes a little longer.

When construction changes a footpath, verify the alternative is step-free before travelling. A longer route around a blocked junction can be physically demanding. A suitable lawful vehicle drop-off may be a practical option for some patients, but not every standard taxi can carry someone who must remain seated in a wheelchair. Plan for the individual’s needs.

Chapter 24. Late-night shopping, work and dining

Orchard and River Valley remain active in the evening, while healthcare and hospitality staff may work shifts beyond the regular commute. MRT and most bus services have defined first and last operating times, and not every late train supports all onward connections. A ride that looks simple at 7pm may fail at 1am.

For a late departure, check the last complete train route, any final local bus and the safe walking path. Taxis or app-booked private-hire vehicles may be necessary, especially after trains end. Identify the lawful pick-up point and compare current prices rather than assume every city kerb is an approved waiting bay.

Chapter 25. Public transport fares and transfer cards

Distance-based fares can combine qualifying bus and train connections when the transfer rules are satisfied. A person who changes between NSL, TEL and DTL should use the same accepted card or wallet device for required taps. A physical card and its mobile-wallet token may be treated as different instruments, which can cause incomplete fare calculations.

Eligible seniors, students and persons with disabilities have concession options. A monthly pass may save money for someone travelling frequently but may not suit a visitor making only a few trips. Check current SimplyGo and PTC rates and terms. A fare review announced in 2026 is not proof of a separate 2028 price, so avoid making future figures up.

Chapter 26. Finding a safe bus stop during construction

A bus stop can temporarily move to maintain traffic safety while NSC work continues. An older screenshot showing a familiar stop may no longer be accurate. A commuter should read current signs at the site and the operator’s service advisory, paying attention to road direction and stop number.

For a person with a stroller or limited mobility, a temporary boarding point may have a different shelter or access path. Avoid walking along a live traffic lane to catch the bus. If the usual route is inaccessible, seek the operator’s guidance about another stop or accessible connection. A lawful detour can be inconvenient but is safer than a risky shortcut.

Chapter 27. Property choices around Novena and River Valley

A home near Novena, Newton, Orchard or Great World may have useful existing rail access. But the actual value depends on the walk from the building, school and work destinations, local buses and road conditions. Proximity to a future NSC alignment should not be presented as an expressway already open in 2027.

Visit the location at peak hours and after dark. Consider whether construction affects a regular footpath or vehicle entrance and whether the home remains practical without the future road. A more expensive address that looks closer to a station may still involve a longer walk than expected. Measure rather than assume.

Chapter 28. How to plan a Novena healthcare visit

Begin with the facility’s appointment instructions, specific building and reporting time. Find the most suitable operating station or bus stop and the exact accessible entrance. If travelling with someone who needs assistance, include time for safe alighting, lifts and registration.

Plan the return as well. A patient may be more tired afterward, and a public transport route that worked outward may be too demanding on the way home. Keep an appropriate lawful alternative and a contact person if needed. This approach makes healthcare travel more predictable rather than merely fast.

Chapter 29. Responding to rail disruptions

If the NSL has a delay around Novena or Newton, check which segment is affected rather than assume the entire rail network is down. The TEL or DTL may offer an alternative for particular destinations, but only if the passenger can reach an operating station safely. Check current LTA rail status and follow staff instructions.

During a significant disruption, bridging buses or special services may be announced. They apply to the specific incident; no older article can guarantee them. Inform the destination early for a hospital, examination or interview. A safe, workable alternative is better than rushing through an unfamiliar interchange.

Chapter 30. A 2027/2028 route method that stays useful

Write down the origin, destination entrance, reporting time and two plausible operating transport routes. Compare waiting, walking, transfers and accessibility. For Novena, the choice might involve NS20, Newton or Orchard and a local bus; for Great World, TEL may be a more direct option.

Then separate already-operating transport from future projects: TEL3 stations opened in 2022, Service 21X began in 2025, NSC surface access may improve during 2028 and expressway phases target 2029/2031. Verify changes through dated official notices. The best guide helps readers make real decisions without confusing an attractive future drawing with a working service.

Fifteen practical Novena and Orchard journeys

Senior with an appointment near Novena

Locate the specific clinic lobby and choose a route with a short accessible approach. A feeder or direct bus may be preferable to a rail transfer, especially on return when the patient is tired. Allow time for lifts and registration rather than aiming only to reach NS20 at the appointment minute.

For this situation, identify the operating stop, exact final building entrance, required connections and any special timing constraint. The full journey includes waiting, lifts and walking. Keep a safe alternative and never replace current services with an expressway or station that has not opened.

Whampoa worker considering Service 21X

Check the supplementary weekday peak schedule and relevant stop rather than assuming every Service 21X runs all day. It was introduced to help Whampoa residents reach Novena more quickly at selected times. Use regular 21 or another current bus when the supplementary service is unavailable.

Person travelling from Orchard to Great World

Both Orchard and Great World are operating TEL stations. Compare the direct TEL journey with a local bus or walking depending on the starting and ending building. A family with shopping bags may value a sheltered rail approach, while another may find the surface trip simpler.

Visitor going to Orchard Boulevard

Do not automatically alight at the main Orchard interchange. Orchard Boulevard TE13 serves a different segment. Save the exact office or event entrance and check the nearest lawful crossing. If the destination is on the other side of the road, a seemingly short walk may be longer.

Family visiting a venue near Napier

Napier TE12 is operating, but a Dempsey or gardens-related address may still need a bus or walk. Check the destination entrance and weather exposure. If travelling with children or an older person, a lawful direct drop-off can sometimes be more practical.

New worker choosing between Newton and Stevens

The relevant transfer depends on whether the onward destination uses NSL, DTL or TEL. Newton connects NSL/DTL; Stevens connects DTL/TEL. Compare real transfer walking and the final office entrance rather than use a generic ‘nearest interchange’ instruction.

Resident near Havelock going to a hospital

Havelock TE16 and Great World TE15 serve different River Valley areas. Use the actual home and hospital entrances to choose an appropriate TEL, bus or road route. A direct station name does not eliminate the last walking distance.

Motorist reading an old NSC 2027 opening claim

The September 2026 revision changed the viaduct target to 2029 and tunnel to 2031. Plan using existing roads in 2027 and 2028. Temporary diversions around Novena must be followed regardless of what an artist’s impression shows.

Person using a wheelchair after roadworks shift a crossing

Check the current step-free access from bus stop to clinic or station. A temporary detour may require extra time or a different stop. Do not use the shortest-looking route if barriers or stairs make it inaccessible.

Visitor arriving after midnight in Orchard

MRT has first and last trains and the final connecting bus may be unavailable. Check the complete late-night route and use an authorised taxi or private-hire pick-up point if needed. A busy nightlife area does not mean every bus runs overnight.

Student travelling to a school around Newton

Practice the correct NSL or DTL direction, destination gate and safe road crossing. A child should know what to do when a train is missed. Avoid an unnecessary change of lines if a direct bus offers a simpler daily routine.

Shopper facing heavy rain in River Valley

Compare TEL to Great World with a direct bus or short lawful road ride based on actual shelter and destination. The path from station to building matters more than the theoretical onboard duration. Avoid rushing across a wet junction to save minutes.

Employee with a shift beginning before first train

Check the first complete public transport journey, not only the first NSL departure from a nearby station. An early medical or hospitality shift might require an employer shuttle or point-to-point ride. Include recurring cost and sleep in the work decision.

Property buyer comparing Novena and Great World

Time the route from each actual lift lobby to work and common family destinations. Count current NSL and TEL services as real; treat future NSC as a later possibility. A property should remain practical even if surface works are extended.

Commuter whose NSL segment has a fault

Check live LTA status and determine whether the TEL, DTL or a bus can bypass the affected section. Follow current incident-specific bridging instructions, not an old generic shuttle image. Notify a time-critical destination early.

Frequently asked questions

Is Novena MRT an interchange?

Novena NS20 is a North–South Line station; Newton and Orchard are nearby interchange choices.

Which lines meet at Newton?

North–South and Downtown lines at NS21/DT11.

Does Orchard have TEL?

Yes. Orchard NS22/TE14 connects North–South and Thomson–East Coast lines.

Are Orchard Boulevard and Orchard separate stations?

Yes. Orchard Boulevard TE13 is separate from Orchard TE14.

Is Great World MRT open?

Yes. Great World TE15 opened with TEL Stage 3 in November 2022.

Is Havelock an operating TEL station?

Yes. Havelock TE16 also opened in 2022.

Is Napier on TEL?

Yes. Napier TE12 is an operating station.

How does Whampoa’s 21X work?

It was introduced as a weekday peak limited-stop connection to Novena; consult the current timetable.

Will the North–South Corridor open at Novena in 2027?

No. The viaduct targets phased opening from 2029 and the tunnel from 2031.

What is expected from 2028 near NSC works?

Progressive reinstatement of some affected roads, footpaths and spaces as sections permit.

Is Mount Pleasant TEL station open?

No. Its future opening depends on surrounding development and has no current confirmed date.

Which station is best for a hospital in Novena?

The choice depends on the hospital building and department; check its official directions and accessibility.

Can I take a bus from Whampoa to Novena?

Yes. Services including 21 and the peak-hour 21X link the general corridor, subject to current route details.

Are all Orchard shopping buildings close to one station?

No. Orchard, Orchard Boulevard and other stops serve different parts of the long shopping belt.

Does a train run all night?

No. Check first/last services and the last complete onward connection.

What should a visitor with limited mobility plan?

The actual accessible entrance, lifts, last crossing and a comfortable return transport option.

Official references and related guides

Novena, Newton and Orchard are already well served by operating rail and buses. The biggest planning improvement comes from choosing the correct station and entrance, respecting the limited operating hours of peak buses and separating the North–South Corridor’s later targets from today’s transport. A route based on those facts is more dependable than one based on an undated future map.