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<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>More info please on train frequency limitations
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to Tuesday's letter from SMRT Corporation, "Steps afoot to speed up train frequency", and would like it to consider my suggestion.
In its letter, it explained that the infrastructure of the network and the need to maintain a safe distance between trains limits train frequency to a minimum of two minutes. The frequency of its trains can be reduced further only upon some modifications to existing infrastructure where feasible.
The public may be better able to understand SMRT's problems if it tries to provide explanations to the fundamental flaws in the design of its infrastructure.
First, the public needs to understand why the station platforms were limited to only six coaches at the time of their design and construction. It is obvious now that a six-coach train is inadequate to meet demands during peak hours, even with a higher frequency.
Second, is the speed of the trains limited by the design or infrastructure?
Third, were provisions made to accommodate more than one track for trains going in the same direction?
Pending SMRT's explanations and improvements, perhaps it could consider the feasibility of implementing the following suggestions as interim measures:
- Increase the capacity per train by adding one or two coaches for passengers who are travelling longer distances. The doors of these rear coaches will not open at all stations.
- Extend the length of the station platforms to accommodate up to eight coaches during peak hours and reduce the number of coaches during off-peak hours (to offset cost during peak hours);
- Allow train drivers to increase train speed on the instructions of its central control station. Henry Lim
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->I REFER to Tuesday's letter from SMRT Corporation, "Steps afoot to speed up train frequency", and would like it to consider my suggestion.
In its letter, it explained that the infrastructure of the network and the need to maintain a safe distance between trains limits train frequency to a minimum of two minutes. The frequency of its trains can be reduced further only upon some modifications to existing infrastructure where feasible.
The public may be better able to understand SMRT's problems if it tries to provide explanations to the fundamental flaws in the design of its infrastructure.
First, the public needs to understand why the station platforms were limited to only six coaches at the time of their design and construction. It is obvious now that a six-coach train is inadequate to meet demands during peak hours, even with a higher frequency.
Second, is the speed of the trains limited by the design or infrastructure?
Third, were provisions made to accommodate more than one track for trains going in the same direction?
Pending SMRT's explanations and improvements, perhaps it could consider the feasibility of implementing the following suggestions as interim measures:
- Increase the capacity per train by adding one or two coaches for passengers who are travelling longer distances. The doors of these rear coaches will not open at all stations.
- Extend the length of the station platforms to accommodate up to eight coaches during peak hours and reduce the number of coaches during off-peak hours (to offset cost during peak hours);
- Allow train drivers to increase train speed on the instructions of its central control station. Henry Lim
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