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- Aug 20, 2022
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This morning, we had a track fault during peak hour at Jurong East MRT station, which resulted in considerable delays for morning commuters on the East-West Line.
This was the latest of a number of rail incidents in the last couple of months. The causes of the incidents are unrelated, and occurred on different lines (TEL, BPLRT, NSEWL). This morning's disruption was due to a problem with the track. At track points, point machines physically move the rails at junctions, so that trains can transfer from one track to another. When a point machine is not functioning well, trains have to travel at slower speeds in manual mode for passenger safety, which leads to delays.
Our maintenance engineers work very hard to keep point machines working. In fact, I was just with SBST engineers last week, who showed me how they maintained a point machine. This involves opening up the machine, testing all the circuits, and even hand-cleaning the gears with a file so the machine moves smoothly - a laborious process.
I understand commuters' frustration whenever there is a delay or disruption in train service, because it messes up your day and throws off your plans. Train delays cannot be eliminated entirely and will happen from time to time. What can improve is how we get information to commuters during a delay, and guide commuters to find alternative routes to their destinations, both onsite and online.
When a service delay happens, announcements will be made onsite at stations and operators will have additional service staff to support commuters. General announcements about additional average travel time are indicative, but the overall impact on an individual's travel time will depend on her location and destination. Commuters can get up-to- date information on service status on LTA's MyTransport SG app. SMRT and SBST also have apps that provide specific information on how to take an alternative train or bus service from your location to your destination during a disruptio Going forward, LTA will continue to work with train operators to conduct more regular exercise on how to support commuters in different ser disruption scenarios.
This series of recent incidents is disappointing for all of us, and we can and will do better. The One Transport family will continue to work hard to strengthen our rail system.
