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By Royston Sim
SINGAPORE'S MRT system is more reliable nowadays, with fewer delays because huge sums are being spent to maintain and improve the network, said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.
But he acknowledged that SMRT could have done "much better" in handling the three breakdowns last month, especially in providing timely information on the situation to commuters.
He was replying to two MPs who wanted to know how the operators are addressing delays after three disruptions last month, including one at Ang Mo Kio that affected 19,000 commuters.
Mr Lui said the SMRT and Land Transport Authority (LTA) are spending about $500 million to overhaul older trains on the North South and East West lines by 2016, as well as upgrade the signalling system by 2018.
SMRT also increased its annual spending on repair and maintenance by 65 per cent, from $38.3 million in 2011 to $64.5 million in 2013, he added. These figures refer to its financial year, which ends on March 31 each year.
SBS Transit, the other rail operator, is also improving its network. It is replacing problematic parts of the North East Line overhead power system, and doing a mid-life upgrade of major systems of its 10-year-old trains.
The improvements made by both operators have led to fewer delays that exceed five minutes - from 396 in 2012 to 309 last year.
Fewer trains are also being withdrawn from service on all lines, Mr Lui added. "We have made some strides in the right direction, but there is certainly room for improvement."
He also said SMRT is changing its approach in dealing with breakdowns. Instead of having a generic plan for stretches of rail, it will have a station-by-station contingency plan.
Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) asked Mr Lui if he would ask the SMRT to forgo an upcoming fare increase as service is still not satisfactory.
The minister replied that while he understood the emotions involved in the matter of a fare rise, he felt "it's best to separate the two issues".
SINGAPORE'S MRT system is more reliable nowadays, with fewer delays because huge sums are being spent to maintain and improve the network, said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.
But he acknowledged that SMRT could have done "much better" in handling the three breakdowns last month, especially in providing timely information on the situation to commuters.
He was replying to two MPs who wanted to know how the operators are addressing delays after three disruptions last month, including one at Ang Mo Kio that affected 19,000 commuters.
Mr Lui said the SMRT and Land Transport Authority (LTA) are spending about $500 million to overhaul older trains on the North South and East West lines by 2016, as well as upgrade the signalling system by 2018.
SMRT also increased its annual spending on repair and maintenance by 65 per cent, from $38.3 million in 2011 to $64.5 million in 2013, he added. These figures refer to its financial year, which ends on March 31 each year.
SBS Transit, the other rail operator, is also improving its network. It is replacing problematic parts of the North East Line overhead power system, and doing a mid-life upgrade of major systems of its 10-year-old trains.
The improvements made by both operators have led to fewer delays that exceed five minutes - from 396 in 2012 to 309 last year.
Fewer trains are also being withdrawn from service on all lines, Mr Lui added. "We have made some strides in the right direction, but there is certainly room for improvement."
He also said SMRT is changing its approach in dealing with breakdowns. Instead of having a generic plan for stretches of rail, it will have a station-by-station contingency plan.
Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) asked Mr Lui if he would ask the SMRT to forgo an upcoming fare increase as service is still not satisfactory.
The minister replied that while he understood the emotions involved in the matter of a fare rise, he felt "it's best to separate the two issues".
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