ST Forum
Published on Aug 19, 2011
Shocked by repeat of train vandalism
I AM flabbergasted to learn that SMRT's security has been breached yet again by vandals ('Another MRT train vandalised in depot'; yesterday). It is appalling.
When an incident like this is repeated, surely, the company's top management cannot avoid criticism that it is more interested in fare increases and its bottom line.
Surely too, the chief executive officer and her senior management cannot avoid a reprise of public anxiety over the possibility of sabotage by terrorists.
SMRT cannot claim a lack of time either in shoring up security. It has been more than a year since vandals broke into its Changi depot and spray-painted graffiti on its trains.
I hope blame for the latest breach will not be pinned on lower-end staff: the CEO and senior management must step up and hold themselves accountable. Otherwise it would only fan the flames of criticism over continuing with private sector management of a public service.
Patrick Tan