Recent rail disruptions isolated, not systemic: SMRT Trains president

Latest trip-up is among at least five across the MRT network in Sept

- Kok Yufeng

The three rail disruptions that have occurred over the last four days on lines operated by SMRT are isolated cases and "not systemic issues across the rail network", said Mr Lam Sheau Kai, president of SMRT Trains.

"We recognise the inconvenience these incidents cause, and sincerely apologise to affected commuters," Mr Lam told reporters on Sept 17, hours after a signalling fault at about 7.10am caused a two-hour disruption across the entire Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).

SMRT had initially warned of delays of up to 15 minutes, but later suspended services on the TEL for about 30 minutes to reset the signalling system, leaving some passengers stranded on board trains for an hour.

The signalling system directs rail traffic, keeps trains a safe distance from each other, and ensures they run according to schedule.

Mr Lam said SMRT is working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the signalling system's manufacturer to investigate the Sept 17 fault. The TEL's signalling system is supplied by French company Alstom.