Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Recent rail disruptions isolated, not systemic: SMRT Trains president
The Straits Times
|September 18, 2025
Latest trip-up is among at least five across the MRT network in Sept
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.
This story is from the September 18, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Digitalisation - Can seniors have printed receipts at healthcare institutions?
I am writing to express my concern regarding the implementation of the Ministry of Health's \"Go Paperless\" initiative for payment receipts at healthcare institutions.
1 min
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
Help, my teen has social anxiety
Experts say parents play a crucial role in helping their adolescents to overcome the condition
6 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
Britain, Canada and Australia recognise Palestinian state
Other countries are expected to do the same at UN General Assembly this week
3 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
The climate crisis may also be a ticking financial time bomb
Bankers and corporate CEOs are already struggling to manage growing financial risks. New risks from climate change could push things over the edge.
7 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
Tween Cathy Chen Xi wins first prize
The Il-year-old Singaporean violinist had daily lessons, sometimes twice a day, in the two weeks leading up to the final
2 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
KENYAN ODIRA 'REALLY GRATEFUL'
Debutante beats fancied pair with powerful 800m finish, while Hocker makes amends
3 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore firms drawn to Africa's fast-growing consumer market
Continent has youngest population, huge reserves of commodities, critical minerals
6 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
3 more suspects linked to fake bulk order scams arrested
Three more people have been arrested for their suspected links to the recent fake bulk order scams that were carried out through impersonating Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen.
1 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
Matchmaking efforts by local Japanese govts prove a hit with Gen Z
The nature of konkatsu matchmaking programmes organised by local Japanese governments is changing to better suit the preferences of young adults belonging to Generation Z, those who were born from the latter half of the 1990s to around 2010.
3 mins
September 22, 2025
The Straits Times
Hygiene - Measures in place to ensure food safety of autonomous kitchen systems
We refer to the Forum letter by Mr Cheong Wing Kiat, \"Clarity on accountability needed for autonomous kitchens\" (Sept 11).
1 mins
September 22, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size