Fewer NEL trains running during morning peak hours as a precaution: SBS Transit

Thirty-five MRT trains instead of the regular number of 40 have been plying the North East Line (NEL) during morning peak hours in recent weeks, as a precautionary measure by rail operator SBS Transit.

- Esther Loi

Mrs Grace Wu, spokeswoman for SBS Transit, said on Aug 29 that this is meant to "ensure stable power supply" and to allow for "closer monitoring" of the system, following the power supply repair works that were carried out on the NEL earlier in August.

"While we have noticed more crowding at certain stations during this period, commuters have been able to continue their journeys without significant disruption," she said.

She said regular deployment of trains will resume some time next week, adding that the operator seeks commuters' patience and understanding during this temporary adjustment.

This comes after two power faults disrupted services on the line on Aug 12 and Aug 15.

On Aug 12, a surge in electricity damaged one of two switchboards at a substation in the NEL depot in Sengkang, which in turn tripped the power supply from the depot and disrupted train services on that line for around three hours.