A New Working Group to Address Rail Network Challenges Following Recent Service Disruptions
SINGAPORE – In response to a series of service disruptions affecting its rail lines, SMRT has formed a new working group to evaluate the safety and reliability of its rail network. This initiative is backed by representatives from SMRT, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), and the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU).
This move follows one of the most significant breakdowns in Singapore’s MRT history, which occurred between September 25 and 30, 2024, crippling the East-West Line (EWL) for six days. The breakdown, caused by an axle box falling off a Kawasaki Heavy Industries train, resulted in extensive damage to the track and surrounding equipment, affecting around 500,000 train journeys each day.
The newly formed group will be co-chaired by SMRT Trains President Lam Sheau Kai and LTA Deputy Chief Executive for Infrastructure and Development Yee Boon Cheow. Their task will be to assess current systems and processes related to maintenance practices, life cycle management, and asset renewal. As part of the review, the group will benchmark SMRT’s practices against the Guangzhou Metro Corporation and Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, two metro operators renowned for their safety and reliability.
The working group’s review, expected to be completed in six months, will also incorporate lessons learned from previous incidents and make recommendations to improve rail operations. SMRT has already been scrutinized for recent disruptions, including those on September 17 and 18, where power failures affected the Circle Line (CCL).
SMRT remains committed to improving its service, as indicated by its ongoing focus on increasing its mean kilometres between failure (MKBF), a standard measure of rail reliability. In recent years, all of SMRT’s MRT lines have maintained an MKBF of over one million train-km.
The reliability of SMRT’s rail network is under intense scrutiny following these service disruptions. The LTA and SMRT are working together, along with the NTWU, to identify areas for improvement and ensure the continued safety and reliability of the MRT system. The LTA has expressed its full support for the working group’s efforts to enhance the commuter experience.
The new working group signals a renewed commitment to improving Singapore’s rail infrastructure and addressing ongoing reliability concerns.
