SINGAPORE – Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced on Feb. 26 that the government will not convene a committee of inquiry (COI) to investigate three MRT delays that occurred in early February. These disruptions affected the North-South, North East, and Circle lines, sparking concerns among commuters.Addressing Parliament, Mr. chee responded to questions about the incidents and the government’s approach to ensuring rail reliability. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently investigating the root causes of these disruptions, aiming to prevent future occurrences.

The decision not to form a COI comes after questions raised by Progress Singapore Party non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, who inquired whether a COI would be convened given the recent disruptions. Leong Mun wai had previously called for a COI following a major East-West line (EWL) breakdown, a request that was ultimately rejected. the recent decision underscores the government’s confidence in the existing regulatory framework and investigative processes.

Mr. Chee explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, “There isn’t a systemic issue or concern with SBS Transit or SMRT that, I think, will change our position on the necessity for a COI.” He emphasized that the LTA, as the rail regulator, possesses the necessary authority and expertise to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents. This stance reflects a belief that the LTA’s existing mechanisms are sufficient to address the issues at hand.

LTA’s Role and Inquiry Process

The Land Transport Authority is actively working to identify the underlying causes of the three separate incidents that occurred in February. Mr. Chee reiterated that the authority will share any learning points with the rail operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, to prevent future occurrences. He referenced his ministerial statement from October 2024, where he explained why a COI was not convened for the six-day disruption along a stretch of the EWL in September 2024, which impacted approximately 2.6 million passengers. This highlights a consistent approach to addressing rail disruptions without resorting to a COI.

Mr. Chee affirmed that the LTA is “empowered” to conduct thorough investigations and make the findings public, ensuring openness and accountability in addressing rail-related issues. This commitment to transparency aims to maintain public trust in the MRT system.

In contrast, a COI was ordered in December 2011 by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after three breakdowns in four days on the North-South Line, affecting over 200,000 passengers. This highlights the government’s willingness to utilize COIs in cases deemed to warrant a more extensive inquiry. The 2011 incident was considered a meaningful disruption, prompting a higher level of scrutiny.

Mr. Chee stressed that the February 2025 incidents, while occurring in swift succession, are unrelated to each other and to the EWL train breakdown in September 2024. This assertion aims to reassure the public that the disruptions are not indicative of a broader systemic failure.

addressing Staffing and Maintenance Concerns

Beyond hardware issues,Mr. Leong Mun Wai also questioned whether the LTA would investigate potential problems related to staffing, staff turnover, skill levels, and morale within the engineering and maintenance departments of SMRT. Mr. Chee responded that the authorities are actively examining these issues and will review the entire system of operations and maintenance. This thorough review aims to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the human element of rail operations.

Updates on the February Rail Delays

Mr. Chee provided updates on the early findings of the investigations into each of the three rail delays:

North-south Line (Feb. 7)

The incident on the North-South Line on Feb. 7 was triggered by an engineering vehicle breakdown at a railway crossing within Bishan Depot at approximately 5:15 a.m. Only three of the 39 trains scheduled to serve the line had been launched. SMRT had to redirect trains from the EWL to the NSL,causing longer wait times on both lines.The early morning breakdown considerably impacted commuter flow.

When SMRT attempted to move the stalled vehicle with a rescue train, some of its wheels derailed, preventing trains from leaving the depot. Hydraulic equipment was required to slowly lift and shift the vehicle, a process that concluded around 5:30 p.m. Trains where successfully launched from Bishan depot at 6:36 p.m. The recovery process was lengthy and complex.

Hougang MP Dennis Tan questioned whether engineering vehicles are subject to the same maintenance standards as passenger trains. Mr. Chee clarified that the maintenance regimes differ due to the different nature of their operations. The LTA is still investigating the cause of the engineering vehicle breakdown. This examination will likely inform future maintenance protocols for engineering vehicles.

Regarding service recovery, Mr. Chee said SMRT “tried their very best” to move the train as quickly as possible. However, the derailed wheels made the process more time-consuming and labor-intensive. The incident highlighted the challenges of recovering from such breakdowns.

North East Line (Feb. 10)

The North East Line incident on Feb. 10 was attributed to a signalling fault near Buangkok station at approximately 6:08 a.m. This fault prevented trains from being controlled automatically, requiring manual operation at slower speeds. The signalling issue caused significant delays during the morning commute.

Early investigations revealed that the signalling fault was caused by a malfunctioning electronic card in the signalling system. There were no prior indications of malfunction during maintenance checks. SBST replaced the card, restoring the system to normal operation around 8:00 a.m. The faulty card has been sent to the manufacturer for further examination. The incident underscores the importance of robust signalling systems and rapid response protocols.

Circle Line (Feb. 11)

the Circle Line incident on Feb. 11 was also due to a signalling fault,not a power trip as initially reported. A temporary loss of communication between a train and trackside signalling equipment at approximately 8:15 a.m. caused one train to engage its brakes and stop, triggering a safety protocol that halted 17 trains between Paya Lebar and Marymount stations.The safety protocol, while necessary, resulted in widespread disruption.

During the restoration process, the central automatic train supervision system, which manages driverless trains, became less responsive. A similar issue occurred in September 2024, leading LTA and SMRT to collaborate with manufacturer Alstom on a software patch. The patch was scheduled for deployment on Feb. 15.

“Unfortunately, the incident happened a few days before the deployment date,” Mr. Chee noted. SMRT and Alstom have as successfully deployed the patch. The incident highlights the challenges of managing complex software systems and the importance of timely updates.

Commitment to Rail Reliability

Mr. chee acknowledged that while the three incidents did not result in prolonged stoppages, they occurred during peak hours, affecting a notable number of commuters and increasing their travel times. the timing of the incidents exacerbated their impact.

“We take every incident on the MRT network seriously, as rail safety, reliability and resilience will always be our priorities,” said Mr. Chee. This statement underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable MRT system.

As of Feb. 25,trains on the entire MRT network had clocked an average of two million train-kilometers without service delays of at least five minutes. all MRT lines have met the rail reliability target of at least one million train-km between such delays. These statistics provide context to the recent disruptions,highlighting the overall reliability of the system.

In response to a question from Mr. Tan regarding improved communication with passengers during train incidents, Mr. Chee stated that the LTA will continue to refine communication strategies, notably during peak hours. Effective communication is crucial for managing passenger expectations and minimizing inconvenience during disruptions.

Is Singapore’s renowned MRT system facing a crisis of confidence, or are recent disruptions simply growing pains in a constantly evolving network?

Professor lim (PL): The decision not to convene a COI is a complex one, reflecting a shift in how authorities approach investigating rail incidents.While a COI provides a complete, high-profile examination, its effectiveness can sometimes be outweighed by the time and resources it consumes. The crucial question is whether the existing investigative mechanisms, such as those employed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), are sufficiently robust and clear to address the underlying causes of these service disruptions. In this case, the LTA’s in-depth analysis, coupled with public release of findings, arguably offers a similar level of accountability without the delays inherent in a COI process.

PL: the clustering of incidents certainly raises concerns about potential interconnected issues, such as supply chain vulnerabilities or broader maintenance strategies. however, the government’s assertion that these were autonomous events – a mechanical failure on the North-South Line, a signaling fault on the North East Line, and a different signaling problem on the Circle Line – needs careful consideration. A thorough investigation needs to explore the possibility of underlying, interconnected weaknesses within the overall network’s resilience, beyond the immediate causes of each event. This includes examining maintenance protocols across different lines and operators.

PL: The human element is absolutely paramount. A well-trained, adequately staffed, and highly motivated workforce is the backbone of any reliable public transport system.While technological advancements are essential,they are only as good as the people who maintain and operate them. insufficient staffing, inadequate training, or low morale can directly impact maintenance quality, operational efficiency, and ultimately, passenger safety and satisfaction.The LTA’s review of operations and maintenance needs to prioritize a holistic assessment of this crucial human element.

PL: Collaborative details sharing is a vital step.Open dialog between regulators and operators allows for the rapid dissemination of best practices and timely implementation of corrective actions.This collaborative approach not only speeds up the advancement process but also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the rail industry. though, the success of this approach depends on the transparency and effectiveness of the

Singapore’s MRT Reliability: A crisis of Confidence or Growing Pains? An Exclusive Interview

Is Singapore’s renowned Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system facing a systemic failure, or are the recent disruptions merely temporary setbacks in an ever-evolving network?

Interview with Professor Lim, Expert in Public Transportation Systems

World Today News (WTN): Professor Lim, thank you for joining us today. Recent MRT disruptions in Singapore have sparked considerable public concern. Many are questioning the reliability of the system. What’s your expert assessment?

Professor Lim (PL): The recent incidents, while concerning, don’t necessarily signal a systemic crisis. Though, they do highlight the need for a thorough review of the system’s resilience and preventative maintenance strategies. The key is to understand whether the disruptions represent isolated failures or indicate deeper, underlying vulnerabilities within the network’s operational framework. The swift succession of incidents understandably fuels anxieties. It’s crucial to distinguish between random failures and systemic weaknesses.

WTN: the Singaporean government has opted against convening an inquiry committee (COI) to investigate these incidents, citing confidence in the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) investigative capabilities. Is this a justified decision?

PL: The decision to forgo a COI is strategic. COIs, while offering complete reviews, can be resource-intensive and time-consuming. The LTA’s ongoing investigations, coupled with the transparency of their findings, can provide a similar level of accountability, but with greater efficiency. The critical factor is whether the LTA’s investigative framework is robust enough to uncover root causes and implement effective solutions. The LTA’s review should thoroughly examine preventative measures.

WTN: The disruptions affected various lines – the North-South Line, North east Line, and Circle Line. Are these incidents isolated events,or could there be interconnected issues at play?

PL: While the immediate causes appear distinct – a mechanical failure,a signaling fault,and another signaling issue – the clustering of these incidents demands a deeper analysis. It’s essential to explore the possibility of underlying weaknesses impacting the overall network resilience. This requires investigating potential interconnectedness, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, broader maintenance methodologies, and compatibility issues across different systems. One should examine supply chain reliability for signaling equipment and critical components.

WTN: Beyond the technical aspects, Mr. Leong Mun Wai raised concerns about staffing, staff turnover, skill levels, and morale within maintenance departments. How important are these human factors?

PL: The human element is absolutely paramount. A well-trained, adequately staffed, and highly motivated workforce is the backbone of a reliable public transportation system. technological upgrades are essential, but their effectiveness hinges on the competence and dedication of the personnel who manage and maintain them. Insufficient staffing, lack of training, or low morale can profoundly impact maintenance quality, operational efficiency, and passenger safety. The LTA’s review must prioritize comprehensive assessments of the human capital within the MRT system. This includes evaluating training programs, compensation strategies, and employee engagement initiatives.

WTN: What specific steps should the LTA prioritize to address these issues and prevent future disruptions?

PL: The LTA needs to focus on several key areas:

Strengthening preventative maintenance: Implementing more proactive maintenance schedules, predictive analytics, and robust risk assessments.

Investing in staff advancement: Providing comprehensive training programs, upgrading skillsets, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Improving communication: Enhancing communication strategies with passengers during disruptions to manage expectations and minimize inconvenience.

Enhancing data analytics: Utilizing complex data analytics to identify patterns, predict potential issues, and optimize resource allocation.

* Promoting collaboration: Facilitating open communication and facts sharing between the LTA, rail operators, and technology providers.

WTN: What is your overall outlook for the future reliability of Singapore’s MRT system?

PL: Singapore’s MRT system has a strong foundation,and I am confident that the authorities will implement measures to enhance its reliability and resilience. However,continuous vigilance,proactive investment in both infrastructure and human capital,and transparent communication with the public are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the system. This ongoing investment will involve both short-term fixes and long-term strategic planning for the MRT’s future expansion.

WTN: Professor Lim, thank you for your valuable insights.

Final Thoughts: The recent MRT disruptions in Singapore serve as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining a robust and resilient public transit system. Addressing both technical and human factors is crucial to ensuring passenger safety, enhancing operational efficiency, and maintaining public confidence in the MRT network. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below – what are your concerns, and what solutions do you suggest? Let’s keep the conversation going on social media using #Singaporemrt #PublicTransport #RailReliability.

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