When there was an announcement at the MRT stations yesterday evening of a train delay, many commuters simply assumed the worst: That train services were disrupted again.
Many people sent out tweets to tell their friends that they were stuck on the trains while some who were waiting for the trains decided to take no chances and left the stations to take alternative transport.
But the delay turned out to be short-lived, as services resumed soon after.
According to an SMRT spokesperson, there was a nine-minute delay on the north-bound train service at Orchard MRT Station at 6.46pm yesterday. The delay occurred because a train had to be pulled out of service due to a signalling fault.
Today understands that the passengers on the faulty train had to disembark at Orchard station.
North bound trains slower due to train delays
Commuters travelling on the north south line towards Marina Bay found themselves packed more tightly than usual at peak hour on Tuesday morning.
Trains took four to five minutes to arrive, and the delay is believed to be caused by the longer waiting times.
NEL train service suffers delay
Train service on the North-East Line (NEL) between Outram Park and HarbourFront Stations were delayed for about 20 minutes on Tuesday morning due to a signalling fault.
Operator SBS Transit said two trains stopped in the tunnel during that time as engineers worked to re-set the system.
Necessary pain for commuters
After experiencing three train disruptions in four days, commuters will now have to bear with a reduced frequency of trains in the morning and slower trains along certain stretches of the MRT network.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said the reduced train speed was necessary to minimise vibrations along these tracks.
Seeking commuters' understanding, Mr Lui said: "The reduction in speed is a precautionary measure, it is worthwhile to put that in place until we have sufficient time to do more detailed analysis of the information that we have collected."
Mr Lui noted that the increased train frequencies over the years - to cater to a growing population - has resulted in less time for the transport operators to carry out inspections and maintenance. "But nonetheless, I don't think that is the contributory factor (to the recent disruptions)," Mr Lui said.
On whether SMRT should have discovered the rail defects and faulty trains earlier as part of its regular checks, Mr Lui said its maintenance regime will be looked into during the public inquiry that will be convened within the next fortnight.
Meanwhile, SMRT CEO Saw Phaik Hwa has said that she has no plans to step down.
A major disruption in 24 years is understandable - and forgivable
Japan has one of the most efficient transport systems in the world, yet it is also prone to the occasional disruption, whether it is caused technically or for other reasons.
In Barcelona where I live, the transport system is vulnerable to workers' strikes, which sometimes mean disrupted service for long periods.
Yet in both places, the public react calmly and do not point fingers at their government in anger.
By contrast, I read my friends in Singapore who rant online about operators, the Ministry of Transport and even the minister.
This reflects a population pampered by an efficient society who have grown intolerant.
A major breakdown in 24 years of operation is understandable - and forgivable.
Grassroots gripped by Stockholm syndrome over SMRT fiasco
The grassroots are suffering from Stockholm syndrome, a case where the victim starts to empathise with the kidnapper.
While back in 2002, Tharman compared Singapore with New York; the grassroots have now started comparing Singapore with Sub-Saharan Africa and the ulu jungles of Amazon. Their statement normally goes something like this, “You know people in Africa ride on camel backs – consider yourself fortunate!”
People have somehow found justifications for these breakdowns, said that it was ok, it is all part of the ‘new normal,’ giving it a completely new spin.
SMRT investors however do not share the same sentiments. The shares took a beating and fell 3.6% on Monday 19th December, the lowest in three months, following the three breakdowns last week.
The management of SMRT have a duty to their shareholders and in fact the management is duty bound to report all incidences publicly so that shareholders are well informed about the performance of the company and the management.
Content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
No comments:
Post a Comment