August 18, 2017, 09:15 AM 
What a terrible week for transport. Right off the heels of SMRT SVP's incredible testimony on why the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) wasn't as 'up there' as one might think, and last night's (Aug. 17) evening peak disruption on the North-South Line (NSL) due to - what else - faults with the new signalling system, Singapore woke up this morning to another double tragedy:
Screengrab via Today.
Both SBST and SMRT put up their notices about Downtown Line (DTL) and NSL at about the same time, before 6.30am. Train services on the NSL were unavailable between Marina South Pier and Sembawang.
[NSL]UPDATE:Pls add 45mins train travel time between #MarinaSouthPier & #Sembawang,due to a signalling system fault.Train svc is available.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) August 17, 2017
SMRT advised commuters to seek alternative transport or MRT lines if heading towards the city.
[NSL] UPDATE: Please take other MRT lines or seek alternative transport towards city area.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) August 17, 2017
This was the scene at Ang Mo Kio station at 8.10am:
Courtesy of Merrill Tang.
Services on the DTL were also unavailable due to signalling fault.
There is no DTL train service due to a signalling fault. Free bus rides are available at all designated bus stops. We are sorry.
— SBS Transit (@SBSTransit_Ltd) August 17, 2017
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Scene at Bukit Panjang station on the DTL. Via Twitter user @shhai.
Thankfully, according to SBS Transit, things were coming back online slowly by 7am:
Trains are running on the Downtown Line. Please expect additional travel time of 15 minutes.
— SBS Transit (@SBSTransit_Ltd) August 18, 2017
Both SMRT and SBST offered free bus rides and free bus bridging services to commuters at affected stations.
Reactions from commuters
Yes, everyone has that love-hate relationship with our trains.
If you think your partner has so many faults, remember they won't have as much as @SMRT_Singapore
— Sarah Coldheart (@sarahcoldheart) August 17, 2017
If only we could.
Hey SMRT what's wrong with your system? Asking passengers taking other form of transport to city, if we take uber can submit claim from you?
— Henry Kua (@NWellKua) August 17, 2017
Friyay!
DTL & NSL would like to wish you TGIF! #MRT #SMRT pic.twitter.com/yBzI5In2S1
— D Shaffie (@RaistzD) August 17, 2017
Top image courtesy of Merrill Tang.
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