Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan has apologised to commuters following the Nov. 15 Joo Koon MRT accident that left 29 people injured.

He made his apology when speaking to reporters after a joint press conference in which the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT sought to explain the preliminary findings on the two trains making contact after being stationary.

Preliminary investigations found that a glitch in the new communications-based train control system wiped out a safety software feature when the first train passed a faulty circuit.

Tuas West Extension suspended

Khaw also said he advised SMRT and LTA to suspend train service for system provider Thales to conduct a thorough check.

Train service between Joo Koon and Tuas Link stations will be suspended on Thursday, Nov. 16, as a result, so that the authorities can carry out investigations.

Bus bridging services will be provided for affected passengers.

The LTA said that trains on the North-South and East-West lines will also run at slower intervals of between 2½ minutes and three minutes, compared with the current two minutes, as an interim safety precaution.

This is what Khaw said, transcribed:

This is the first major incident involving the new signalling system.

Thales is confident of the system and I advised the team, ‘lets play doubly safe’- safety is involved.

That’s why I advised them to suspend the Tuas West Extension (operations) tomorrow. Then we have a whole day to do a thorough check before we resume the Tuas West extension.

I know it was an awful day today. Commuters were inconvenienced and some even injured. So, we're deeply sorry for that.

Those who were injured and in hospitals, the second minister, (Ng) Chee Meng, as well as Dr Lam (Pin Min), SMS (senior minister of state), visited all of them. They have been most understanding and we are deeply grateful.

Okay.

Reporter: Will there be a COI (Committee of Inquiry) on this?

Let the investigation continue and if the facts are clear, then there's no need for COI. But depends on whether we are unclear and so on or there are ambiguity, then we will see.

Reporter: This happened just after the flooding incident, how will that impact confidence?

Obviously the people will be upset by all this, I'm equally upset as they. Thank you.

Injuries caused by knocks and falls

LTA’s Deputy Chief Executive of Infrastructure and Development, Chua Chong Kheng said most of the injured commuters were treated for injuries such as knocks, falls and bruises.

Chua said one had a face injury and a broken tooth, while others sustained facial injuries when they hit the grab bars during the impact.