The recent train disruptions that occured on SMRT-operated MRT lines are unrelated, said the train operator on Monday (Mar. 20).
In the early part of 2023, the North-South Line (NSL) was hit by three disruptions in the span of three weeks. Meanwhile, the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) was hit intermittently by disruptions in early January, February, and March. The East-West Line (EWL) suffered a train fault on Mar. 5 that extended commuting time by an estimated 25 minutes.
Thomson-East Coast Line experiencing teething issues
According to SMRT, the Thomson-East Coast Line is currently experiencing the "bathtub curve syndrome". In other words, as with most new products, the rail line is experiencing more issues in its early phase.
"Prior to opening a new stage of the line, LTA and SMRT carry out rigorous and comprehensive testing," said the operator.
"Nevertheless, as rail systems contain many interlinking hardware and software, certain teething issues will only surface during the early phases of full-scale operation. LTA, SMRT, and the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) endeavour to respond to and fix these teething issues promptly."
SMRT added that it is working closely with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the original equipment manufacturers to investigate and rectify the faulty components to prevent a similar recurrence.
North-South and East-West Lines have older trains
On the other hand, SMRT said that the trains on the North-South and East-West Lines are typically older and hence tend to encounter faults more frequently.
The first three generations of trains have been in service as early as 1987, said the operator.
New trains will be replacing these older ones on the North-South and East-West Lines but the delivery and testing of the entire new fleet has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to SMRT.
In the meantime, the older trains have been overhauled and had their components replaced, said SMRT who added that its engineers are conducting more rigorous tests to enhance the trains' predictive maintenance regime.
Top image via SMRT/Facebook