SDP calls for 'full transparency & accountability' from MOT & SMRT on train disruption

The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) called for "full transparency and accountability" from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and SMRT regarding the recent train disruption along the East-West Line (EWL).

In a Facebook post on Oct. 4, 2024, the party's vice-chairman, Bryan Lim, expressed "huge concerns" over the disruption that halted trains between Jurong East and Buona Vista for five days.

Lim said the breakdown "exposed the frailties and deep-seated problems underlying our train system".

Five days of no trains

On Sep. 25, 2024, a Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) train that had been in service for over 35 years developed a fault.

As it was being withdrawn, it damaged the tracks, including the running rails and a third rail supplying power to the train.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT said that after their engineers worked through the night, they found "extensive damage" to the track and trackside equipment.

LTA and SMRT investigations revealed that a defective train axle box was dropped from the KHI train, causing the wheels of a bogie to come off the running rail between Dover and Clementi station.

The dropped axle box led to 34 rail breaks across 1.6km of tracks between the two stations.

Service resumed on Oct. 1, 2024, with some speed restrictions for westbound trains on the EWL. On Oct. 5, the restrictions were lifted.

Full and thorough accounting

Lim said the 35-year-old MRT system "badly needed a comprehensive review", citing the deaths of two SMRT maintenance staff in 2016, the flooding of the Bishan MRT tunnel in 2017, and the trains coming into contact at Joo Koon also in 2017 as "clear warning signs".

"However, despite spending more than $2.5 billion on overhauling the ageing North-South and East-West lines to improve train reliability, the system had suffered its worst breakdown in history on 25 September 2024 with an unprecedented six-day disruption of the EW Line."

Lim brought up former transport minister Khaw Boon Wan's words in 2017, where he stated:

"Each time you replace a core system, there will be a quantum improvement."

Lim also noted that public transport fares have continued to rise since 2021, and there will be another six percent increase in December 2024.

"The SDP calls for a full and thorough accounting of the $2.5 billion or more spent, including an itemised breakdown of the expenditure as well as the release of information related to it.

The Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat and the SMRT owe the public full transparency and accountability over its management of our train system. Its record over the years has been dismal, at best, and dangerous, at worst."

SDP leader Chee Soon Juan also shared the statement on his Facebook page, which you can see below:

SDP is not the only political party who have commented on the EWL disruption.

The Progress Singapore Party has also called on Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat to convene a Committee of Inquiry (COI) to look into the train disruption.

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Top photos via Mothership & SDP/Facebook