SMRT did not announce Dec. 2 EWL delay on social media, LTA says rail operators to prioritise 'localised' announcements for delays under 30 minutes

Following advice from the Rail Reliability Taskforce, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operators will adopt a "localised approach" to communicate minor delays, LTA said in a statement on Dec. 3.

LTA's statement comes after a 20-minute East-West Line (EWL) delay on Dec. 2 went unreported on SMRT's social media pages.

To avoid unnecessary commuter detours

LTA explained that when train services are affected, its priority is to provide "timely and accurate information" that directly help commuters to continue their journeys.

Where a shorter stretch of the rail network is affected, and where the duration of service disruption is expected to be relatively short, the operators will prioritise localised communications for commuters, especially those directly affected at the stations, it added.

LTA defined "relatively short" as under 30 minutes.

LTA further explained that this is in response to feedback that communicating the maximum additional travel time does not accurately reflect the impact on individual commuters.

It highlighted those who are unlikely to be affected but would make unnecessary or costly detours if train services resumed on time.

"Following advice from the Rail Reliability Taskforce, LTA and rail operators will use this more localised approach to communicate minor delays," LTA said.

Additionally, LTA said it and rail operators also intend to provide more accurate information online on additional journey time based on commuters' specific locations and destinations, rather than a generic advisory on maximum travel time.

Train service remained available on Dec. 2

Explaining the lack of announcement on SMRT's social media pages regarding the Dec. 2 EWL delay, LTA shared that train services remained available end to end, with a shuttle train connecting Lavender and Paya Lebar stations.

"As the incident was already being rectified, SMRT focused on communicating information such as alternative travel routes to affected commuters at the station," LTA explained.

LTA also pointed out that this was supported by staff and crowd marshals on-site to guide commuters on how to continue their journeys.

The Rail Reliability Taskforce was set up in September 2025 to develop and implement immediate solutions to improve rail reliability and respond to service disruptions.

The Taskforce includes the chiefs of LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit, and is due to report their findings to Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow by end-2025.

Top image via Mothership reader and Reddit.