MRT service closures may last longer as part of rail renewal works after train disruptions: LTA

Commuters could face longer MRT service closures in the future as more engineering hours will be set aside by the Land Transport Authority and (LTA) and rail operators to carry out renewal works efficiently and safely.

According to LTA, SMRT, and SBS Transit in a joint press release, this is necessary as renewing multiple systems simultaneously whilst maintaining day-to-day rail operations poses inherent coordination and operational challenges.

These service adjustments will be planned carefully and alternative transport options will be provided to minimise inconvenience to commuters, the press release added.

These works are part of the recommendations issued by the Rail Reliability Taskforce, which was established on Sep. 19, 2025, to develop and implement solutions to improve rail reliability and joint responses to train service disruptions.

In a separate press release, the Ministry of Transport said it had reviewed and accepted the taskforce's recommendations.

What are the recommendations?

A more robust power supply system for the NEL and SPLRT

In its joint press release with SMRT and SBS Transit, LTA said it plans to implement a more robust power supply system to improve the reliability of the North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang-Punggol LRT (SPLRT).

This includes upgrading the existing power intake at the NEL depot in Sengkang, as well as augmenting the traction power capacity of the NEL and SPLRT via additional Traction Power Sub-stations (TPSS).

In the longer-term, LTA will also explore building a new higher-capacity power intake as a dedicated back-up power intake for the NEL.

Implementing more signalling operating procedures and bypass systems

LTA and the rail operators will study the implementation of additional operating procedures and bypass systems to enable faster recovery of train operations, while not compromising on safety.

This includes studying the feasibility of implementing a bypass feature that would allow a train to be manually driven at slower speeds instead of being fully halted when a signalling fault is detected.

Improving trains

LTA will also revise the placement of coupling levers and brake isolation valves on trains for easier access by rail operator staff, so as to speed up the coupling of trains when a faulty train has to be moved using a rescue train.

LTA will also strengthen the circuitry of its trains to improve resilience against train-borne electrical faults.

Better spare parts management

LTA and the rail operators will also improve spare parts management by improving their ability to forecast spares requirements through more comprehensive data collection and analysis.

This includes stockpiling additional spares in the event of faults and to account for parts discontinued by the original equipment manufacturer.

LTA and rail operators will also procure extended service support from such manufacturers for critical systems, localise spare part production and repair capabilities, as well as diversify sources of supply.

In the longer term, they will adopt more standardised and modular designs for Singapore's rail systems that allow for easier and faster upgrades or replacements, and simpler maintenance planning.

Better support for commuters during MRT service disruptions

The joint press release also elaborated on the improved support measures rolled out for commuters since December 2025.

This includes LTA’s centralised webpage, which provides commuters with the real-time operating status across all rail lines and was launched

on Dec. 13, 2025.

Service delays have been classified into two broad categories, minor and major, with accompanying advisories to better guide commuters on how best to continue their journeys.

New and improved wayfinding signs are also being trialled at Serangoon MRT interchange, to better support commuters in navigating out of the affected rail sector quickly.

LTA is also developing new digital tools for real-time, journey-specific information for commuters during a disruption.

These will be rolled out progressively, including on popular third-party wayfinding apps, such as Google Maps.

The speed of deployment for the first bridging bus in the event of a disruption will also be improved, so as to reduce the initial crowd build up.

Top image from Facebook & Canva