SINGAPORE – Commuters traveling between Promenade and Serangoon MRT stations on the Circle Line faced delays on March 5 due to a train fault, causing inconvenience for many during their commute.
According to SMRT, the transport operator, passengers were advised at around 4:10 PM to expect a 30-minute delay on the affected 10-station stretch. Despite the delay, train services were still operational.
To assist affected passengers, free regular bus services were provided between Promenade and Serangoon stations. Additionally, a shuttle train service was activated between Bartley and Mountbatten stations. Commuters were also advised to consider alternative MRT lines such as the North-South, North-East, Downtown, and East-West lines.
By 5:00 PM, SMRT announced that the train services had returned to normal, and the shuttle train and free bus services were discontinued.
Commuter Reactions and Frustrations
During the disruption, several commuters took to social media to express their frustration over the lack of clear instructions on alternative routes and shuttle services.
One affected commuter, Nicholas Lim, a 15-year-old student, recounted his experience of being directed back and forth between stations by SMRT staff.
“I boarded the train at Stadium station at 4:45 PM but was told to turn back at Mountbatten station. Then, I was advised to head towards HarbourFront, only to be directed back to Stadium station again,” he shared.
Similarly, Adhana Mohd Isa commented on SMRT’s Facebook page, expressing frustration after being stuck in a train for over 30 minutes. “The train is so stuffy; they should let us out,” she wrote.
Details on the Cause of the Train Fault
In an official update at 5:10 PM, SMRT clarified that the train fault occurred between Paya Lebar and MacPherson MRT stations at approximately 3:55 PM. The problem was resolved after SMRT staff moved the affected train, allowing normal service to resume.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate commuters’ patience,” SMRT stated.
Recent MRT Disruptions in Singapore
This incident is the latest in a series of recent train delays affecting Singapore’s MRT network:
- Feb 7: A disruption on the North-South Line lasted from 5:15 AM to the evening, caused by an engineering vehicle breakdown at Bishan Depot.
- Feb 10: A signaling fault at Buangkok MRT station caused North-East Line delays.
- Feb 11: A power trip on the Circle Line affected eight stations, leading to commuter delays.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring a smooth MRT experience for commuters.
Final Thoughts
While train services on the Circle Line have returned to normal, this disruption underscores the importance of timely updates and efficient crisis management by transport authorities.
For future disruptions, commuters are encouraged to check SMRT’s official social media pages and MRT station announcements for real-time updates on train services.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates on MRT train services, follow SMRT’s official channels and stay informed about alternative routes to avoid potential disruptions.
