Singapore’s MRT network faced another disruption on Feb 11, when a signalling fault affected train services on the Circle Line. This incident, which caused delays between Paya Lebar and Marymount stations, marks the third train service disruption in less than a week. Commuters voiced frustration online, questioning service reliability and accountability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the issue, the response from SMRT, and public reactions.
Circle Line MRT Disruption: What Happened?
At around 8:11 AM, a signalling fault disrupted operations at eight stations along the Circle Line, bringing trains to a halt. SMRT reported that the fault also triggered a power trip in the affected sector. While power was restored within five minutes, normal train movement only resumed at 8:30 AM.
Additionally, a sluggish response from the Central Automatic Train Supervision System hindered controllers from efficiently managing train movements, causing further delays. Commuters at key interchange stations like Serangoon, Buona Vista, and Bishan had to wait for three additional trains before congestion eased.
Public Response and Social Media Outrage
Frustrated commuters took to social media to vent their dissatisfaction. Many users on platforms like Reddit, CNA, and The Straits Times’ comment sections expressed concerns over frequent MRT breakdowns, questioning the effectiveness of maintenance efforts despite fare hikes.
Criticism was also directed at Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, with some labeling him “incompetent” for failing to ensure consistent service quality. Some netizens even suggested that government officials experience peak-hour breakdowns firsthand to understand commuters’ struggles.
Recurring MRT Disruptions in a Week
This latest fault on the Circle Line comes after two other major disruptions:
- Feb 10: A signalling fault at Buangkok MRT station on the North-East Line (NEL) caused delays of up to 30 minutes during the morning peak hour.
- Feb 7: An engineering vehicle derailed, affecting the North-South and East-West lines and preventing some trains from leaving Bishan Depot. The issue persisted throughout the day.
These frequent breakdowns have raised concerns about the reliability of Singapore’s public transport system and whether fare hikes are justified despite continued disruptions.
SMRT’s Response and Future Solutions
SMRT acknowledged the Feb 11 disruption and apologized for the inconvenience. To prevent similar incidents, French train manufacturer ALSTOM has developed a software patch to address the signalling issue. This patch is scheduled for installation on Feb 17.
The company also emphasized that station staff were deployed to assist affected commuters and that public announcements were made to keep passengers informed.
Minister Chee Hong Tat’s Stance on Fare Hikes and Service Reliability
Minister Chee Hong Tat previously stated in Parliament that fare adjustments should not be directly linked to service disruptions. He emphasized that the Public Transport Council (PTC) examines fare hikes based on operating costs rather than service quality.
However, netizens have criticized this stance, questioning whether the recent fare increase has contributed to improved train reliability. Many believe that fare hikes should correspond with enhancements in service quality, especially given Singapore’s reputation for an efficient public transport system.
Moving Forward: Will There Be More Accountability?
As commuters demand better transparency and accountability, Singapore’s transport authorities must implement concrete measures to enhance reliability. While software patches and preventive maintenance are steps in the right direction, frequent disruptions highlight deeper systemic issues that require long-term solutions.
With netizens growing increasingly vocal about their frustrations, authorities may need to rethink how they address commuter concerns to rebuild public trust in Singapore’s MRT network.
Conclusion
The recent Circle Line MRT disruption adds to a growing list of breakdowns that have frustrated Singaporean commuters. With public trust at stake, SMRT and government officials must take decisive action to prevent further service failures. Do you think enough is being done to ensure train reliability? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
