Normal train services, which were disrupted on Wednesday, 25 September, may not resume on 26 September, according to Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat. This disruption coincides with the start of the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) written exams. The Ministry of Transport is coordinating with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) to prepare contingency plans. Chee shared this update on Facebook around 5 pm on 25 September. SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will assess the situation during “engineering hours” tonight to determine if services can resume.
Damaged train
An old train developed a fault near Clementi MRT station, according to SMRT and LTA. While being withdrawn, it damaged the tracks, including the running rails and the third rail that supplies power to the train. This caused a power fault affecting train services between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations on the East-West Line. Initially, a 20-minute delay was expected, but it escalated to a total cancellation of train services along that stretch. Approximately 850 passengers had to walk along the tracks to Clementi MRT station.
Thorough investigation
Chee stated that LTA would conduct a “thorough investigation to ascertain what happened and identify areas for improvement.” As rail services cannot resume today, SMRT will provide two shuttle train services from 5 pm: one between Boon Lay and Jurong East, and another between Queenstown and Buona Vista. Free bridging services will also continue to be provided to commuters. In a Facebook post at 4:28 pm, the chairman and group chief executive officer of SMRT Corporation apologised for the disruption, stating, “We fully understand the inconvenience, frustration, and delays this disruption has caused, and we deeply regret the impact it has had on your journey. We are working relentlessly to restore service quickly.”
Alternative transport routes
SMRT has posted suggested alternative transport routes to avoid the affected stretch. Updates will be posted on SMRT and LTA’s social media platforms, as well as LTA’s MyTransport app.
Impact on PSLE
The disruption comes at a critical time as the PSLE written examinations are scheduled to start on 26 September. The Ministry of Transport is in close contact with MOE and SEAB to ensure that students can reach their examination centres without issue. Contingency plans are being prepared to mitigate any potential delays or disruptions for students sitting for their exams.
Future implications
This incident highlights the need for robust maintenance and quick response mechanisms within Singapore’s public transport system. The thorough investigation by LTA aims to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Commuters are advised to stay updated through official channels for the latest information on train services and alternative transport options.
