SMRT’s train disruptions report deadline extended to early March
SMRT’s Internal Investigations Team will present its report early next month on the cause of major train disruptions that occurred on two separate occasions in December last year.
An inquiry by the investigations team, set up by SMRT Corporation, is ongoing to review the rail vibrations that are supposedly the cause of the train delays, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The review is supposed to be completed by Friday but it has been delayed to early next month to account for the time needed for the technical review to be completed and accessed. Specialist assistance is also being provided to SMRT from an overseas corporation, which involves repetitive testing and measurements in the MRT tunnels.
Commenting on the delay of the review, investigation team leader Ong Ye Kung said: “Identifying the cause of the December incidents is important, and [that] is why we need to give more time for the specialists to complete their work. The twin focus of our recommendations will be to help prevent a recurrence of such disruptions, and also strengthen the emergency preparedness of the organisation.”
Since the formation of the team in January, the team has met various SMRT staff who were involved in managing the train disruption incidents in December.
In addition, the public, especially those who were inconvenienced by the train delays, were consulted to share their views on the incidents with the team in an attempt by the team to further improve SMRT’s service.
Ong also addressed the hot issue amongst train commuters -- which is the delayed response by SMRT when it comes to alerting commuters on train disruptions.
“Each letter from the public contains individual perspectives and observations, as well as some suggestions. A very common subject is communications -- that commuters in the disrupted trains and stations should be given clearer directions on alternate routes, and that the commuting public should be alerted not to head towards the affected stations.”
Ong added that the public has suggested several ideas for SMRT to improve its communications, such as using social media, clearer signs, announcing instructions more regularly as well as improving the frequency of bridging buses between train stations.
Members of the public, especially those who were involved in the train delays, are invited to share their opinions and suggestions with SMRT through their email.
