Transport Minister seeks commuters' patience as it's not a one-off effort
By Christopher Tan, The Straits Times, 5 May 2012
STEPS are being taken to make the MRT system more reliable but it will take time to see results, said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.
Noting that work has 'already started', he promised that this is the top priority for the rail sector and 'we will spare no effort in the process'.
It will not be 'a one-time or one-year' effort so 'I ask for the understanding and patience of commuters as we systematically put this right'.
Mr Lui was speaking yesterday at a ground-breaking ceremony for the Tuas West Extension of the East-West MRT line.
He said that even as the Committee of Inquiry hearing on the train disruptions in December last year is ongoing, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been working with the operators to identify the shortcomings of each incident.
He said that even as the Committee of Inquiry hearing on the train disruptions in December last year is ongoing, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has been working with the operators to identify the shortcomings of each incident.
The aim is to rectify them in order to improve the overall service level. He added that part of the initiative involves train operator SMRT putting in place a more robust system to anticipate potential faults and vulnerabilities.
Asked how the bill for the $900 million systems and infrastructural upgrade announced by SMRT recently would be split with the LTA, Mr Lui said details are being worked out, but broadly, the cost of infrastructural works - such as replacing rail sleepers - will be borne by the LTA.
He noted that Singaporeans have become 'used to us running a good MRT system' over the first 25 years of its life.
'I am confident that we can continue to do so as we introduce new lines, improve connectivity, enhance capacity and especially dedicate ourselves to raise the reliability of the MRT network.'
The 7.5km Tuas West Extension takes the East-West line westwards to the Tuas industrial estate. It will have four stations, including one near the Second Link.
The extension will be up and running by 2016.
Mr Lui said it is expected to benefit more than 100,000 people who travel to the western end of Singapore as it would cut travelling time by up to 35 minutes.
Observers said it will also benefit Malaysians who come to Singapore for work via the Second Link, as the extension will offer them swifter connectivity to the rest of the island.
The extension will include a new depot to accommodate the fast-expanding train fleet. Last year, 22 trains were added to the North-South and East-West lines. Another 13 and 22 will join them by 2014 and 2016 respectively.
The additional trains, along with an upgrade of the signalling system, will allow trains to run at 90-second intervals, an improvement from the maximum 120 seconds today.
The extension will include a new depot to accommodate the fast-expanding train fleet. Last year, 22 trains were added to the North-South and East-West lines. Another 13 and 22 will join them by 2014 and 2016 respectively.
The additional trains, along with an upgrade of the signalling system, will allow trains to run at 90-second intervals, an improvement from the maximum 120 seconds today.
The North-East line will also get another 18 trains from 2015.
The new Circle Line will have 24 new trains arriving from 2015 - eight more than what was previously announced.
Mr Lui said the additional trains will increase the Circle Line's fleet by about 60 per cent.
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