Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Singapore

East-West line services resume after morning delays due to train fault on July 4

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • A track fault at Jurong East station caused a three-hour delay on the East-West Line on the morning of July 4.
  • SMRT advised commuters to add 30 minutes to their travel time and provided free bus services between Clementi and Boon Lay stations.
  • The incident highlights the need for improved maintenance and incident management plans to ensure the reliability of the MRT system.

Train services on Singapore's East-West Line (EWL) resumed after a three-hour delay caused by a track fault at Jurong East station on the morning of July 4. The disruption, which began around 5 am, was attributed to a faulty point machine, a critical component that controls train movements at rail junctions. This incident led to significant delays and inconveniences for commuters during the morning rush hour.

Key Events and Responses

SMRT, the train operator, first announced the fault at 7.25 am, advising commuters to add up to 30 minutes to their travel time and consider alternative routes such as the Thomson-East Coast Line, Downtown Line, and North-South Line. Due to safety concerns, trains were required to travel at a reduced speed of 5 km/h near the affected area. SMRT engineers were promptly dispatched to investigate and rectify the issue.

In response to the disruption, SMRT deployed free regular and bridging bus services between Clementi and Boon Lay stations to alleviate the commuter congestion. These services were well-utilized until the fault was resolved and normal train operations resumed at 8.10 am.

Commuter Experiences

The delays caused significant inconvenience for many commuters. Ms. Alice Low, who works at a clinic in Novena, recounted her experience: "I boarded the train at Boon Lay station at 6.45 am, and when I reached Jurong East station, all passengers were asked to alight. The station was packed, so I decided to take the North-South Line to get to Novena instead. Luckily, I left very early; otherwise, I would have been very late for work."

Public and Official Reactions

Photos and messages about the crowded conditions at Jurong East MRT station quickly circulated on social media, highlighting the impact of the disruption. SMRT issued an apology for the inconvenience caused, stating, "We are sorry for affecting your morning commute."

This incident follows a similar disruption on the North-South Line just a month earlier, where a two-hour service interruption was caused by a loss of traction power due to a malfunctioning surge arrester. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat has emphasized the need for improved maintenance and incident management plans to prevent future occurrences.

The swift response by SMRT and the deployment of alternative transport options helped mitigate the impact of the disruption on commuters. However, the incident underscores the importance of robust maintenance and rapid response strategies to ensure the reliability of Singapore's MRT system.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Financial Planning United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
Financial PlanningApril 22, 2025 at 8:30:00 PM

How to avoid getting ripped off when buying a car

[UNITED STATES] Buying a car can be one of the biggest financial decisions people make, but many consumers end up feeling like they’ve...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 10, 2025 at 6:00:00 PM

Auto tariffs drive up car costs and economic strain

[UNITED STATES] The United States' sustained 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and forthcoming levies on auto parts are poised to significantly elevate the...

Loans
Image Credits: Unsplash
LoansApril 5, 2025 at 11:00:00 PM

How to choose the right loan for your car purchase

[WORLD] Purchasing a car is often a necessity, but figuring out the best way to finance it can be a challenge. With various...

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMarch 28, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

HI Mobility's growth bet on Singapore traffic

[ASIA] HI Mobility, the Malaysian operator of Causeway Link buses, is counting on greater traffic from Singapore to fuel growth as it prepares...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMarch 27, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Trump plans 25% tariff on imported vehicles

[UNITED STATES] Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to put a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, a move that would substantially...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMarch 25, 2025 at 4:00:00 AM

How tariffs impact car prices and when to buy

[WORLD] In today's global economy, trade policies such as tariffs have a significant impact on the price of many goods, including cars. With...

Economy
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMarch 17, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Volkswagen plans 11 new models in China to reach 4 million units by 2030

[WORLD] Volkswagen, one of the largest and most influential automakers globally, has unveiled an ambitious plan to strengthen its presence in China, the...

Economy
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyMarch 14, 2025 at 12:30:00 PM

China-Europe rail link challenges and Trump's digital resurgence

[WORLD] China and Europe have become increasingly connected, not only by trade agreements but also through the ambitious China-Europe rail link. While the...

Transport Europe
Image Credits: Unsplash
TransportMarch 14, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Why Germans don’t drive as fast as they can on motorways

[EUROPE] Germany is one of the few countries where certain stretches of its motorways, known as the Autobahn, do not have a speed...

Tech
Image Credits: Unsplash
TechFebruary 25, 2025 at 4:30:00 PM

Tesla autopilot update in China falls short of owner expectations

[WORLD] In February 2025, Tesla rolled out an update to its Autopilot software in China, sparking mixed reactions from the country's electric vehicle...

Economy Singapore
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyFebruary 10, 2025 at 6:00:00 AM

Chinese car brands gain ground in Singapore market

[WORLD] In recent years, Chinese car brands have rapidly gained market share in Singapore, marking a significant shift in the automotive industry landscape....

Economy
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyFebruary 6, 2025 at 2:30:00 PM

Volvo Car faces challenges amid rising competition

[WORLD] Volvo Cars has issued a cautious warning about the challenges it expects to encounter in the year ahead. The Swedish automaker, known...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege