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.
