SINGAPORE: The task force that was formed to look into recent train disruptions has submitted its recommendations, suggesting full-day service closures to speed up renewal works, among other proposals.
The task force, chaired by Land Transport Authority (LTA) chief executive Ng Lang, was formed in September to develop solutions to improve rail reliability and responses to train service disruptions.
“The train service disruptions from July to September 2025 occurred across different MRT and LRT lines, and involved different systems such as signalling, power and rolling stock,” LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit said in a joint media release on Tuesday (Dec 30).
“The task force found that while the underlying causes of the incidents were unrelated, there were several areas for improvement.”
The task force recommended prioritising the renewal of the rail network’s three core systems - trains, signalling and power - and to shorten the time taken to renew these systems.
“To achieve this, more engineering hours should be set aside, including through full day service closures, to carry out such works expeditiously, efficiently and safely,” said LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit.
Other suggestions included:
“The challenge of operating and maintaining the rail system will only increase as its size and complexity grow," said LTA's Mr Ng.
"These recommendations will help guide the next steps to be taken to continue strengthening the reliability of our rail network."
The taskforce also highlighted that the rail sector needed to continually upgrade its workforce, sustaining a pipeline of engineering talent to operate and manage an ageing and expanding network.
It recommended LTA and rail operators work together to strengthen the role of the Singapore Rail Academy in harmonising and raising standards across the board to prepare the rail workforce for future challenges.
“This would include enhancing the professional certification framework for rail engineers and technicians by expanding certification coverage to more rail systems and workers,” said LTA, SBS Transit and SMRT.
There could also be more structured and frequent staff rotations between LTA and the rail operators to build common perspectives and capabilities, read the release.
However, the transport authority and train operators also pointed out that maintaining a high level of rail reliability does not eliminate delays and disruptions.
“The taskforce recommends enhancing standard operating procedures to manage service disruptions on the ground, which will enable quicker and more effective resumption of service after faults,” they said.
It also suggested improving alternative travel options for commuters and adopting “a more commuter-centric mindset” to guide those affected by disruptions.
This included providing more precise, tailored and real-time information on system status and alternative travel routes, as well as better wayfinding on the ground.
Earlier in December, LTA launched a centralised webpage providing real-time operating status across all rail lines.
“The taskforce recommends developing more tools to provide real-time, journey-specific information to help commuters plan what to do when a disruption occurs," said LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit.
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The task force, chaired by Land Transport Authority (LTA) chief executive Ng Lang, was formed in September to develop solutions to improve rail reliability and responses to train service disruptions.
“The train service disruptions from July to September 2025 occurred across different MRT and LRT lines, and involved different systems such as signalling, power and rolling stock,” LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit said in a joint media release on Tuesday (Dec 30).
“The task force found that while the underlying causes of the incidents were unrelated, there were several areas for improvement.”
The task force recommended prioritising the renewal of the rail network’s three core systems - trains, signalling and power - and to shorten the time taken to renew these systems.
“To achieve this, more engineering hours should be set aside, including through full day service closures, to carry out such works expeditiously, efficiently and safely,” said LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit.
Other suggestions included:
Introducing additional backup or bypass systems and procedures to allow train operations to continue or resume more quickly after a minor fault.
Leveraging technology and data to implement more comprehensive and standardised condition monitoring across the network was also among the recommendations. This was to allow for more timely interventions on pre-emptive maintenance and replacement of critical components.
Deploying robotics and automation more extensively to augment the rail workforce in carrying out maintenance tasks more efficiently.
Improving alternative travel options for commuters, as well as adopting a more "commuter-centric mindset" to guide affected commuters. This includes providing more precise, tailored and real-time information on system status and alternative travel routes.
“The challenge of operating and maintaining the rail system will only increase as its size and complexity grow," said LTA's Mr Ng.
"These recommendations will help guide the next steps to be taken to continue strengthening the reliability of our rail network."
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DEEPENING WORKFORCE CAPABILITIES
The taskforce also highlighted that the rail sector needed to continually upgrade its workforce, sustaining a pipeline of engineering talent to operate and manage an ageing and expanding network.
It recommended LTA and rail operators work together to strengthen the role of the Singapore Rail Academy in harmonising and raising standards across the board to prepare the rail workforce for future challenges.
“This would include enhancing the professional certification framework for rail engineers and technicians by expanding certification coverage to more rail systems and workers,” said LTA, SBS Transit and SMRT.
There could also be more structured and frequent staff rotations between LTA and the rail operators to build common perspectives and capabilities, read the release.
RAIL SERVICE RECOVERY
However, the transport authority and train operators also pointed out that maintaining a high level of rail reliability does not eliminate delays and disruptions.
“The taskforce recommends enhancing standard operating procedures to manage service disruptions on the ground, which will enable quicker and more effective resumption of service after faults,” they said.
It also suggested improving alternative travel options for commuters and adopting “a more commuter-centric mindset” to guide those affected by disruptions.
This included providing more precise, tailored and real-time information on system status and alternative travel routes, as well as better wayfinding on the ground.
Earlier in December, LTA launched a centralised webpage providing real-time operating status across all rail lines.
“The taskforce recommends developing more tools to provide real-time, journey-specific information to help commuters plan what to do when a disruption occurs," said LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit.
Continue reading...