More MRT delays likely as trial of new signalling system continues

As testing of a new signalling system for the North-South Line enters its fourth month, commuters should be prepared for teething problems to persist. In a joint statement on Tuesday (27^th June), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT Corp said, "In the coming weeks, we will continue to conduct intensive performance checks and deploy new software to improve the system. During this period, commuters may continue to experience some delay when travelling on the North-South Line, if new issues emerge."

Both parties said they sought the 'continued understanding and patience' of commuters, who have been encountering glitchy service in recent weeks, although not all owing to signalling tests. "Our team works round the clock to resolve these issues as quickly as possible," the statement said, adding that efforts were also in place to shorten recovery time when problems arise.

Trials of the new signalling system - which allows trains to run closer to each other and therefore increase the line's service frequency and raise passenger capacity - started on 28^th March. Initially, the new system operated during the last hour of passenger service, progressing to full-Sunday service on 16^th April, and full-day weekday service on 29^th May. SMRT, the LTA and signalling system supplier.

Thales has also been running system checks on the Tuas West Extension on the East-West Line. The extension, which operates on the new signalling system, opened for service on 18^th June. There is no indication when the testing will conclude. The joint statement came hours after a major glitch affected train service on the North-South and East-West Lines during the morning peak on Tuesday.

The Straits Times understands that there was a train fault at Tuas Link station along the East-West Line, as well as a train with a stuck brake along the North-South Line. Journeys were delayed by more than half an hour however there were no alerts from the operator.