Maximum penalties for train disruptions to increase

The Land Transport Authority intends to peg the maximum penalty for each train disruption to a percentage of operators' annual fare revenue from the affected MRT line.

It is aiming to complete the required legislative changes later this year. This change, when effected, means the maximum fine will increase from its current ceiling of $1 million per incident.

The authority is also revising the penalty framework to place greater emphasis on service reliability. It will adjust penalties for non-compliance of operating performance standards and codes of practices.

These were among the regulatory enhancements announced by Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew after he visited SMRT Bishan Depot Thursday morning. In July last year, the authority said it would strengthen its regulatory framework in accordance with recommendations by a high-level Committee of Inquiry. That probe came after two major disruptions on the North-South Line in December 2011.