Since this month, the frequency of trains appears to have been reduced during peak hours, both in the morning and evening.

At first, I thought that it occurred only occasionally, and did not take notice. However, the situation did not improve.

The waiting time for a train used to be about three to four minutes, but now it can be as long as seven to nine minutes.

Due to the decrease in train frequency, and prolonged waiting time, the number of people trying to get on each train increased tremendously.

As a commuter, seeing that the next train will arrive only nine minutes later and you are rushing to work, what would you do? No matter how packed the train is, you would try to get on it.

There are so many people who simply cannot get on the train. In the past, we could bank on taking the next train, but now, after nine minutes of waiting, what you will get is another packed train.

I really do not understand the rationale. If the Government is encouraging us to take public transport, why is SMRT doing the reverse by reducing the frequency, especially during peak hours?

If the Government wants to provide world-class MRT services by building new lines like the Eastern Region Line, why is SMRT moving away from providing good service?

Tan San San (Ms)