There has been growth in the number of train journeys, from 394.3 million passenger trips in 2003 to 434.9 million passenger trips last year, a growth of about 10 per cent.

Also, average operating car occupancy has risen from 55.7 persons to 68.6 persons during the same period, a 23 per cent rise.

However, the total car kilometres operated last year was 77.1 million, a 14 per cent fall from 2003, when that statistic was 89.6 million. Simply put, train frequency has not increased with the growth in passengers but has, in fact, fallen, resulting in the 23 per cent rise in average car occupancy.

The statistic of average car occupancy does not take into account the off-peak and peak-hour dichotomy. The peak-hour train conditions are, frankly, rather appalling. It is not pleasant to have to deal with the MRT peak-hour situation every day.

I would like to seek SMRT's justification as to why trains have been running less when the peak-hour situation has not been redressed.

SMRT's operating profit has grown by 52 per cent since 2003. While it is good to be financially healthy, it has a responsibility to the commuter as Singapore's foremost provider of rail service.

Singapore's rail system has the potential for transport greatness, it being a small country. Furthermore, public transport should figure more in our city state's paradigm, in line with the worldwide push for environmental friendliness.

SMRT has made significant improvements in its provision of rail service, but the problem mentioned should be addressed soon.

Aaron Thng

TRAIN CARS MORE PACKED

Train frequency has not increased with the growth in passengers but has, in fact, fallen, resulting in the 23 per cent rise in average car occupancy.