A large-scale trial involving more than 100 train drivers took place for about five hours early yesterday morning as both the North-South and East-West lines (NSEWL) ran fully on an upgraded signalling system. Conducted from 1am to 6am, the trial saw 50 trains running on the East-West Line and another 45 on the North-South Line. This was more than double the usual duration for tests.

It was also the first time that the entire NSEWL network was controlled by the new communications-based train control signalling system, which lets trains run more frequently, allowing for more capacity and less congestion.

Stations along the two lines have had their operational hours shortened on weekends since December to give engineering staff more time to work, including carrying out trials for the new signalling system.

Some staff even came back on their days off to help in the testing.

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