Train delays need to be better managed

It is unsettling that consecutive days of train delays owing to signalling faults were simply explained as teething issues from a new system installed (Signalling fault causes delays on North-South Line; June 3).

The explanation appeared casual and nonchalant, even as many train travellers recounted their experiences about "stuffy" trains and longer delays than what the official social media channels of the Land Transport Authority and SMRT estimated.

It also seems that the train operator did not deploy enough staff to assist commuters and to help manage and disperse the quick build-up of crowds at the train stations during peak hours.

Did SMRT work closely with the police force and other government agencies, since the delays were expected?

Singapore is still in a high state of alert against terrorism. This is the kind of situation a lone-wolf terrorist could take advantage of to carry out a plot to inflict as many casualties as possible.

I hope the various government agencies and business entities do not see situations such as train delays in isolation but relate them to current political and social events.

Gabriel Cheng Kian Tiong

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 06, 2017, with the headline Train delays need to be better managed. Subscribe