More MRT and LRT backup systems, prioritising renewal among rail task force’s recommendations

SINGAPORE – A task force looking into solutions to improve the reliability of Singapore’s rail network has submitted its report to Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.

Comprising senior leaders from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit, and advised by a team of industry experts, the group found that the underlying causes of various rail disruptions between July and September were unrelated.

However, there were several areas for improvement, LTA and the rail operators said in a statement on Dec 30.

One suggestion was for more backup or bypass systems as well as procedures that would allow train operations to resume more quickly after a minor fault.

The task force also recommended that the renewal of trains and signalling and power systems – all of which are core systems – should be prioritised.

The time needed to renew these systems should be shortened, the statement said, adding that more engineering hours should be set aside to achieve this.

This includes rolling out full-day service closures.

The use of technology and data was also emphasised.

More comprehensive and standardised condition monitoring can be carried out across the rail network, alongside ensuring spare parts are available when needed. This, the task force said, would enable pre-emptive maintenance and the replacement of critical components to be done more quickly.

Automation can also be used more widely to supplement the work of rail workers when carrying out maintenance.

Confirming he had received the task force’s report, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow wrote on Facebook on Dec 30 that the Ministry of Transport will review the findings and provide a full response to the recommendations by the first quarter of 2026.

Chaired by LTA chief executive Ng Lang, the task force includes SMRT group chief executive Ngien Hoon Ping and SBS Transit group chief executive Jeffrey Sim.

Said Mr Ng: “The task force’s work comes at an important time as Singapore juggles ageing existing rail lines alongside rapid network expansion.

“The challenge of operating and maintaining the rail system will only increase as its size and complexity grow. These recommendations will help guide the next steps to be taken to continue strengthening the reliability of our rail network.”

Hardware was not the only area of improvement flagged by the task force.

Adopting a “more commuter-centric” mindset, and improving alternative travel options and standard operating procedures for the management of disruptions would also benefit passengers.

One suggestion was to provide “more precise, tailored and real-time information” on the status of train services and alternative travel routes, with the task force recommending that more tools be developed so that passengers can plan their journeys in the event of a disruption.

There should also be better wayfinding to help affected passengers navigate disruptions, the task force said.

The rail sector’s workforce was another aspect that the task force examined.

It recommended that LTA and the rail operators work together to strengthen the role of the Singapore Rail Academy to raise standards and prepare those in the industry for future challenges.

To achieve this, the task force said the coverage of professional certification could be expanded to more rail systems and workers.

It also suggested more frequent staff rotations between LTA and the two operators, so that common perspectives and capabilities can be built.

Following the submission of the report, SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai said on Facebook that the rail operator will continue to partner LTA, rail system manufacturers and technology providers to make use of artificial intelligence and other technological solutions to better monitor the health of critical train systems.

Supporting the task force was a five-member independent panel comprising rail experts from across the globe, including those with experience running metro systems in Taipei and Hong Kong.

The task force’s

formation was announced on Sept 19

, following at least 15 instances of delays and interruptions across the MRT and LRT networks in three months.

The independent panel made several recommendations when the members visited Singapore in November to meet LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit.

One was for the LTA to

carry out longer planned shutdowns

of parts of the rail network, so that critical maintenance and renewal works can be done safely and efficiently.

Another suggestion was for system designers to gain front-line operational experience, while front-line operators should build up knowledge in system design and the management of assets.

Improving communication to the public was another area that the independent panel brought up, having singled out three groups in particular – those stranded in trains, those at affected stations, and those outside the rail network who might be considering travel on the affected service.

On Dec 3, LTA announced that the two rail operators will

prioritise on-site communication

for minor MRT delays to passengers who are directly affected at stations, instead of broadcasting a social media advisory on maximum travel time. This followed advice from the task force.

Minor delays are those that involve a shorter stretch of the rail network, with service disruptions expected to last less than 30 minutes.

This change rankled some passengers, who were frustrated by the absence of updates on SMRT’s social media channels during two separate train disruptions in November and December.

Passengers interviewed by The Straits Times had said finding out about a delay only when they get to a station would prevent them from making other transport plans, and could cause them to be late or force them to spend on private-hire car services.

On Dec 12, LTA announced that it was introducing a

one-stop webpage the

next day

that gives real-time updates

on rail delays.

Accessible via

mytransport.sg/trainstatus

, it uses a three-colour classification system.

Green is used to indicate normal service, yellow to represent minor delays, and orange for major disruptions that will likely take more than 30 minutes to resolve.