SINGAPORE: Netizens have voiced growing frustration over the reliability of Singapore’s rail network after another service disruption struck the Downtown Line (DTL) on the morning of 28 August.
Train services between Bukit Panjang and Beauty World stations were suspended for more than an hour following a signalling fault.
Operator SBS Transit first reported the issue at 6.34am, announcing the suspension of services along the affected stretch.
Free regular and bridging bus services were deployed to assist commuters.
At 7.15am, SBS Transit confirmed that recovery works were still in progress but introduced a limited shuttle service between Bukit Panjang and Beauty World stations.
Commuters were also advised to consider alternative transport options via the SBS Transit and LTA MyTransport applications.
By 7.22am, the fault was resolved and full services resumed.
In a Facebook update at 8.10am, the operator announced the cessation of bridging buses and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
The affected sector included Cashew, Hillview and Hume stations, while the remainder of the Downtown Line, from Beauty World to Expo, continued operating as normal.
Recent Spate of Rail Disruptions
The incident adds to a string of rail disruptions in recent weeks.
On 6 August, the East-West Line suffered a five-hour breakdown.
Days later, on 12 August, a power fault paralysed services on the North East Line for three hours, affecting 11 stations between Farrer Park and Punggol.
On 15 August, another power issue halted the Sengkang-Punggol Light Rail Transit for four hours.
Other rail systems have also faced issues in recent months.
In July, the Thomson-East Coast Line experienced an hour-long disruption due to a signalling fault, while the Bukit Panjang LRT saw two suspensions in the same month caused by power problems.
Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow has acknowledged growing public concern, calling the series of incidents “disappointing”.
Writing on Facebook on 6 August, he said: “This series of recent incidents is disappointing for all of us, and we can and will do better.”
He added that the “One Transport family” would continue working to strengthen the reliability of Singapore’s rail system.
Netizens Express Frustration Over Frequent Breakdowns
On platforms such as Reddit and Facebook, netizens voiced their frustration over the recurring train disruptions, noting that breakdowns have become far too frequent.
One user remarked: “This MRT line not even opened for 20 years, already so many breakdown.”
Another commented that while occasional disruptions might be tolerable, the current frequency is unacceptable.
“If the breakdowns happen once a blue moon still acceptable la, now it’s almost every other week, whites bey paiseh ar.”
Summing up the frustration, one user asked: “How much more before it’s too much?”
Calls for Accountability and Better Management
Many netizens called for greater accountability, stronger investigations and improved management of Singapore’s rail system.
One argued: “It is time to re-evaluate the operator management capabilities, not just impose penalties.”
One user commented that occasional train breakdowns may be excusable, but noted that they can be prevented with regular and proactive maintenance, as well as a proper monitoring system.
Some users speculated that recent operational changes may have contributed to the surge in faults.
“The incidence rate recently is abnormal, way higher than the past year. Something has gone wrong somewhere, they need to check whatever is the most recent changes made and re-evaluate it,” one wrote.
Others demanded greater transparency from the authorities.
“Maybe it’s time for LTA to update breakdown status on a daily basis. Stop giving vague answer and tell us what really happens in laymen term,” a commenter said.
Questions were also raised about the lack of accountability despite the repeated disruptions.
“Where is the Transport Minister, and what has he been doing? Just issuing empty apologies and then ending the story,” one user wrote.
Several users urged authorities to conduct proper investigations to determine the root causes before further incidents occur.
One added that the Land Transport Authority or SBS Transit leaders should take greater responsibility, stressing that the Ministry of Transport must adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to such mishaps, given the impact on daily commuters.
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