SINGAPORE: Train services on the East-West Line (EWL) between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations have been suspended in both directions and are expected to remain unavailable for at least the rest of Wednesday (25 September), announced Land Transport Authority (LTA)
This disruption follows an incident that occurred earlier in the day, when an eastbound train experienced a fault near Clementi station around 9:00 a.m.
According LTA, while efforts were being made to withdraw the damaged train, a power trip occurred at approximately 9:25 a.m., leading to a halt in services along the EWL between Queenstown and Boon Lay stations.
The power disruption affected trains on this stretch, causing significant delays during the morning rush hour.
LTA shared in a statement that its preliminary assessment indicated damage to the tracks during the withdrawal process.
The fault not only affected the running rails but also impacted the third rail, which supplies power to the trains operating on the affected section of the line.
The extent of the damage is currently being evaluated, and repair works are underway.
“Due to the extent of the damage, train services will not be available on the EWL between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations for at least the rest of the day, in both directions. ”
LTA added that more time may be required for repair works. During engineering hours tonight, SMRT and LTA will make further assessment whether passenger service can resume on Thursday.
In response to the disruption, LTA has activated additional support from bus operators to ease the burden on commuters.
Bridging bus services have been introduced, and passengers at the affected stations can also board regular bus services at designated stops. These measures are expected to help mitigate the impact on commuters during the evening peak period.
SMRT has also announced that from 5:00 p.m., shuttle train services will run between Buona Vista and Queenstown, as well as between Jurong East and Boon Lay stations.
These services will operate at 10-minute intervals, providing some relief to commuters who still need to travel along parts of the EWL.
Commuters are being strongly advised to make alternative travel arrangements where possible and to check for regular updates through SMRT and LTA’s social media platforms, as well as the LTA’s MyTransport app.
Additionally, the LTA has informed the Singapore Examination and Assessment Board (SEAB) about the ongoing disruption, as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) written exams are set to begin on Thursday.
SEAB is expected to coordinate arrangements to ensure that students are not adversely affected by the situation.
Commuters Slam SMRT for “Worst Ever” Service Recovery
Observing comments on SMRT’s Facebook page, some commuters describes the service recovery as the “worst ever,” pointing out a lack of staff support to guide commuters to bridging buses or provide clear directions during the breakdown.
Some express concerns about repeated train faults, referencing recent disruptions on the Downtown and Circle Lines, and warn that the frequent breakdowns could affect students, such as those sitting for the PSLE.
The comment also criticizes SMRT’s leadership, particularly the CEO, for not visibly taking responsibility during such incidents, questioning the accountability and effectiveness of the company’s management, especially with fare increases looming.
Third SMRT Disruption in a Month
This marks the third SMRT service disruption in a month.
On 17 September, a power fault at 5:50 p.m. brought Circle Line services to a standstill for nearly two hours during the evening peak period. Eleven trains stalled inside tunnels for 15 minutes, leaving passengers without air-conditioning.
However, onboard batteries provided partial lighting and ventilation during the outage. SMRT gradually resumed services, with normal operations restored by 7:40 p.m.
On 18 September, a fire at Kim Chuan Depot caused a brief disruption to Circle Line services.
The fire, which broke out around 8 p.m. in one of the power system cubicles, triggered a power trip, halting train services for approximately 15 minutes.
SMRT reported that the incident caused several trains to stall, with lighting inside the affected trains briefly impacted.
Engineers at the depot swiftly extinguished the fire, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force was activated to assist. Power was restored by 8:10 p.m., and normal train services resumed five minutes later, around 8:15 p.m.
