Siow:More planned MRT line closures as network ages

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More planned MRT line closures as network ages and requires more maintenance: Jeffrey Siow
The current 3.5-hour nightly maintenance window is insufficient for major works, says Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, following recommendations from a rail reliability task force.

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Today 12:58 PM (4 hours ago)

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Workers on the train tracks at the East-West Line between Tanah Merah station and Tampines station on Dec 8, 2024. They will connect the tracks to those leading from the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)…see more

SINGAPORE: Commuters should expect more planned closures of MRT lines as Singapore's rail network ages and requires extended maintenance time for major upgrades, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said on Wednesday (Nov 19).

Speaking at the International Metro Operators’ Summit at Marina Bay Sands, Mr Siow said Singapore has so far limited maintenance hours to prioritise train operations for commuters.

“But as our network ages, we have to shift this balance a little bit, to create more time for major upgrades that require a continuous block of maintenance time,” he said.

Currently, most maintenance work is carried out within a 3.5-hour window each night – from the end of train services to their resumption in the morning. After accounting for the time needed to deploy and extract heavy equipment, maintenance teams have only about two hours of actual working time.

“This is scarcely enough time to get the system ready for the next morning, let alone do any major upgrades,” Mr Siow said.

The current approach of slightly extending maintenance hours – by ending services earlier and starting later – is no longer enough, he added.

“We have to begin planning for longer scheduled closures. This will enable repair works to be completed much faster, and just as importantly, it will also be safer for transport workers.”

Mr Siow’s remarks follow recommendations from the recently formed rail reliability task force, which called for longer scheduled closures on parts of the network to improve reliability.

One example is the upcoming closure of segments along the East-West Line from Nov 29 to Dec 8, to connect the line to the new East Coast Integrated Depot. Alternative bus and train options will be available, though journey times will be longer.

“I ask for commuters’ understanding, so we can do the necessary maintenance and repair works, and reap the reliability dividend,” Mr Siow said.

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Today 12:58 PM (4 hours ago)

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TECHNOLOGY, MANPOWER CHALLENGES
Beyond scheduling constraints, Mr Siow highlighted other hurdles in maintaining and upgrading the rail system.

One is the slow pace of technological advancement in public transport. While metro systems are typically state-of-the-art when first opened, they soon become outdated.

“Technology moves very quickly, but legacy systems cannot be upgraded easily,” he said.

Although sensors that track real-time performance have become cheaper, retrofitting older systems to collect such data remains difficult and costly. Many maintenance tasks also remain manual, such as tunnel inspections.

Mr Siow noted that operators are developing new technological tools: SBS Transit is working on a robotic dog to inspect trains for faults, while SMRT has automated its Bishan depot using rail-guided vehicles and advanced equipment.

“But I think much more can be done in this area,” he said.

Another challenge is the shortage of new talent. Rail maintenance jobs are physically demanding, making it difficult to draw in younger workers, he said.

At the same time, newer metro systems require highly specialised technical skills in electrical, mechanical and systems engineering, where competition for talent is intense.

Institutions such as the Singapore Rail Academy and National Transport Academy, along with initiatives like the SGRail Industry Scholarship, aim to nurture the next generation of rail professionals.

Mr Siow added that part of a S$1 billion (US$767 million) fund set aside for rail maintenance will support manpower development.

“All these efforts will take some time to bear fruit, but I believe we will have better manpower outcomes in the coming years,” he said.

Source: CNA/jx(cy)

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Today 1:02 PM (4 hours ago)

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got ppl still want 4am start RTS???? and close late late???

later everyday stuck above water have to swimming?

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quote originally posted by LONGSTER:

got ppl still want 4am start RTS???? and close late late???
later everyday stuck above water have to swimming?

RTS different laa
its brand new tech, not like the dinosaur MRT
plus its proudly assembled in Malaysia,
confirmed 110% tip top operations condition...fingers crossed

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Today 2:05 PM (3 hours ago)

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Gone case lah if 4am start and 12am close

kl sky train problem must resolve first then can do rts

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Today 2:10 PM (3 hours ago)

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KLIA aerotrain needs complete reset, says transport expert

PETALING JAYA: A month-long action plan to fix the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain of its systemic disruptions does not guarantee a long-term solution.

Feasibility and systemic issues require more than a month for review, while the whole system needs a reset, says a transport expert.

For the action plan to work, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) should “reset” the new aerotrain system, instead of continuing with the old system, said Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from the Engineering Faculty of Universiti Putra Malaysia.

He warned if the action plan failed, KLIA would become a “technologically advanced but operationally sub-standard” airport.

“The aerotrain operators have already invested in a large-scale replacement programme of the system worth RM456mil, involving the adoption of Alstom Innovia APM trains and a communications-based train control (CBTC) system.

“The various Innovia systems developed by Alstom have been extensively used at several airports, including Dubai, Heathrow, and Jeddah Airport. If correctly implemented with the installation, integration and maintenance of the system, there will be high reliability,” said Law.

He said the recurring disruptions may “indicate systemic issues because various systems are incorporated into the project”.

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