MRT/LRT Disruption/ Breakdown Discussion Thread (compiled)

[qedcwc]

This is ridiculous. Circle Line is a wholly new line and it's experiencing all sorts of problems ever since the full track was opened.

Cut back on material stuff?

[fab]

My Present from SMRT for being late for work! :twisted:

do companies actually accept such explanation? wont the bosses ask the employees to find other modes of transport?

[Guest Guest]

do companies actually accept such explanation? wont the bosses ask the employees to find other modes of transport?

A proof receipt is better than nothing. Other modes of transport like taxi is overbooked!

[Guest dxn]

The MRT breakdown seems to be a daily occurence nowadays.

Maybe the media should only make a report on the days when there is no breakdowns instead of reporting the breakdown everyday.

Lets just take it that the MRT is going to breakdown when you are going to work and prepare for all contingencies and treat it as a bonus if you manage to get a smooth ride to work.

Remember the good old days when everything works in sg, even the coin operated public phones . Alas those are the days.

With the COE prices skyrocketing, maybe we should all just start walking to work everyday

[Guest Blaidd_drwg]

This happened at Circle Line today (18th April, 2012), yesterday I was also stucked at Boon Lay during peak hour too.

I extrapolated from the past MRT breakdowns :yuk: and have arrived to conclusion this is all part of Government's conspiracy! As you see when you travel before the peak hour, especially before 0700 hrs, you are less likely to be involved in these sort travelling inconveniences. Observing from the past few years, the government has been trying to entice commuters to travel in non-peak hours (USING discounts for off peak early commuting), make a change by sacrificing their beauty sleep to travel early. This means that the government is using breakdowns as a way to change certain Singaporeans or demographic groups to change their daily travelling patterns, either by commuting in buses, taxi, driving, carpooling or taking trains at an earlier timing, to avoid such incidents. But, this has happened too frequently (almost daily basis), and I am irked by SMRT and SBS Transit.

Is this all part of Government's plan/ conspiracy and are you willing to change your travelling patterns, commute during off-peak hours, even if you have to sacrifice your sleep?

What conspiracy sia... Joker. Correlation does not imply causation.

Simply, it is a system taken to its limits; a conclusion derived by Occam's Razor.

On the matter of complaining, I've noticed that people have the mindset of depending too much from the Government. In days of old, the mentality was: I have a single objective but a multitude of methods to achieve it. Today, the mentality is: I have a single objective and a few rigid methods (if not only ONE method) to achieve it.

When the cost of these inconveniences outweighs the benefit, it is simply a matter of substituting methods (creative thinking). What's the use of complaining? It is not like God will hear you and lo and behold, a miracle will happen.

You are the consumer with the dollar vote. If SMRT and SBS do nonsense, you can always move away from their services and see them make losses. They will pay for their incompetence.

But oh well, with such rigid mentalities, people will put up with the inconvenience and vent their frustrations, playing the victim game.

[Guest Guest]

This is happening too frequently and I am not a rich person who can afford to drive. Hope that they will solve the problem soon.

What conspiracy sia... Joker. Correlation does not imply causation. Simply, it is a system taken to its limits; a conclusion derived by Occam's Razor. On the matter of complaining, I've noticed that people have the mindset of depending too much from the Government. In days of old, the mentality was: I have a single objective but a multitude of methods to achieve it. Today, the mentality is: I have a single objective and a few rigid methods (if not only ONE method) to achieve it. When the cost of these inconveniences outweighs the benefit, it is simply a matter of substituting methods (creative thinking). What's the use of complaining? It is not like God will hear you and lo and behold, a miracle will happen. You are the consumer with the dollar vote. If SMRT and SBS do nonsense, you can always move away from their services and see them make losses. They will pay for their incompetence. But oh well, with such rigid mentalities, people will put up with the inconvenience and vent their frustrations, playing the victim game.

[Guest Guest]

I agree too! As for government conspiracy, if it is true, their current plan to change travelling patterns might just not be that efficacious. In order to ameliorate the peak hour problems, there must be a more comprehensive plan to change current employers to cooperate with government to allow employees to either work at home or arrive work at a later time, not the usual 8 or 9 a.m sharp

Employers should state that you can come to work anytime you like as long as you provide me with the results that I want!

[Guest Guest]

“Minor” train delay along North-South line yesterday evening due to ‘track fault’

(written on on April 20, 2012)

One day after a MASSIVE breakdown caused train services along the Circle Line to be suspended for more than two hours, SMRT is hit by yet another ‘minor’ disruption yesterday evening.

According to one commuter Winnie Loh, trains traveling along the North-South line from Dhoby Ghaut towards Jurong East are delayed and the journey was ‘jerky’:

“Train delay due to track fault now from Dhoby Ghaut towards JE. Passengers asked to disembark at Orchard but less than half did as per announcement as it was unclear and there wasn’t any SMRT staff to direct. So those who remain stayed on and the train continued on its jerky journey.”

Another commuter Brillyn Du added:

“SMRT announced there is some problem with the track and there will be delay, and they apologize for the delay. Very jerkish to orchard.”

The latest train disruption brought a chorus of disapproval from commuters who lampooned SMRT on Twitter:

Meanwhile, a train was also reported to be stuck at Lakeside MRT station for more than 15 minutes in the morning.

There are no announcements from SMRT or reports in the media on the latest train delay which is becoming a part and parcel of daily life in Singapore.

[Love2Blow]

On the matter of complaining, I've noticed that people have the mindset of depending too much from the Government. In days of old, the mentality was: I have a single objective but a multitude of methods to achieve it. Today, the mentality is: I have a single objective and a few rigid methods (if not only ONE method) to achieve it.

your train of thought remained me of someone with a diff nick but similarly myopic, please see a Macro view before talking down.

We can choose not to rely on the government "that much", then:

(1) don't ask for our votes & don't justify the million dollar salary.

Like you said, we have the consumer dollar, so this is like going to a hospital for treatment or any other retails, you pay, you get the service you deserve "depending too much on them is just an excuse".

(2) don't restrict too much

Bearing in mind: they have a significant part to play in allowing ONLY SMRT and SBS transit to operate. By creating a monopoly, they cut out other possible competitors (who like you so cleverly pointed out may provide an alternative or may operate more efficiently), (pls don't counter argue with cabs as they are a different consumption, in case you didn't know), they also rejected proposals of nationalizing the buses & trains (claiming that privatized company operates better, yet they contradict themselves by using 1billion of taxpayers money to support a so-called private company, saying is for our benefit - can any private or listed company come to you and say I m not operating with profit, please give me 1billion? The excuse of not buying more fleets will result in poorer service is also not acceptable - who pushed in so many people in such a short time without realizing the consequence? I thought they were forward looking. Now Singaporeans are to pay for this inconvenience? They also mentioned that if bus companies were to buy the vehicles on their own, fare will hike. Why can't they stop them from a price hike? Afraid bus company suffer a loss? Then let other players come in.

If they want to tell you this cannot work! That also not effective, then:

Their method jolly well MUST work.

Otherwise, don't shift focus and tell us we rely too much on them. Who is the one playing victim?

Edited April 20, 2012 by Love2Blow

[Love2Blow]

Edited April 20, 2012 by Love2Blow

[fab]

(2) don't restrict too much

Bearing in mind: they have a significant part to play in allowing ONLY SMRT and SBS transit to operate. By creating a monopoly, they cut out other possible competitors (who like you so cleverly pointed out may provide an alternative or may operate more efficiently), (pls don't counter argue with cabs as they are a different consumption, in case you didn't know), they also rejected proposals of nationalizing the buses & trains (claiming that privatized company operates better, yet they contradict themselves by using 1billion of taxpayers money to support a so-called private company, saying is for our benefit - can any private or listed company come to you and say I m not operating with profit, please give me 1billion? The excuse of not buying more fleets will result in poorer service is also not acceptable - who pushed in so many people in such a short time without realizing the consequence? I thought they were forward looking. Now Singaporeans are to pay for this inconvenience? They also mentioned that if bus companies were to buy the vehicles on their own, fare will hike. Why can't they stop them from a price hike? Afraid bus company suffer a loss? Then let other players come in.

in summary, privatise the profit and socialise the cost.

[Love2Blow]

Well summarized.

In fact, when it is said as no price hike, it is already DONE. And we paid in advanced and one lump sum - that 1 billion is the fare hike

[9988]

The majority if not all of these disruptions occured during the peak hours. Assuming all trains have a equal chance to break down. More trains deployed = more chance for a train to break down during a certain period. In addition, the trains are more loaded during the peak hours, putting more stress on the trains. If you say that it's a way for the garhmen to push people to get to work earlier, how do you explain the evening breakdowns when there's no discounts?

I have a feeling all these are happening is because SMRT let their problems snowballed. Just look at the COI. They only checked the trains a few days after the December breakdowns and complete checks were only done after a month. New problems may have came out during this period which they have to delay, causing a backlog of problems left unsolved.

[fatdaddy71]

I was reading about the hearing about the MRT breakdown on the paper. And notice MRT seems not to train their people to handle emergency.

Don't you ever think if one day terrorist attack I believe lots of us will be 'die cock standing'.

I seriously doubt we could handle any sudden situation. All those big talk of readiness are bullshit and for show.

And so far we are lucky , no injuries or death. But who knows when our luck might expire.

This is my personal opinion.

[Guest Guest]

A bunch of f88king CB Kias, cunts, and pussy !!

During the COI, SMRT mentioned that the infrastructure or tracks are managed by LTA and not SMRT. So, the fault (claws CRAP) lies with Lui and his predecessor - Want Millions $$$ salary but not the WORKS !!! Yet, gave themselves filthy high increment !!! KANNIN LAOBU AYE PUA CHEE BYE to these MOTHERF88KERS !!!!

SMRT management - f88king cogenital LIARS !!!!

When the train power was cut, they claimed that standby power was cut in and air con was still running. YOU MOTHERF88KING LIARS, fxxk YOU DEAD !!!! What did the train driver said in the COI ??

The drivers said that when the power was cut, they can't communicate through the intercom system, they had to call the central control station with their mobile phones !!! This shows that the backup system DID NOT WORK !!! Who is SMRT trying to KID ??? F88king CB Kias !!!

[Guest Guest]

Got a tweet earlier: people are complaining!

Example: Nowadays mrt trains touch abit of water will breakdown? I tinking why 80-90 tat time when I took the train in the heavy rain the train would go slow lor. It juz travel like normal. Now is like sai. Wasting our tax payers $$$, pui!!!

SMRT Corporation ‏ @SMRT_Singapore

Trains are travelling slower on North-South and East-West lines due to cautious driving in wet weather.

Safely arrive to destination or Crash to Death? Choose 1

[abang]

Isnt it typical of our working culture and mindset?

Our training is always based on fair weather.

Whenever there is a crisis, there is no Plan B.

Almost everyone points to someone or something rather than ourselves.

Are we prepared for emergencies?

I commute daily and would like to say, the passenger load had definitely gone up.

Now I avoid boarding the train before 9.10 am.

Yes, I have the luxury of reporting to work at 9.45 am but that also means, I end my day later.

At 7.15 pm, the trains (purple-line) is still packed.

So what should be the solution?

[Guest Blaidd_drwg]

your train of thought remained me of someone with a diff nick but similarly myopic, please see a Macro view before talking down.

We can choose not to rely on the government "that much", then:

(1) don't ask for our votes & don't justify the million dollar salary.

Like you said, we have the consumer dollar, so this is like going to a hospital for treatment or any other retails, you pay, you get the service you deserve "depending too much on them is just an excuse".

(2) don't restrict too much

Bearing in mind: they have a significant part to play in allowing ONLY SMRT and SBS transit to operate. By creating a monopoly, they cut out other possible competitors (who like you so cleverly pointed out may provide an alternative or may operate more efficiently), (pls don't counter argue with cabs as they are a different consumption, in case you didn't know), they also rejected proposals of nationalizing the buses & trains (claiming that privatized company operates better, yet they contradict themselves by using 1billion of taxpayers money to support a so-called private company, saying is for our benefit - can any private or listed company come to you and say I m not operating with profit, please give me 1billion? The excuse of not buying more fleets will result in poorer service is also not acceptable - who pushed in so many people in such a short time without realizing the consequence? I thought they were forward looking. Now Singaporeans are to pay for this inconvenience? They also mentioned that if bus companies were to buy the vehicles on their own, fare will hike. Why can't they stop them from a price hike? Afraid bus company suffer a loss? Then let other players come in.

If they want to tell you this cannot work! That also not effective, then:

Their method jolly well MUST work.

Otherwise, don't shift focus and tell us we rely too much on them. Who is the one playing victim?

A quote for you (and practically every Singaporean, if not every citizen in every nation on this Earth):

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" - President John F. Kennedy

Political parties (PAP, WP, RP) in a "democracy" have interests in garnering populist votes. On, high ministerial pay, I also see no justification in keeping the status quo. But that topic can be discussed in another thread. Having dealt with these two irrelevant topics, I will now move on to the main issue.

Government does have an interest in maintaining this "natural" monopoly in the land transportation market since they have a partial stake in these "private" companies. I could bring in taxis since they are also within this market (although like you have said, they are a different form of consumption, they nonetheless work in the same market), as a matter of fact. But I do not need to because the general population does not use taxis as their main means of commuting. Cost outweighs its benefits (with exceptions).

Rejection of nationalising public transport is founded upon economic theory: cost-benefit theory and moral hazard. I, however, vehemently opposed the 1 billion tax-payer investment in purchasing new vehicles for the companies, with no strings-attached too. It wreaks of the same economic unsoundness as nationalising public transportation. But this is what you get when you pressure governments into populist and not economically rational policies. That's why I said, don't depend on government ever more than required because eventually, the ugly head of populism will pop out and ruin the country. Look at populist USA and see how stupid they are.

Today, many want the government to solve most things, if not everything, for them. It is this intertwining of interests which sets the stage for a country's ruin. I would rather have a mean, rational government than a soft-hearted, populist government because we know which one tends to succeed better (historically in Singapore, this has been shown).

This government (or at least the current long-standing one) has a policy of not touching prices directly as much as possible. If you study an economic background of Singapore's development or a single piece of economic literature, you will understand that prices are valuable signals of information and tinkering with them can cause a significant influence on the economy (more so than meets the layman's simple eyes). Again, subject to cost-benefit analysis, if it is more beneficial to tinker with prices, then government will do so (as the last of all methods. Die, die the last choice).

Their method jolly well MUST not necessarily work (I think all the recent politicking is one of the causes of this Republic's recent problems; “Please do not assume that you can change governments. Young people don’t understand this” - Lee Kuan Yew on the results of the 2006 election). My focus is to strike into the hearts of all about their non-resourcefulness in dealing with problems. Again, simple economic theory: If your cost outweighs your benefit in considering a choice, you will definitely not make that choice.

To show your solidarity as a resident of your respective estates in view of recent events, why not co-ordinate among yourselves for a private estate transportation system, fully-funded by the residents themselves, for themselves. The estate which co-ordinates best can slowly buy up the other estates. Afterall, when a public good fails, the tendency for the Free Market to intervene is always natural.

Or a less radical approach, car-pooling. It can be among neighbours or fellow co-workers.

For a more formal approach to this (especially so if we are dealing with people who do not own cars), co-ordinate it under your respective unions or within your company.

Let alone, I have already proposed 3 alternatives (I do not consider buying a car for individual use as an alternative for the general public; maybe as a family, yes) and I know that there can be ever more if people were to think harder.

And if you were to rebut this entirely economic argument with your insistence for government to jolly well make it work, I can tell you by economic theory that you obviously have not placed your cost above your benefit for using SMRT and SBS to the point you would move away your dollar vote from the companies and consider placing your money in alternatives. Please continue using their dying and ruinous services at your discretion.

You partake in the national past-time of complaining (which is always a victim's tactic in response to a problem; and so I answer another question of yours) and lose on all fronts. Whatever is worth complaining about would have been already acted upon for a solution, by a productive and rational person.

[Bry]

http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/showthread.php?59557-Pritam-Singh-demand-more-answers-on-1.1B-quot-free-taxpayer-money-quot-to-SBS-and-SMRT

Perfect sense here...

[Guest You are SO funny, Blaidd]

A quote for you (and practically every Singaporean, if not every citizen in every nation on this Earth):

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country" - President John F. Kennedy

Political parties (PAP, WP, RP) in a "democracy" have interests in garnering populist votes. On, high ministerial pay, I also see no justification in keeping the status quo. But that topic can be discussed in another thread. Having dealt with these two irrelevant topics, I will now move on to the main issue......

As always, reading your post makes me laugh, it is someone trying to act smart and in the know, but merely taking already known “facts”, "hashed" (rephrased) and discussed like a pro.

Giving us a quote is to begin is such a cliché, you think you are writing GP paper? Also the quote wasn’t relevant, by using this quote, you have assumed and equated country to government, we didn’t.

You mentioned: “Political parties (PAP, WP, RP) in a "democracy" have interests in garnering populist votes” ----- this is superfluous. Which political party in a "democratic" system doesn't?

On your note that “high ministerial pay… irrelevant topics” ----- it is RELEVANT, very relevant. And many of us have addressed that in this or other threads. If government wants to justify this type of pay, they must provide the quality this pay deserves. Similar to market and economic forces like you claimed many times in your post.

You mentioned: “Government does have an interest in maintaining this "natural" monopoly in the land transportation market since they have a partial stake in these "private" companies" ----- wah piang, uncle, we all know lah, anything new or not.

You mentioned: "taxis ... “within this market” ----- guys, anyone DIDN'T know that taxi is ALSO a form of transport? hahahahahaha! My point was it is a different FORM of CONSUMPTION and hence cannot be compared "apple to apple". So it is NOT an alternative (consumption pattern to be MOST SPECIFIC liao, can't make it clearer for you). Err your point about “Cost outweighs its benefits (with exceptions)” HAHAHAHAHAHA, thanks for telling us something so obvious. You are SO WISE.

You mentioned:” Rejection of nationalising public transport is founded upon economic theory: cost-benefit theory and moral hazard." ----- LTA minister Liu said liao loh, you just saw it from Straits Times? Hahahaha! Wah lao eh, really laugh until peng san.

You mentioned: “But this is what you get when you pressure governments into populist and not economically rational policies.” ----- This is your assumption. You assumed that the policy was economical and rational. Economic to who, rational to who, who gets the benefits? If it is that economical and rational, why did they have to use 1 billion taxpayers money to "RESOLVE" problems created from this supposedly ECONOMICALLY RATIONAL policy leh?

You mentioned” “don't depend on government ever more than required” ----- You mentioned earlier that you were focusing on the MAIN issue, I think you were the one who missed the issue. We are not depending on the government EVER MORE. We are talking about PUBLIC TRANSPORT, and the drop in service is partially due to maintenance and the surge in commuters. They caused the PROBLEM, they fix it. We are not asking or depending on them FOR MORE. If we were to take your argument, is the public supposed to solve the problem for them? When the MRT breaks down, are commuters supposed to step out of the cabin to push the train, or should we roll up our sleeves to change the tracks? Maybe some kids can try powering the electricity and see if the train will move again? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

You mentioned: “Today, many want the government to solve most things, if not everything, for them. It is this intertwining of interests which sets the stage for a country's ruin.” ----- give us a break, don’t act like you are a political analyst or an old man who have seen it all. You are the one who missed the main point, we are discussing THIS SPECIFIC issue of MRT and PUBLIC TRANSPORT, don’t “intertwine” other issues in here and claim that we want government to solve most things. This is, I quote you "IRRELEVANT", why don't you start a separate thread on this?

You mentioned: “prices are valuable signals of information and tinkering with them can cause a significant influence on the economy (more so than meets the layman's simple eyes). “ ----- YES! THANKS for enlightening us time and again! We didn't know prices are signals and we didn't know it influence the economy until you've mentioned. That is why we didn't know anything about inflation, we didn't have any response when there is a price hike. Now that you have mentioned this ROCKET SCIENCE knowledge, we layman know finally! Such direct and simply stuff you think you found the holy grail. You are such a joker!

You mentioned: “Please do not assume that you can change governments. Young people don’t understand this” - Lee Kuan Yew on the results of the 2006 election) ----- We know you understand! You are not young I supposed, still referring to 2006 election? Hahahahahahahahaha! There was a WATERSHED election in 2011 for your information. I quote for you (http://www.bbc.co.uk...acific-13313695)

---------------------------------------

.....

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong agreed it was a "watershed election".

Politics in the tiny but hugely wealthy state have been dominated by the current ruling party since independence in 1965.

'Distinct shift'

"It marks a distinct shift in our political landscape," Mr Lee told an early morning news conference on Sunday.

"Many [singaporeans] wish for the government to adopt a different style and approach," he said. "Many desire to see more opposition voices in parliament to check the PAP government."

He said his party would undergo some "soul-searching" and expressed willingness to work with lawmakers from the opposition.

...............

----------------------------

The government can't changed huh? You are SOOOOOOOO right!

Ok, I have to go for dinner now. You should really think harder and deeper before you try to act like a prof you know. Be professional about playing a professional mah. I am not one of the talented ones and I can see you write SO much but they weigh SO litter. Don't let those heavy weights "humptum" you. Shame to death............

[Guest Guest]

....... I am not one of the talented ones and I can see you write SO much but they weigh SO litter. Don't let those heavy weights "humptum" you. Shame to death............

"little" not "litter"

These 2 are funny:

You mentioned” “don't depend on government ever more than required ----- .....is the public supposed to solve the problem for them? When the MRT breaks down, are commuters supposed to step out of the cabin to push the train, or should we roll up our sleeves to change the tracks? Maybe some kids can try powering the electricity and see if the train will move again? ..........

You mentioned: “Please do not assume that you can change governments. Young people don’t understand this” - Lee Kuan Yew on the results of the 2006 election) ----- ....... still referring to 2006 election? Hahahahahahahahaha! There was a WATERSHED election in 2011 for your information.

Bravo!

[Guest Guest]

You mentioned: “Please do not assume that you can change governments. Young people don’t understand this” - Lee Kuan Yew on the results of the 2006 election) ----- ....... still referring to 2006 election? Hahahahahahahahaha! There was a WATERSHED election in 2011 for your information.

I totally lost it when Blaidd came in with his GP-paper mumbo-jumbo posting.

But this post about LKY vs the 2011 elections is so true and shows just how out of touch the old man is.

Don't sue me ok!

[Guest Guest 2]

I totally lost it when Blaidd came in with his GP-paper mumbo-jumbo posting.

But this post about LKY vs the 2011 elections is so true and shows just how out of touch the old man is.

Don't sue me ok!

The last line is cute he where got time to sue you? People busy preparing GP paper retake lah..........don't disturb him, don't know how many tries liao, fail again har, cry also no tears come out (just pee and poo out......cannot control bowel mah............. )

Don't sue me also hor..........

[Guest Guest]

The cheebye PTC is conspicuously missing from the "action"

They only know how to spring up to raise fares and keep quiet when serious issues need to be addressed and responsibility accounted for.

Singapore is better off without these parasitic irresponsible useless "committees" whose goals are purely self serving.

[matthewleon]

The last line is cute he where got time to sue you? People busy preparing GP paper retake lah..........don't disturb him, don't know how many tries liao, fail again har, cry also no tears come out (just pee and poo out......cannot control bowel mah............. )

Don't sue me also hor..........

Haha, it sounded more like KI paper to me :-)

Where "correlation does not denote causation" and "Occam'a Razor taken to the extreme" are almost the basic critical thinking that many demonstrate in their essays ;-)

[Guest DreamIsJustDream]

I agree too! As for government conspiracy, if it is true, their current plan to change travelling patterns might just not be that efficacious. In order to ameliorate the peak hour problems, there must be a more comprehensive plan to change current employers to cooperate with government to allow employees to either work at home or arrive work at a later time, not the usual 8 or 9 a.m sharp

Dream on, Singapore can never become like European countries who are more focused on quality of life, family-oriented. A good example is Denmark (though they have high taxes, it seems like their citizens are much happier)

[Guest babooshame07RejectedToPost]

SMRT ‘counseled’ PRC bus driver for giving free ride to PRC female passenger

SMRT has ‘counseled’ one of its ‘precious’ PRC bus driver for giving a free ride to a PRC female passenger after receiving numerous complaints from irate netizens.

The Temasek Times published a letter a week ago about a Singaporean who were told to ‘get lost’ by a PRC woman who forced her way up bus service 962 at Sun Plaza from the rear door and then sat down without paying.

When he complained to the bus captain about the woman, he pretended not to hear anything and drove off.

“I told the bus captain about the free ride, but he didn’t care and drove off. I thought this would only happen in the 80s or 90s. I don’t think she and the bus captain are locals. Singapore is not their home, they just don’t care about Singaporeans,” the man who is known as ‘Donny’ wrote on STOMP.

In response to queries from the media, SMRT replied that it has ‘counseled’ the PRC bus driver and appropriate ‘disciplinary actions’ have been taken without elaborating more on it.

It also thanked ‘Donny’ for reflecting the incident online and ‘apologized’ for any inconveniences caused.

[Guest babooshame07Dejected]

SMRT fined $300 for overcrowded buses (do you think it is too little?)

Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. Public-listed company SMRT which rakes in millions of dollars in profits each year is fined ‘only’ $300 for persistent overcrowding on its bus service 925 despite the operator being fined for it four times before.

During the latest review of bus service standards between June and November last year, the Woodlands-Choa Chu Kang service was found to be bursting at the seams on three occasions in

SMRT will be fined $300 in total for it, which is not even a ‘touch’ on its ‘wrist’, let alone a ‘slap’.

The ‘punishment’ meted out to SMRT set many tongues wagging with some netizens speculating that it’s the real reason behind SMRT’s dismal performance lately:

[Guest pa poo xhame]

Lui Tuck Yew: I was ‘gravely concerned’ over the spate of disruptions

Four days after SMRT suffered another MAJOR breakdown on the Circle Line with services suspended for more than two hours, Transport Minister Lui Tuck finally gave his take on the matter.

Speaking at the sidelines of an event at National Junior College, Mr Lui expressed his concern at the recent spate of disruptions in the last few days which has made a mockery out of Singapore’s public rail system.

“I was gravely concerned over the spate of disruptions. It has inconvenienced many, many commuters greatly. It has angered many commuters and rightly so because they expect and deserve a much more reliable service than what has been delivered over the course of the past week,” he said.

Mr Lui added that he was told by SMRT’s management that a team of experts – made up of manufacturers and train providers – has been set up to not only look at the train disruptions but potential problems.

“They will be able to tell us more about what are some of the series of faults and problems that the trains will face as they age. And then with that information that we get from them, together with the builders of the train systems, we will be in a better position to prepare ourselves for potential vulnerable areas, potential faults that may not even be surfacing to the extent that we would see in the future.”

With public confidence in SMRT at an all-time low, it will take more than a few blanket reassurances from Mr Lui to regain their trust.

Mr Lui has earlier said in Parliament that ‘minor’ disruptions less than 30 minutes are ‘unavoidable’:

“We will try and minimise as much as possible the major disruptions and to keep them in check. But I think it is unavoidable that a system that is as heavily utilised as ours is today will not face any disruptions. Every day there are about 2.7 million passenger trips. We are running thousands of train trips for more than 18 hours a day. And I dare say that there is no way you can prevent disruptions from occurring.” (Hope they can resolve it ASAP!)

With train services breaking down, disrupted or delayed almost every other day, Mr Lui may need to change his definition of ‘major disruptions’ pretty soon.

[Guest peekaboo]

Why it’s time to consider nationalizing our metro train system

(Is this a good idea? Become a system like NTUC Union)

The fact that our metro train system has become an integral part of our daily landscape moving millions of pax trips cannot be over emphasized. There will be more train lines opening up soon with the billions of public funds committed to it’s network expansion. It is now timely for a thorough review and revamp of the entire rail system i.e. the model of full or partial privatization or nationalization in the form of setting up a Statuatory Board to run the entire rail network system autonomously and independently without any third party interference!

Obviously the current model of fully privatized business entity with LTA as the regulator doesn’t seem to work anymore. The natural tendency for a private enterprise to aim for maximum profits and minimum costs by cutting down on expensive assets maintenance & operation costs is clearly in conflict resulting in our present sorry state of affairs. If there is no problem then why this high powered COI lasting 6 weeks parading in a public court? Whilst the COI is in progress to probe into the system’s failure on last Dec, yet the trains are still breaking down even more frequently.

The instabilty and unreliablity of the rail network is so obvious to the public that any more self- denial simply won’t assuage an irate discerning public. A re-think and revamp of our current model is therefore timely. Already universities and polytechnics are arranging for alternative transport on exams period just in case. The trust is no longer there!

There are advantages of nationalization. Instead of the LTA as regulator telling the train operator what to do and how to run the trains now the stat board will decide everything on its own. The blaming game stops there and now. As it is from the on going court case, LTA and SMRT getting first class expensive lawyers to ‘finger pointing’ each other. Pushing blame to each other to the chagrin of an appalled public! WTF! The commuting public actually suffer and at the losing ends with two fellows fighting over whose faults or incompetency that resulted in our current mess!

ALAN TANG made a comment on facebook. :clap:

[Guest peekaboo]

BIG CASE (LRT DISRUPTION)

Another train disruption: LRT train stalled between Bukit Panjang and Senja LRT stations (22nd Apr'12)

One day after Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew ticked off SMRT for the recent spate of breakdowns, a LRT train stalled in Bukit Panjang today causing distressed passengers to be evacuated from it.

According to a netizen, he saw two LRTs stopped somewhere in the middle of Bukit Panjang and Senja stations today. A fire engine, red rhino and ambulance were also on standby in the vicinity:

Another commuter Teo Wei Shen added:

“Service A is disrupted; Services B and C (via BP7 Petir) are available. One vehicle has broken down and another vehicle has coupled to the broken down vehicle, likely to be sent back to depot. It appears to be the exact same section of track where a vehicle’s guide wheel disloged about 10 years ago.” :yuk:

Passengers were forced to alight from the stalled train and walk back to the LRT station: 好可怜啊 !(sad case, walk on unsheltered open track)

As usual, there are no public statements from SMRT as its management has long run out of excuses to cover up for its gross incompetence.

The Temasek Times (censored due to site rules) is the FIRST news site in Singapore to report on the latest SMRT cock-up as such ‘minor’ disruptions continue to get censored by the state media.

Comment: 地铁局是否有买乘客人寿保险!意外谁负责?

[Guest peekaboo]

Update:

11 passengers affected by train fault at Bukit Panjang LRT

Train service was disrupted at Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) Service A and Service C routes on Sunday afternoon due to a train fault between Bukit Panjang and Senja stations.

Staff were on site to attend to 11 passengers who were affected by the train disruption, according to a SMRT spokesperson.

BPLRT Service B was disrupted for nine minutes between 5:11pm to 5:20pm to facilitate Service A's detrainment to Senja. BPLRT Service C resumed operations at 5:40pm and Service A resumed at 7:15pm.

The affected passengers alighted from the train safely and walked on a 1.5-metre wide emergency walkway for about 150 metres to Senja station. The walkway, according to the SMRT spokesperson, is safe and is regularly used by staff for maintenance work.

At the same time, passengers onboard another affected train had to alight so that their train could be used to push out the stalled train.

Announcements were made at all BPLRT stations and Twitter was used to update commuters throughout the incident.

SMRT apologised for the inconvenience caused to commuters.

[babooshame07]

Update:

11 passengers affected by train fault at Bukit Panjang LRT

Train service was disrupted at Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) Service A and Service C routes on Sunday afternoon due to a train fault between Bukit Panjang and Senja stations.

Staff were on site to attend to 11 passengers who were affected by the train disruption, according to a SMRT spokesperson.

BPLRT Service B was disrupted for nine minutes between 5:11pm to 5:20pm to facilitate Service A's detrainment to Senja. BPLRT Service C resumed operations at 5:40pm and Service A resumed at 7:15pm.

The affected passengers alighted from the train safely and walked on a 1.5-metre wide emergency walkway for about 150 metres to Senja station. The walkway, according to the SMRT spokesperson, is safe and is regularly used by staff for maintenance work.

At the same time, passengers onboard another affected train had to alight so that their train could be used to push out the stalled train.

Announcements were made at all BPLRT stations and Twitter was used to update commuters throughout the incident.

SMRT apologised for the inconvenience caused to commuters.

I am scared that this will happen to my train journey, I have a fear of heights

[qedcwc]

All recently affected services are the ones operated by SMRT, though Bukit Panjang LRT has been problematic since its inception.

Rather unnerving when commuters are made to walk on that LRT track, considering it doesnt have any side rails like SBS' Sengkang and Punggol LRT tracks...

[babooshame07]

SMRT on LRT train disruption: The walkway is ‘safe’ to walk

Following our exposure of a shocking scene in which passengers are forced to walk on LRT track after a LRT train stalled between Bukit Panjang and Senja LRT stations, SMRT has issued a public statement reassuring Singaporeans that the walkway is ‘safe’ to walk. (pic above by Izzy Hazip)

Instead of taking responsibility for the latest train disruption, thick-skinned SMRT heaped generous self-praise on its ‘double-quick’ response time in ‘attending’ to the stranded passengers as if it is some major crisis.

“Within five minutes, our staff attended to the affected passengers, while the air-conditioning and lights remained on throughout,” it said in a statement to the media.

The passengers were asked to leave the train and walked on a 1.5-metre-wide emergency walkway for about 150 metres to Senja station under the ‘escort’ of two SCDF officers.

It is not known if the passengers were given discounts off their fares for walking part of their journey home.

Despite genuine concerns about the safety of doing so, SMRT proclaimed:

“The walkway is SAFE and is regularly used by its staff for maintenance work.”

However, some netizens remain skeptical on Facebook:

“is it a SOP to allow stranded passengers to walk on the rail? How sure are they that it is safe to walk like that? if a passenger decided to commit suicide by jumping down? what if there is a lightining strike?? what if someone has phobia of height?” – Terence Lim

“wont you fall down? like acccidentally fall down?!?!!?!?!?looks very DANGEROUS” – Fang Jun

“definitely very dangerous…what if suddenly raining and very windy….suspect people also can fly…very sure there must be other alternative to rescue passengers…” – Salbiah Ali

[babooshame07]

All recently affected services are the ones operated by SMRT, though Bukit Panjang LRT has been problematic since its inception.

Rather unnerving when commuters are made to walk on that LRT track, considering it doesnt have any side rails like SBS' Sengkang and Punggol LRT tracks...

I will cry for mummy if I have to do that, imagine a parent pushing a baby pram or stroller, a wheelchair user or even people who are blind, walking and pushing along the track, feeling the cool breeze on their faces. (Just don't look down)

[babooshame07]

SBS to raise S’porean bus drivers' salaries by 16%

(Will it attract Singaporeans? Will the quality of drivers be better? Will my bus and mrt fares increase considerably due to wage increase?)

New Singaporean bus drivers can now expect a basic salary of S$1,600 compared to the current S$1,375.

In a bid to attract more Singaporean bus drivers, SBS Transit will increase the starting pay of new Singaporean drivers by 16 per cent from next month onwards.

According to local media reports, new Singaporean bus drivers can now expect a basic salary of S$1,600 compared to the current S$1,375.

With overtime pay and allowances, drivers can earn about S$2,250 a month in gross salary in their first year of service, SBS Transit said.

The existing 1,900 Singaporean bus drivers will also get to take home an additional S$225, reported The Straits Times. Non-Singaporean drivers will get a smaller increase of between $75 and $150.

The raise will benefit over 5,300 bus drivers.

The transport operator’s announcement comes after the government announced in this year’s Budget it would set aside S$1.1 billion to fund a significant expansion of bus capacity.

It was reported last month that the National Transport Workers' Union was also in talks with SMRT to raise salaries for its bus drivers to match that of SBS Transit's.

[Guest Guest]

Remember every time when PTC raised the fares, they ALWAYS cite increased operational and maintenance costs as the rationale?

Turns out, as revealed in Court, that SMRT did not raise their maintenance budgets for a good 10 years!

It is time for a thorough investigation into PTC, all of its members, especially those affiliated with the transport operators to make them answerable and accountable for their past actions.

[merlinkun]

Let's not forget they claim giving polytechnic student the actual student price means they will suffer annual loss.

[Guest Guest]

That was a convenient excuse, not a rationale!

These people should be executed.

[Guest Guesty]

Excuse me, it is maintenance cost.

Maintain their high salary and bonuses.

Maintain their high lifestyle.

Maintain their perks.

Maintain the same level of service without saying improvement...

Maintain their leisure time.......

Maintain their low productivity.......

Maintain status quo...

They did not say maintenance as in after sales servicing of the system technically.

Yes, maintenance is expensive......

[Guest WC]

Read the PTC Annual Report. The one and only one is for 2010/2011. No report for 2011/2012 ?!

http://www.ptc.gov.s...nnualReport.htm

This one and only annual report posted -- only bugged on Fares and Bus services. There is no mention about MRT services, and suddenly MRT services have deteriorated overnight ?! These Higher Beings must have their eyes wide shut and ears sealed all these while.

TS, you're right. If now all men are pointing fingers at SMRT now, the Land Transport watchdog - PTC and even the LTA should also take the blame.

[Guest Guest]

With the quality we enjoy now, the public transport is dirt cheap.

[Guest huh]

With the quality we enjoy now, the public transport is dirt cheap.

dirt cheap = no minimum expectation?

Dirt cheap to you (and most of us) but to some, its not. Read on this recent news in TR which you may never imagine is happening.

A homeless woman in dire straits walked 24km with her 2 daughters from Yishun to Chai Chee, stopping to rest at the void deck at nightfall, planning to walk another 6km to Tampines the next morning to seek help from a relative.

Tipped off by grassroot volunteers, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade GRC BG (NS) Tan Chuan Jin approached the family and accompanied them for a few hundred meters as he profusely advised them to accept his assistance.

BG (NS) Tan narrated this incident on his facebook with a heavy heart (edited for clarity).

On late Wednesday (11 Jan 2012) night, he was doing house visits at Chai Chee, and was about to call it a day when he was informed by a grassroot leader about a homeless lady who was putting up at the void deck of Block 26 with her 2 daughters. He rushed over with a few volunteers and discovered that the family was sleeping on a mat. Beside them was a load of personal items on a trolley.

He woke them up and asked if there was anything he could do to help. According to the woman, she was recently divorced and unable to go home. On that day, she had wanted to seek assistance from a relative who was residing at Tampines and planned to walk there with her 2 daughters.

Hearing this, BG (NS) Tan advised the woman to apply for assistance from the relevant agencies and also offered to arrange for transport to send them to the relative’s place but the woman rejected it. Despite repeated offers of assistance from BG (NS) Tan, the woman insisted that they were good on their own and started walking away.

BG (NS) Tan subsequently called the police and followed the woman for a few hundred metres hoping to convince her to accept his assistance but again his offer was repeatedly rejected. It was only after the police arrived that the woman agreed to letting the police sent her and her daughters to the relative’s place.

According to BG (NS) Tan, the woman was 46-years-old and her 2 daughters were 16 and 14-years-old respectively. Both the daughters have stopped schooling and the 14-year-old daughter is an unwed single mother who gave birth to a child at the age of 13.

According to Google map, the distance from Yishun to Chai Chee is about 24km and from Chai Chee to Tampines is about 6km, by foot.

.

Editor’s note:

1. During a Parliamentary session recently, MPs are encouraged to report person(s) needing assistance to the relevant agency, it is not known if BG (NS) Tan had done so and if any agency are following up on the matter.

2. The team at TR Emeritus (TRE) is concerned that the 2 daughters have stopped schooling at the young age of 16 and 14-years-old and would like to appeal to the relevant agency to please look into this.

3. Of another concern in this case would be the fact that the youngest 14-year-old daughter reportedly gave birth at the age of 13 which unless she is legally married, whoever got her pregnant with or without her consent would have committed an offence of Rape under section 375 of the Penal Code, that carries a maximum imprisonment term of up to 20 years, and shall also be liable to fine or to caning.

Since the police was involved in this matter indirectly (of sending them to the relative’s place), did the police smell a rat and proactively launch an investigation into an alleged offence of Rape? Rape of a minor is a very serious criminal offence and the ignorance of her mother (by not reporting or failing to report) should not be an excuse for the police to not take any action considering that it is a seizable offence, against a minor who needs to be protected at all cost.

.

TRE was unable to confirm at print time if there was any subsequent follow-up by BG (NS) Tan or the relevant agencies to the woman’s plight and would like to appeal to readers with information to please update us through our online web form.

[Guest Guest]

dirt cheap = no minimum expectation?

Dirt cheap to you (and most of us) but to some, its not. Read on this recent news in TR which you may never imagine is happening.

A homeless woman in dire straits walked 24km with her 2 daughters from Yishun to Chai Chee, stopping to rest at the void deck at nightfall, planning to walk another 6km to Tampines the next morning to seek help from a relative.

Tipped off by grassroot volunteers, Minister of State and Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade GRC BG (NS) Tan Chuan Jin approached the family and accompanied them for a few hundred meters as he profusely advised them to accept his assistance.

BG (NS) Tan narrated this incident on his facebook with a heavy heart (edited for clarity).

On late Wednesday (11 Jan 2012) night, he was doing house visits at Chai Chee, and was about to call it a day when he was informed by a grassroot leader about a homeless lady who was putting up at the void deck of Block 26 with her 2 daughters. He rushed over with a few volunteers and discovered that the family was sleeping on a mat. Beside them was a load of personal items on a trolley.

He woke them up and asked if there was anything he could do to help. According to the woman, she was recently divorced and unable to go home. On that day, she had wanted to seek assistance from a relative who was residing at Tampines and planned to walk there with her 2 daughters.

Hearing this, BG (NS) Tan advised the woman to apply for assistance from the relevant agencies and also offered to arrange for transport to send them to the relative’s place but the woman rejected it. Despite repeated offers of assistance from BG (NS) Tan, the woman insisted that they were good on their own and started walking away.

BG (NS) Tan subsequently called the police and followed the woman for a few hundred metres hoping to convince her to accept his assistance but again his offer was repeatedly rejected. It was only after the police arrived that the woman agreed to letting the police sent her and her daughters to the relative’s place.

According to BG (NS) Tan, the woman was 46-years-old and her 2 daughters were 16 and 14-years-old respectively. Both the daughters have stopped schooling and the 14-year-old daughter is an unwed single mother who gave birth to a child at the age of 13.

According to Google map, the distance from Yishun to Chai Chee is about 24km and from Chai Chee to Tampines is about 6km, by foot.

.

Editor’s note:

1. During a Parliamentary session recently, MPs are encouraged to report person(s) needing assistance to the relevant agency, it is not known if BG (NS) Tan had done so and if any agency are following up on the matter.

2. The team at TR Emeritus (TRE) is concerned that the 2 daughters have stopped schooling at the young age of 16 and 14-years-old and would like to appeal to the relevant agency to please look into this.

3. Of another concern in this case would be the fact that the youngest 14-year-old daughter reportedly gave birth at the age of 13 which unless she is legally married, whoever got her pregnant with or without her consent would have committed an offence of Rape under section 375 of the Penal Code, that carries a maximum imprisonment term of up to 20 years, and shall also be liable to fine or to caning.

Since the police was involved in this matter indirectly (of sending them to the relative’s place), did the police smell a rat and proactively launch an investigation into an alleged offence of Rape? Rape of a minor is a very serious criminal offence and the ignorance of her mother (by not reporting or failing to report) should not be an excuse for the police to not take any action considering that it is a seizable offence, against a minor who needs to be protected at all cost.

.

TRE was unable to confirm at print time if there was any subsequent follow-up by BG (NS) Tan or the relevant agencies to the woman’s plight and would like to appeal to readers with information to please update us through our online web form.

I suggest you spend more time hunting for such needy case around your estate and report to the relevant department than doing cut and paste to argue a point over and over again. Its stale and boring.

[fab]

Privatise the profit, socialise the cost.

[Guest guest2]

I suggest you spend more time hunting for such needy case around your estate and report to the relevant department than doing cut and paste to argue a point over and over again. Its stale and boring.

Please do as you've preached. Do ya? Thanks.

[Guest ATS]

I suggest you spend more time hunting for such needy case around your estate and report to the relevant department than doing cut and paste to argue a point over and over again. Its stale and boring.

You are indeed quarrelsome, you love picking bitch fights with others all the time, be it in Trevvy or BW.

[XiaoMessy]

Let's not forget they claim giving polytechnic student the actual student price means they will suffer annual loss.

+1

[joshboy]

our transport is cheap and considered good compared to many other countries. Not to mention we dont have "blackholes" - places that cannot be reached by public transport. So i think its well done. But of course the recent breakdown, we need to brushup on that