East-West Line disruption: LTA cuts SMRT's fine to S$2.4 million; amount to go to Public Transport Fund

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, August 8th 2025 at 15:06 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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LTA has also directed SMRT to invest a minimum of S$600,000 to strengthen its capabilities.

SMRT Fined S$3 Million for East-West Line Disruption, Reduced from Potential S$24 Million by LTA

Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has imposed a S$3 million fine on public transport operator SMRT for a major disruption on the East-West Line (EWL) that occurred in September 2023. The penalty, announced on December 20, 2023, comes after an extensive investigation into the incident, which paralyzed train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations for six days, affecting over 2.1 million commuters. While the maximum possible fine under the Rapid Transit Systems Act could have reached S$24 million—equivalent to 1% of SMRT's annual fare revenue for the EWL—the LTA decided to reduce it significantly, citing various mitigating factors including SMRT's proactive response and efforts to minimize commuter inconvenience.

The disruption began on September 25, 2023, when a Kawasaki Heavy Industries train, dating back to the MRT system's inception in 1987, stalled near Clementi station due to a faulty axle box. This component, which supports the train's wheels, dislodged and caused extensive damage to the tracks, power cables, and other infrastructure along a 1.6km stretch. The incident led to a power trip that halted services on a critical section of the EWL, one of Singapore's busiest MRT lines. Commuters faced chaos, with shuttle buses and bridging services deployed as alternatives, but these measures were insufficient to handle the massive volume of passengers, resulting in long queues, extended travel times, and widespread frustration.

LTA's probe revealed multiple lapses on SMRT's part that contributed to the severity of the disruption. Key findings included inadequate maintenance practices, particularly in monitoring and replacing aging components like the axle boxes on older trains. The investigation highlighted that the faulty axle box had shown signs of wear, but these were not addressed promptly. Additionally, there were shortcomings in incident management protocols, such as delays in isolating the fault and communicating effectively with passengers. The report emphasized that while the root cause was mechanical failure, better preventive measures could have mitigated the impact. LTA noted that SMRT's maintenance regime did not fully account for the accelerated wear and tear on these veteran trains, which have been in service for over three decades and are gradually being phased out.

In determining the fine, LTA considered the scale of the disruption's impact. The EWL serves as a vital artery for east-west connectivity in Singapore, linking residential areas, industrial hubs, and the central business district. The six-day outage not only inconvenienced daily commuters but also disrupted economic activities, with estimates suggesting productivity losses and additional costs for affected businesses. Commuters reported missing work, school, and important appointments, amplifying the public outcry. Social media was flooded with complaints, and opposition politicians called for greater accountability from transport operators.

However, the authority acknowledged SMRT's remedial actions as grounds for leniency. Following the incident, SMRT implemented a series of improvements, including enhanced inspection routines for train undercarriages, the installation of additional monitoring sensors on tracks, and staff retraining programs focused on rapid response to faults. The operator also accelerated the retirement of older trains, replacing them with newer models equipped with advanced diagnostic systems. To support affected passengers during the disruption, SMRT provided free bus services, fare refunds, and real-time updates via apps and announcements, which helped alleviate some of the immediate hardships. LTA praised these steps, stating that they demonstrated a commitment to preventing future occurrences and justified scaling down the fine from the statutory maximum.

This case underscores broader challenges in Singapore's public transport system, which prides itself on efficiency and reliability but has faced occasional setbacks. The EWL disruption was not an isolated event; it followed other incidents, such as signaling faults and track issues on various lines in recent years. Experts have pointed out that as the MRT network ages—now over 35 years old in parts—increased investment in maintenance and modernization is crucial. LTA has been pushing for upgrades, including the ongoing rollout of the Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system to improve signaling and reduce human error. SMRT, a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, has invested heavily in fleet renewal, with plans to introduce 106 new trains by 2026, but the incident highlights the risks during transitional periods.

Public reaction to the fine has been mixed. Some commuters and advocacy groups argue that S$3 million is too lenient given the widespread inconvenience, suggesting it fails to deter future negligence. Others view it as a balanced decision, recognizing that excessive penalties could strain operators and ultimately affect fares. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat addressed the issue in Parliament, emphasizing that fines are not punitive but aimed at encouraging systemic improvements. He noted that LTA would continue monitoring SMRT's performance through regular audits and key performance indicators, with potential for further penalties if standards slip.

In a statement, SMRT's CEO Ngien Hoon Ping expressed regret over the disruption and reaffirmed the company's dedication to safety and reliability. "We have learned valuable lessons from this incident and are committed to enhancing our operations to serve Singaporeans better," he said. The operator has also engaged independent consultants to review its maintenance frameworks, ensuring alignment with international best practices.

Looking ahead, the incident has prompted discussions on resilience in urban transport systems. Singapore's government has allocated billions in the national budget for rail infrastructure, including extensions to the EWL and other lines. Initiatives like the Rail Reliability Enhancement Programme aim to address vulnerabilities in aging assets. For commuters, the episode serves as a reminder of the complexities behind seamless public transport, urging greater patience while demanding accountability.

Overall, while the S$3 million fine closes the chapter on this particular disruption, it signals LTA's ongoing vigilance in upholding high standards for Singapore's MRT network. As the city-state continues to grow, maintaining a robust, fault-tolerant transport system remains paramount to supporting its dense population and economic vitality. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Channel NewsAsia Singapore Article at:
[ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/smrt-east-west-line-disruption-sgd-3-million-fine-cut-24-million-lta-5258291 ]

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East-West Line disruption: LTA cuts SMRT's fine to S$2.4 million; amount to go to Public Transport Fund

SMRT Fined S$3 Million for East-West Line Disruption, Reduced from Potential S$24 Million by LTA