Train fault disrupts Bukit Panjang LRT
SINGAPORE — Train services on the Bukit Panjang LRT line were disrupted between Choa Chu Kang and Senja in both directions yesterday because of a train fault, said transport operator SMRT.
The disruption came a day after train services on the North-South Line between Yew Tee and Kranji stations (towards Woodlands) were disrupted for more than four hours because of a track fault.
The train operator yesterday wrote on Twitter that train services along the LRT line were disrupted at 12.18pm and resumed at 1.35pm. It attributed the disruption to a “train fault” but did not give details.
According to SMRT’s website, a train fault could be due to a defective train that experienced a train circuit failure, power trip or platform door fault.
The LRT service disruption had irate commuters posting complaints on social media, including on SMRT’s official Facebook page.
Some questioned SMRT’s capabilities, as it was the second disruption in two days following the long Chinese New Year break.
In a post on SMRT’s Facebook page, a commuter by the name of Mutahir Idris complained about his “very unpleasant experience”.
Mr Mutahir wrote that he had picked up his son from school and had to use the free bus service provided by SMRT to get to Keat Hong station.
“I am in the bus right now, a very unpleasant experience. Slow response from the team. The bus that I am in is bringing me to the whole of (Bukit) Panjang. I wonder when will I reach my Keat Hong LRT,” he wrote.
On Monday afternoon, a damaged third rail, which supplies power to the trains, caused train services between Yew Tee and Kranji stations to be disrupted for about four and a half hours. Even after repairs were completed at 7.25pm, speed restrictions were imposed on the trains, leading to slightly longer travelling times.
An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the damaged third rail.
