SINGAPORE, September 2025 — In response to growing concerns over service disruptions across Singapore’s MRT and LRT networks, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT, and SBS Transit have jointly established a Rail Reliability Taskforce. The aim is to identify systemic weaknesses and implement immediate improvements to enhance rail reliability and reduce the impact of disruptions.

The Taskforce is chaired by LTA Chief Executive Ng Lang, with SMRT CEO Ngien Hoon Ping, SBS Transit CEO Jeffrey Sim, and technical experts drawn from the rail sector. It is mandated to report regularly to Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, and deliver final recommendations by the end of 2025.

Key areas under review include recent signalling faults, power system issues, and other infrastructure components approaching end-of-life. Among the measures being considered are accelerating the renewal of the power system for the North East Line (NEL), strengthening signalling systems for the NEL and Circle Line, and conducting thorough technical audits of critical systems. The Taskforce will also examine current service recovery procedures to shorten delay durations, improve staff training, and reduce inconveniences to commuters.

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow has acknowledged that while eliminating service disruptions entirely is not feasible, the government is committed to minimizing both their frequency and their impact. He emphasized the importance of transparency, and has directed that reporting on reliability performance be made more frequent and comprehensive.

Recent statistics illustrate the need: over the 12-month period ending June 2025, MRT train services averaged about 1.6 million train-kilometres between delays of more than five minutes, down from 1.98 million in 2024. The decline has reignited calls from commuters and stakeholders for stronger maintenance regimes, faster upgrades, and more proactive operational practices.

Through the new Taskforce and related initiatives, Singapore aims to restore higher levels of rail reliability, improve commuter confidence, and ensure its transit network remains resilient and dependable.

Source: South China Morning Post