SINGAPORE, SEPTEMBER 2025 — Singapore has launched a new Rail Reliability Task Force to strengthen the resilience of its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, following a recent rise in service disruptions that have affected commuters. The initiative reflects a firm commitment to maintaining world-class reliability standards in public transport.

Announced jointly by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT, and SBS Transit, the task force will be chaired by LTA Chief Executive Ng Lang and supported by SMRT CEO Ngien Hoon Ping and SBS Transit CEO Jeffrey Sim. The group will conduct a comprehensive review of rail reliability and maintenance across the entire network, after 15 incidents of delays and disruptions were reported over the past three months.

The task force’s mandate includes assessing power and signalling systems, identifying assets approaching end-of-life, and expediting component replacements or upgrades. It will also review operational and service-recovery protocols to ensure quicker response times and clearer communication with passengers. Final recommendations are expected by the end of 2025, which will guide longer-term reliability strategies.

Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow has called for greater transparency in communicating investigation outcomes, acknowledging public concern about the disruptions. He reiterated that while train systems are highly complex, ensuring dependable service remains a national priority.

Recent data shows the MRT network achieved an average of 1.6 million train-kilometres between delays exceeding five minutes for the year ending June 2025 a decline from previous years but still above the government’s 1 million-kilometre target. The LRT network, meanwhile, recorded improvements, averaging 534,000 car-kilometres between similar delays, up from 382,000 the year before.

The establishment of this task force underscores Singapore’s proactive approach to sustaining operational excellence in public transport. It aligns with a broader regional trend, where cities across Asia are reinforcing their rail infrastructure to support economic growth, environmental goals, and an improved quality of urban life.

Source: The Straits Times