Improvements of Early Morning Train Service Reliability for Essential and Shift Workers

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo  asked the Acting Minister for Transport how the Ministry will improve the reliability of early morning train services by (i) preventing early departures and (ii) reducing long intervals, so that essential and shift based workers who rely on pre-peak travel can plan their journeys with confidence.

Reply by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow:

1.          Train services operate at a frequency of about five to seven minutes during off-peak periods, including pre-peak. Based on anticipated loading, train arrival frequencies are adjusted to meet the demand. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) monitors the rail operators’ adherence to train schedules, which includes their adherence to first train departure timings. In 2025, all rail lines met punctuality standards.

2.          Due to operational reasons, there may be variances in intervals between train as trains may sometimes have to dwell longer at a station to allow for the safe boarding and alighting of passengers. To keep commuters informed of the latest train arrival timings, timing information is available on digital displays at the entrances and platforms of all train stations.