Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Expected Run-In Period of New Signalling System on North-South Line

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Transport

a.     how long is the run-in period of the new signalling system on the North-South Line expected to be;

b.     what steps are taken to minimise the inconvenience to commuters caused by the delays; and

c.     when is the signalling system expected to start delivering a higher level of service reliability and shorter waiting times for commuters. 

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     We expect to stabilise the new signalling system on the North-South Line soon. The current version of the software installed on July 14 is promising and has addressed the glitches encountered earlier. We still have some concerns over train-borne signalling equipment which the engineers are attending to. If there are no new surprises, we will be able to move to the next phase of testing as we inject more trains with shorter headways during peak hours. This will reduce waiting times and offer less crowded rides for commuters. 

2.     Stabilisation of the North-South Line will also allow us to start testing for the East-West Line. We hope to catch the December holiday period to begin full-scale testing of the East-West Line. This assumes that the North-South Line will have stabilised before December. This is our current project timeline. 

3.     Meanwhile, SMRT, LTA and Thales have over 1,600 frontline staff and engineers on stand-by to respond to any problems that may surface with the new signalling system. SMRT and LTA also have contingency plans to respond to service disruptions. These include the activation of free bus services, deployment of additional staff to affected stations, and the widespread dissemination of information on alternative transport options. The two organisations are reviewing these plans to further enhance them. But realistically, buses cannot fully cope with the dislodged passengers from affected trains during peak hour. Our objective remains to avoid delays and disruptions altogether, and to resume normal train service speedily.