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Ministry of Transport
In Parliament

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Disruptions to Regular Train Services on Thomson-East Coast Line Since Opening of Line's Stage 3 Segment

20 March 2023

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Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Transport since the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Stage 3 for passenger service on 13 November 2022

a.     how many disruptions to regular train services has the TEL experienced; and

b.     what are the underlying reasons behind these disruptions.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 3 (TEL3), was opened in November 2022. Since then, there have been four train-related faults on TEL which caused delays of more than five minutes, and one instance in which trains had to travel at a slower speed due to a signalling system fault.

2.     Of the five faults, two were due to software issues which have since been addressed. The other three were due to hardware malfunction and the relevant components have since been replaced. Detailed investigations to identify the root causes of the component malfunction are ongoing.

3.     Prior to opening a new stage of a line, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the rail operators conduct extensive testing to minimise the risks of service disruption or delay. Nevertheless, as rail systems contain many interlinked hardware and software elements, certain issues may only surface during the early phases of full-scale operation before the system stabilises.

4.     We seek the understanding and patience of commuters as in such instances, as LTA, rail operators and the Original Equipment Manufacturers continue to do their utmost to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.