Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Evacuation Protocols for Commuters during MRT Disruptions

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport with regard to the disruptions affecting the MRT's Circle Line in September 2024 

a.     what are the evacuation protocols in place for the affected commuters to leave the train cabins as safely and as soon as possible; 

b.     whether there are plans to review these protocols; 

c.     whether back-up power is in place so that air supply within the trains can be boosted and announcements can be made; and 

d.     whether preventive maintenance can be augmented to prevent such disruptions.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Commuter safety is the top priority in the event of a train disruption.

2.     During a disruption, the operator would first attempt to resolve the fault so that normal train service can resume. If the fault cannot be immediately or easily resolved, the operator would seek to let commuters alight at the platform of the nearest station. This ensures the safety of commuters while allowing the operator to withdraw the train. Where this is not possible, there are procedures in place for detrainment onto the tracks. After the necessary protections, including switching off the traction power to ensure safe detrainment to track, are established, staff onboard the train will deploy the detrainment door and guide all passengers to proceed safely to the nearest station platform.

3.     All our trains are equipped with backup battery systems to maintain emergency lighting, ventilation fans and the public address system, in the event of a disruption to the power supply.

4.     The Land Transport Authority's (LTA's) investigations into the Circle Line disruptions on 17 and 18 September 2024 are ongoing. As part of investigations, LTA will identify areas of improvement to help prevent the recurrence of similar disruptions.