Tag Archives: SMRT

I feel that it is time for someone to step up to the task of becoming the next Chief Executive Officer of SMRT.

15th November morning, I was riding the MRT towards Joo Koon from Pioneer. I was at the front cab of the train that almost reached Joo Koon MRT. At exactly 8.20 am, there was a loud bang, and a violent shaking threw everyone onto the floor. The lights also suddenly went out. I almost thought we were about to fall over.

Khaw Boon Wan said the failure of SMRT staff in the flooding incident have made the good work of others go to waste. He said it has tarnished Singapore's reputation but encouraged commuters to show appreciation to public transport workers whenever they can.

It states that “Mr Khaw stated that he disagrees with Mr Low comment, saying that SMRT is not there to make money for the government. “There are easier ways to make money. You don’t have to use SMRT to make money,” he stated.”

"Sad" and "embarrassing" do not at all describe the situation accurately. The incident could have been tragic, with lives lost. We know that the trains run on rails that carry electricity. Water and electricity don't mix without causing a disaster.

SMRT will be taking action against 6 SMRT staff over the falsification of maintenance records, which led to the recent water pump breakdown at Bishan MRT interchange.

So, if we arguably, seemingly, appear to “not care” for the people – what do you expect the people who work with our MRT to do? Maybe – since “you don’t care – I also don’t care lah”!

I refer to the editorial “Track weakest link in rail operations“, the articles “SMRT gives staff a chance to admit lapses“, “WhyItMatters: Fare move to ease congestion” and the five letters (5 out of the 7 letters in the Forum Page were on the MRT) in the Forum Page of the Straits Times, (Nov 3).

The former CEO of the LTA stepped down in November last year, less than 2 years in charge. He is Chew Men Leong, a former Rear-Admiral in the Navy. He was succeeded by Ngien Hoon Ping, also from the military.

A netizen sent this photograph showing an unannounced MRT delay at the East West Line between Boon Lay and Tuas Link this morning.