Rejoice, someone said? Now, you can expect slower train times and potential delays with the brand new signalling system as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SMRT continue to run “intensive performance checks” (say it with air quotes) on the North-South Line (NSL) and Tuas West Extension (TWE) beyond the June holidays.
That means less time to buy breakfast, read the newspaper, take your morning dump… and the list goes on. It’s not like we didn’t expect it, really, it’s just that maybe we wanted to hear a piece of good news coming out from SMRT, because bad press is all they’ve been getting in recent years.
According to a press statement, the progressive trials, which started in March, have allowed engineers from SMRT, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Thales (the supplier of the signalling system) to fine tune the system and rectify teething problems. Such issues include better alignment with train doors, reducing the overshooting of platforms, as well as smoother train braking and acceleration during adverse weather conditions.
As to why the trials have to be carried out during peak hours, SMRT explained that the tests must be conducted all day to see how the system performs when trains are “running at high frequencies with heavy commuter loads”.
“In the coming weeks, we will continue to conduct intensive performance checks and deploy new software to improve the system. During this period, commuters may continue to experience some delay when travelling on NSL, if new issues emerge,” wrote the LTA.
“We seek your continued understanding and patience, as our team works round the clock to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.”
We’ll try to spare you the details, but the introduction of the new software and signalling system will be more efficient than the one formerly used since 1987. Seems like SMRT is taking a leaf from Apple’s page with their “this will be the best Mac ever produced” statement.
Thumbs up for that, SMRT.
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