By this point, train delays should come to no surprise at all to commuters. What’s surprising, however, is the fact that SMRT actually alerted folks about it — after an odd bout of silence on social media yesterday when one did happen.
As early as 5am today, SMRT announced that city-bound trains on the North-South Line (NSL) would be traveling at a reduced speed between Ang Mo Kio and Bishan stations for safety reasons — a track fault was being resolved. A speed restriction was imposed over a 150-metre stretch of the track, according to SMRT.
[NSL]: Due to a track fault, pls add 20mins train travel time from #Yishun to #ToaPayoh SouthBound. (Not linked to new signalling project).
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) October 24, 2017
Train stalls at Bishan NSL towards Marina Bay. Track fault? #smrt pic.twitter.com/yZtV1Hqq2d
— terenceng (@wuqinghe) October 24, 2017
“This is expected to cause congestion during the morning peak at stations from Yishun to Ang Mo Kio,” the rail operator wrote on Facebook. Unfortunate, but a welcome heads-up for people who can make alternative plans before they start commuting.
To help ease the crowds on train platforms, free bridging bus services were provided from Yishun to Toa Payoh, with additional staff deployed at boarding points in between those MRT stations. Commuters were also encouraged to take an alternate train route to the city via the East-West Line (although some scorned that suggestion for being a longer, roundabout route).
[NSL] UPDATE: As trains move at a slower speed due to a track fault, commuters can travel via #JurongEast and take East-West Line to city.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) October 24, 2017
Five hours after it first made the announcement, SMRT finally gave the all-clear signal.
[NSL] CLEARED: Train services from #Yishun to #ToaPayoh have resumed. Free bus and bridging bus services have ended.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) October 25, 2017
