A sudden disruption to the North-South MRT line’s traction power system brought peak-hour commutes to a grinding halt on June 3, leaving thousands of passengers stranded for over two hours.
The fault, which was reported at approximately 5:50 pm, resulted in the suspension of train services between Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands stations, according to transport operator SMRT. The affected stretch included Yew Tee, Kranji, and Marsiling stations, although northbound train services remained operational.
To mitigate the impact of the disruption, SMRT arranged for free regular bus and bridging bus services to operate between Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands, providing an alternative mode of transportation for commuters. Additionally, passengers were advised to consider using the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Circle Line as alternative routes.
Social media platforms were flooded with images of crowded stations and bus stops, highlighting the chaos and frustration experienced by commuters. However, thanks to the swift efforts of SMRT’s engineers and staff, the southbound train service was restored by 8:10 pm. The fault, which was isolated to the section between Kranji and Marsiling stations, was successfully resolved, allowing normal services to resume.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a reliable and efficient public transportation system, particularly during peak hours when commuters rely heavily on these services. While disruptions can occur, it is crucial for transport operators to respond promptly and effectively to minimize the impact on passengers. In this instance, SMRT’s efforts to provide alternative transportation options and resolve the issue quickly helped to reduce the inconvenience caused to commuters.