SMRT North-South Line Experiences Signalling Fault During Morning Peak Hour
On June 13, 2025, commuters on the SMRT North-South Line faced disruptions during the morning rush hour due to a signalling fault. The issue affected travel times between Ang Mo Kio and Choa Chu Kang stations, with delays of up to 15 minutes reported.
Timeline of Events
- 9:28 AM: SMRT issued a public alert via Facebook, informing commuters of the signalling fault and the expected delays.
- 9:44 AM: An update confirmed that train services were still operational despite the fault.
- 10:01 AM: SMRT advised commuters to consider using alternative lines while the issue was being addressed.
- 10:12 AM: Normal service resumed, approximately one hour after the disruption began.
In a follow-up post, SMRT stated that engineers were deployed on-site to expedite recovery efforts and that announcements were made to keep commuters informed throughout the incident. They apologized for the inconvenience caused to morning commuters.
Impact on Commuters
Despite the swift resolution of the issue, the signalling fault led to crowding at several affected stations. Reports from social media indicated that platforms, particularly at Yew Tee station, were packed with commuters waiting to board trains. One user noted that all passengers disembarked from both Jurong East- and Marina-bound trains due to the disruption.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges faced by public transport systems during peak hours and the importance of effective communication and rapid response to technical issues. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated on service alerts and plan their journeys accordingly during such disruptions.