The rail reliability in Singapore is improving year-on-year, with train-kilometres (train-km) between delays inching past the 1.4 million mark. SMRT Corporation, the leading rail operator in Singapore, achieved 1 million mean kilometres between failure (MKBF) mark across all the lines operated by it. To maintain as well as improve Singapore’s mass rapid transit (MRT) reliability score, investments need to be made in asset renewal and constant maintenance. Recently, the government of Singapore has made huge investments in asset renewal on the NSEWL line. Check out the full details below.
The North-South Line and the East-West Lines
The North-South Line and the East-West Lines (NSEWL) are one of Singapore’s oldest MRT lines. These lines are the most heavily utilised rail networks and have served Singaporeans for more than three decades now. SMRT is operating the North-South Line and this line has been recognised as the “Most Improved MRT Line” at the Land Transport Excellence Awards.
40 New Trains for the NSEWL Lines
Being the oldest rail networks, many 2nd and 3rd generation trains are used on the NSEWL lines. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operators like SMRT are working together in renewing the fleet, rail tracks, cable networks, signalling systems, and more. In September 2020, LTA purchased 40 new trains from Bombardier Transportation for approximately $337.8 million. The new trains will replace Siemens and Kawasaki-Nippon Sharyo trains currently being used on the NSEWL. Bombardier will start delivering the trains from 2024.
Features of the New Trains by Bombardier
The new trains will feature condition monitoring for detecting emerging faults, pre-emptive maintenance monitoring, LCD screens, train-borne gap fillers for safer boarding, and open spaces for greater accessibility. The design of these new trains matches the existing 2nd and 3rd generation trains on the NSEWL to ensure faster integration and smoother operation.
Apart from the fleet renewal process on the NSEWL, LTA and SMRT are also working on a new signalling system for shorter waiting times, a power supply system with better fault detection, a third-rail system to supply electricity to the trains, and a track circuit system for faster fault recovery. NSEWL operator SMRT Trains has signed another contract with Bombardier Transportation for maintenance service support for its 106 trains.
Commenting on the contributions of SMRT in sustaining rail reliability and performance, SMRT CEO, Mr. Neo Kian Hong said, “Transformation is taking place in operations, maintenance, and service. Much work is also being done to keep costs down through productivity efforts. Quality service must be sustained through cultivating a high-performing mindset and an attitude of continuous improvement.”
SMRT CEO Neo Kian Hong also mentioned, “Rail travel is the backbone of the Singapore public transport system. SMRT will continue to play our part in its growth and performance.”
Conclusion
With the arrival of 40 new Bombardier trains on the NSEWL network, Singaporeans can expect faster journeys, lesser delays, and better experiences. Older trains will be withdrawn from passenger service in 2024 after the delivery of the new trains. LTA and rail operators like SMRT and SBS Transit will continue to drive transformation in the nation’s rail system and enhance customer satisfaction.
Singapore Train 