Update 28 Jun 2017: The 5Ws and 1H of the SMRT Signalling System
The signalling system is actually a broad range of systems that control the trains and allow it to run safely.
The trains use telecommunication signals to “talk”, allowing the trains to keep a safe distance from one another. The new signalling system is the SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control system from Thales. It is a more sophisticated system that allows trains to operate at closer distances.
Trains would be able to run at an interval of 100 seconds instead of an interval of 120 seconds. The North East Line and Circle Line is already running on the new signalling system.
Peak Hour Train Delays on North-South and East-West Lines due to Signalling Fault
More delays today on our train system due to signalling faults
This evening at around 5pm, commuters were hit by delays of about 30 minutes on the entire North-South line and parts of the East-West line between Joo Koon and Tuas Link.
SMRT initially tweeted at 5.30pm that train services would be suspended to fix the signalling fault.
Then at around 5.40pm it announced that service on the North-South Line was resuming but commuters would be hit by 15-minute delays.
Largest MRT breakdown in Singapore today, North-South East-West lines affected
Singapore commuters suffered the largest MRT breakdown today (June 28) with 33 stations – including 8 interchange stations – along the North-South and East-West lines affected since 5.15pm.
Public transport operator SMRT claimed that a signally fault has occurred on its newly-installed train signalling system on the North-South line, and that passengers are expected to see delays for at least 30 minutes. The train delay became a no-service twenty minutes later on 5.30pm, creating chaos in the city vicinity at the peak hours. SMRT then claimed that train services resumed at 6.10pm but advised a 15 minute delay.
At 5.22pm, five stations along the East-West lines from Joo Koon to Tuas Link also stopped train service which SMRT also blamed on “signalling fault”. SMRT issued a fake news on 5.56pm claiming that services resumed, but a reporter from TodayOnline checked that one of the affected stations were still closed at 6.30pm. Services only resumed at 6.48pm.
MRT: From “meaningless statistics” to now “meaningless words”?
Train disruptions caused by track circuit failures, unrelated to sleeper replacement
I refer to the article “Train disruptions caused by track circuit failures, unrelated to sleeper replacement: SMRT”.
“Disruptions on the East-West MRT line earlier this month were caused by faulty track circuits and were unrelated to the replacement of sleepers on the ageing line, said rail operator SMRT on its blog on Sunday (Jan 29). 4-year project to upgrade sleepers on the 30-year-old North-South and East-West lines completed last month. The four-year project to upgrade sleepers on the 30-year-old North-South and East-West lines was completed last month.”
Who really cares about whether due to reason x, y or z?
When I read the above – I was flabbergasted. From a commuter’s perspective – what does it matter to us – whether the delays since the year started – were due to “faulty track circuits” – and not due to “the replacement of sleepers” – or for that matter whether it was due to reason x, y or z?
LTA just released this video about signal upgrading
So LTA just released this video explaining what’s gonna happen to the MRTs in the next few years
Bet you didn’t finish. Because short attention span, and the fact that only a rare percentage of people in this day and age can delay gratification long enough to watch a video that’s longer than 60 seconds. If you did, bet you came away enlightened.
But it’s okay, we did the hard work and here’s what it says in a nutshell:
– Singapore is upgrading its 30-year-old ‘fixed block’ signalling system on the North-South, East-West line to a more advanced one – a Moving Block System, like the ones used in London and Taipei. Remember when you upgraded from Windows 98 to XP? Same idea.
SMRT Corporation @SMRT_Singapore
[NSL] Due to new signalling system checks, pls add 20mins travel time between #MarinaSouthPier & #JurongEast both bounds. We are sorry.
North-South Line hit by delays again due to signalling fault
The North-South MRT line has been hit with a glitch on Fri (Jun 2), the second day in a row this has happened.
On its FaceBook page, SMRT said: “Due to a signalling fault, North-South Line (NSL) train services in both directions between Kranji & Admiralty stations have been running at a slower speed since 5:05pm.
“NSL commuters are advised to add about 30 minutes to their journey. Free bus & bus bridging services are available between Choa Chu Kang and Yishun.
related: MRT commuters hit by delays during evening rush hour due to 'new signalling system checks'
read more
Rush-hour North-South Line train delays due to signalling checks
The rush-hour train delays that affected commuters on the North-South Line on Thu (Jun 1) were due to signalling checks, transport operator SMRT said.
All stations on the line - from Jurong East to Marina South Pier - were affected. In a tweet at 6.47pm, SMRT told commuters to expect up to 20 minutes' additional travelling time in either direction.
Free bus services were available between Jurong East & Choa Chu Kang stations, as well as City Hall and Ang Mo Kio stations, the transport operator said.
read more
Rush hour train commuters rail against delays caused by signalling system checks
Transport operator SMRT had announced on their FaceBook page at around 6.20pm that trains along the NSL were “affected by system level performance checks on the new signalling system”, which caused some trains to “halt for safety reasons”.
Commuters were advised to add 20 minutes to their travel time as a result.
Irate passengers took to social media to air their grievances over the delays.
read more
North-South Line hit by second day of delays
New signalling trials caused delays that lasted over three hours during the evening peak period on the North-South Line (NSL) yesterday.
It was hit by a 30-minute delay between Yew Tee and Yishun stations in both directions.
On its Facebook page, SMRT said: "Due to a signalling fault, NSL train services in both directions between Kranji & Admiralty stations have been running at a slower speed since 5.05pm."
related: 4-hour delay on Circle Line leaves commuters frustrated
read more
Downtown Line hit by 7-hr disruption, longest delay on network to date
Signalling-related fault cause of the delay, which is the longest to hit rail network yet
City-bound trains on the Downtown Line (DTL) hit a snarl for around 7 hours on Wed 7 (May 3), the longest delay to affect the 4-year-old rail network to date.
Stops at each station lasted longer and trains bypassed Botanic Gardens MRT Station due to a signalling-related fault that caused platform doors to stop opening automatically.
This is the 2nd time in seven months that the line was disrupted for hours due to a problem with the platform doors. Last October, a bolt came loose and caused a platform door to become dislodged at Sixth Avenue station.
related:
Signalling system not at fault for DTL service disruption: Siemens
Signalling trials on North-South Line to involve more trains
Rush hour train commuters rail against delays caused by signalling system checks
Platform doors at Botanic Gardens MRT station malfunction, causing 7-hr disruption
Water seepage caused Botanic Gardens MRT station door malfunction
Train fault causes 40-minute delay on SMRT East-West Line
MRT train reliability improved in Q1: LTA
read more
Chaos ensues after evening service disruption along North-South Line due to signal testing
A massive service disruption hit the North South Line (NSL) last evening as a result of checks carried out on the new signalling system, causing huge inconvenience to commuters as it took place during the evening peak hour and many were also on their way back home to break fast.
At 6.47pm, transport operator SMRT tweeted on its social media platform to inform commuters to add 20 minutes of travel time between Marina South Pier and Jurong East stations in both direction and apologise for the service disruption.
SMRT had earlier cautioned commuters on 26 May to cater for additional travelling time as its engineers resolve teething issues on the new signalling system for the NSL from 29 May.
related:
7 hours disruption of train service along DTL due to signalling-related fault
Commuters took to social media to express frustration as major delay occurred
read more
All change on Singapore’s MRT but the same old problems with reliability
Singapore’s first MRT system covering the North-South and East-West lines will turn 30 next year. To celebrate this milestone, the system is undergoing a series of replacements and upgrades.
According to the government and operators, these will significantly boost rail reliability, hopefully to its 2018 target of 400,000 train-km between disruptions. If that is the case, it will bring the often complained about network up to the rail reliability standard of other sophisticated systems, such as Hong Kong’s MTR.
This target means that, “our trains (will have to) cumulatively travel no less than ten times around the Equator, or more than 4,000 times across the length of our North-South and East-West lines, before incurring a single delay of more than five minutes”, says Desmond Kuek, SMRT chief executive.
read more
Second massive train breakdown
“Due to new signalling system checks, pls add 15mins travel time between Marina South Pier & Jurong East both bounds. We are sorry.”
Over on site, the station monitor screen displays indicated “Signalling Fault”, instead of “system checks” as SMRT claimed.
There was no prior notification that a system test would happen during the peak hour today.
related:
SMRT: No breakdowns, just 30min-long “signalling checks”
LTA uses 3-month result: Train reliability improved two-fold
LTA’ claiming rail reliability increased “two-fold” on May 24
read more
MRT improved: Meaningless statistics?
Reliability of MRT lines improves - I refer to the article “Reliability of North-South and Circle MRT Lines improves; East-West Line maintains same standard” (Straits Times, Apr 24).
It states that “In the year ending Q1, the NSL clocked an average of 180,000km before a delay lasting more than 5 mins, bettering the 156,000km registered in the year ending Q4, 2016.”
According to the article “MRT network performance up 30 per cent in 2016 from 2015” (Straits Times, Jan 12)
read more
EXPECT MORE TRAIN DELAYS AS SIGNAL TESTINGS CONTINUES
LTA and SMRT are quickly putting in their excuses early, as commuters are left in the dark how much longer the signalling tests will continue, and how much longer they will have to suffer from train delays. Commuters are also puzzled as to why the trains are being tested during peak period, where any kinds of delays will affect thousands of people who just want to go home.
In a joint statement, the LTA and SMRT said that Two unrelated faults on the North-South Line on Thursday (June 1) and Friday (June 2) evening were uncovered during system-level performance checks for the new signalling system for the line. What this means is that they were both not expecting the delays to happen, which shows a lack of foresight. What they are trying to say is also to expect more of such delays, because the problems found were not easily solved.
LTA and SMRT have urged commuters to be patient while the testing is done.
read more
Massive delays & overcrowding on North South Line MRT stations due to ‘signalling checks’
On Thursday’s evening peak rush hour, SMRT’s North South Line is experiencing a big-time delay, with commuters reporting being turned away from the station and calls for police officers’ assistance being made over station intercom.
Over at Bishan MRT station, people were stranded inside the paid section of the train platform as they were barred from crossing over from the Circle to the North South Line.
As it turns out, this is happening because of “new signalling system checks”:
read more
Mystery of Circle Line's signalling problem solved
The mysterious signal interference which interrupted service on the Circle Line MRT in recent months is a mystery no more.
According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & train operator SMRT, investigations showed that signalling problems on the Circle Line were caused by an intermittent failure of the signalling hardware on one train.
Between Nov 2 & 6, the hardware failure on the train - No. 46 - had caused trains in the proximity of it to lose signalling communications.
read more
FullCoverage:
NSL, Tuas West Extension hit by train delays at rush hour
MRT delays may occur as tests continue
Commuters feeling frustrated after recent train delays
Train disruption on two major MRT lines more delays expected
East-West Line hit by hours-long delay due to track circuit fault
Track circuit fault causes disruption on East-West Line
Train delays: Commuters should not be left in the dark
Track faults cause delay on N-S, East-West lines on Tuesday
Track faults cause peak-hour delay on NSL, EWL
Delay along North South Line on Thursday morning due to train
Train disruptions caused by track circuit failures, unrelated to
Track circuit faults unrelated to sleeper replacement works
New MRT signalling system on N-S Line to be tested tonight
New signalling system to be tested on NSL trains on Tuesday
Circle Line signal woes: What we know so far
Spate of delays on East-West line frustrates commuters, operator
Downtown Line hit by 7-hour disruption, longest delay on network
Train services more reliable in Q1, says LTA
Full-day signalling tests on North-South Line to start on Sunday
Track fault causes delays on Circle Line during morning rush hr
NSL to implement upgraded signalling system from March
Channel NewsAsia - SMRT sleeper replacement complete
Early train delays experienced on both NSL and EWL
From “meaningless statistics” to now “meaningless words”?
SMRT sleeper replacement complete, speed limits to be lifted
LTA just released this video about signal upgrading. We predict
Rail reliability target ambitious, says SMRT chief
Half of train commuters hit by delays in the past month: PollFrom “meaningless statistics” to now “meaningless words”?
SMRT sleeper replacement complete, speed limits to be lifted
LTA just released this video about signal upgrading. We predict
Rail reliability target ambitious, says SMRT chief
Tracking rail reliability closely
MRT reliability improved, just like Singapore's Press Freedom?
Rail network hit by 3 disruptions in a day
Downtown Line glitch traced to tunnel leak
'Intermittent signal interference' causes delays, train disruption on
4-hour delay on Circle Line leaves commuters frustrated
Train fault causes delay on North-South Line on Monday morning
Train fault at Admiralty station on North-South Line causes south
Downtown Line hit by 7-hour disruption, longest delay on network to
Platform doors at Botanic Gardens MRT station malfunction, causing
Train fault causes 40-minute delay on SMRT East-West Line
Major delay on East-West Line on Thursday evening due to train
MRT delays: Signalling tests on North-South Line could result in
North-South Line hit by delays again due to new signalling system
More train delays possible as NSL signalling tests intensify: LTA
Rush hour train commuters rail against delays caused by signalling
North-South Line hit by second day of delays
MRT train reliability improved in Q1: LTA
Brace for glitches on NSL, SMRT warns ahead of new weekday
Train fault causes 40-minute delay on SMRT East-West Line
Major delay on East-West Line on Thursday evening due to train
Train delay on EWL towards Pasir Ris this morning, no official
'Urgent' track replacement works led to East-West Line delay
Urgent track works cause delays on EWL from Jurong East to Joo
Platform doors at Botanic Gardens MRT station malfunction, causing
Downtown Line service resumes after delay caused by faulty
Mixed picture on MRT reliability
MRT performance improved or “meaningless” statistics?
Overall rail reliability improves, but serious delays increase
Commuters took to social media to express frustration as major
Massive delay along EWL, commuters complain SMRT's
Track fault at Clementi causes delays on East-West Line
'Intermittent signal interference' causes delays, train disruption on
Circle Line train service resumes after 3-hour delay
Train fault causes delay on North-South Line on Monday morning
Train fault at Admiralty station on North-South Line causes south
Train that caused delays on North-South Line on Friday morning
Delay on NSL from Newton to Marina South Pier station due to train
Downtown Line disrupted on Tuesday morning due to platform
Dislodged platform screen door causes disruption on Downtown Line
Dislodged platform door causes disruption on Downtown Line
Disruption at Downtown Line due to faulty platform screendoor
Train service between Queenstown and Outram Park resumes
No train service on EWL due to train fault
Downtown Line hit by 7-hour disruption, longest delay on network to
Platform doors at Botanic Gardens MRT station malfunction, causing
Train fault on North-South MRT line cleared after disruption caused
Here's a breakdown of the MRT saga involving couple accused of
Train service disruption at Bukit Panjang LRT due to "stuck brake"
No service at BPLRT due to train fault
Train breakdown reasons: SMRT must be clearer and more
Faulty hardware on single train identified as cause of CCL issues
'Rogue train' to blame for signal interference, disruptions on Circle
Track fault on North-South Line causes delays, slower train service
'Intermittent signalling issues' on Circle Line, causing delays
Track fault on North-South Line causes rush-hour delays
NSL, Bukit Panjang LRT hit by service disruptions
Massive delay along EWL, commuters complain SMRT's
Track fault at Clementi causes delays on East-West Line
Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable: LTA
Train stalls between Jurong East and Bukit Batok for more than 40
Refunds for train disruptions can improve customer satisfaction
NSL and BPLRT experienced train disruptions at the same time
NSL signalling fault; LRT train breaks down on Tuesday night
Connecting the dots: How the rogue Circle Line train was tracked
3 possible causes for Tuesday's train breakdown; investigations
MRT breakdown: North-South, East-West lines down for hours
Unprecedented train disruption along 4 lines caused by power dip
MRT service disrupted for 2nd time in 12 hours
A rail system is only as good as its weakest link
Delay on North East Line on Friday morning due to train fault at
Another fault strikes East-West MRT line
Singapore's train system: What needs to be done to ensure a
All change on Singapore's MRT but the same old problems with
Train fault on East-West Line causes delays on Friday morning
North-South, East-West MRT lines show best performance for first 10
Desmond Kuek : NSL and EWL achieved best recorded ...
Parliament: Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan sets target for rail
Traction power fault caused 2-hour train service disruption on
Power fault caused NSL train breakdown: LTA
NEL train service resumes after disruption of more than an hour
North East Line service disruption, passengers either stuck in train
related:
Spate of MRT disruptions
MRT breakdowns are Singapore’s cross to bear
MRT from "Rolling Stock To Laughing Stock"
MRT tunnel flooding 'preventable, sad and unnecessary'
8 religious leaders “pray” for new train line
Navy fires commander of 7th Fleet after deadly USS McCain collision
Fresh round of signalling fault delays hit NSL & DTL
MRT gets more reliable despite rise in breakdowns
MRT hit by delays again due to signalling fault
MRT disruptions caused by signalling faults
Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable
Train disruptions under new Minister of Transport
Train service disrupted on N-S, E-W Lines
Recap of recent Train service disruptions
Recent Train Disruptions
Two SMRTstaff killed by an oncoming train
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