2 young lives lost

[sionglim]

Smrt and vendors must work together,

[skyleon]

LTA: LTA and SMRT not responsible for train collision

December 19, 2017


In their closing report released yesterday (Dec 19), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) concluded that SMRT and the government is not responsible for the train collision incident that injured 38 passengers. Pushing all blame to the signalling system supplier, Thales, LTA said the bug in their software is the main cause:

“A “software logic issue” with the new signalling system and a “confluence of failure conditions” caused the train collision at Joo Koon MRT station on Nov 15, 2017… Thales has acknowledged its responsibility for this incident, and has apologised to the public.”

However, there will be no punishment for Thales or SMRT.

LTA yesterday explained in details about the software glitch saying that they overlooked the integration testing between the two signalling system:

“The collision arose from an “abnormal condition” on a train-borne CBTC signalling equipment. When this occurs, the CBTC system will, by design, apply a Non-Communicating Obstruction (NCO) protective ‘bubble’ around the affected train to ensure its safety. This was the requisite start state for the incident,” LTA said. However, the train crossed “the only track point” that has not yet been fully modified for compatibility with the CBTC system. The protective “bubble” was then “unexpectedly disabled” by the CBTC system, “as the software logic cannot correctly process a track point that has yet to be fully modified for compatibility with the CBTC system when running in passive mode. This is not an issue when the CBTC is running in active mode on the North-South Line and the Tuas West Extension (TWE) as they are fully on the CBTC system.”


continue reading here : http://statestimesreview.com/2017/12...ain-collision/


Sure or not ? So who authorise and approve the use of the new signalling system ?

[skyleon]

Buskers to bring festive cheer to MRT stations, bus interchanges


RAFFAELLA NATHAN CHARLES

Dec 20, 2017 06:00 am



There will be live music and other performances at selected MRT stations and bus interchanges from now till Christmas Eve.

Rail operator SMRT has scheduled performances at major bus interchanges and stations across the East-West, North-South and Circle Lines to spread the festive cheer.

The performances started on Monday at Orchard and Jurong East MRT stations.

Buskers entertained a lunchtime crowd outside Bugis MRT station's East-West Line exit yesterday, performing festive songs such as Silver Bells, Let It Snow and some Mandopop and Malay tunes.

It is the first time that SMRT has scheduled performances at MRT stations and bus interchanges in the lead-up to Christmas.

"It's much more lively with the music and performances. It's quiet on most days," said Miss Fateha Yunos, 27, an assistant station manager at Bugis MRT station.

Besides the performances, Christmas-themed stickers will be given out by 4,500 frontline SMRT staff and over 200 staff volunteers. To add to the festive mood, all SMRT passenger service centres have been decorated with special Christmas decals as well.

Ms Dawn Low, project chair of the SMRT festive cheer committee and managing director (commercial), said: "This festive cheer initiative is a joint effort across all our staff from trains, buses, taxis to come out and greet commuters at various MRT stations and bus interchanges."

At Bugis MRT yesterday, people stopped to enjoy the music or take videos of the buskers.

Ms Cheri Wu, 37, a banker, said: "It's a good initiative, it really brightens up the station. They should do this more."



continue reading here : http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/bus...s-interchanges


Will this help to improve on the performance of the mrt ? I am still boycotting SMRT trains until their services improved . Until I feel safe enough to travel on their trains .

[skyleon]

SMRT creates new 'chief commuter engagement officer' role to improve service

The team led by the new officer will further promote the development of SMRT as a passenger-centric organisation that provides a safe, reliable, caring and comfortable train service, said SMRT.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO UPDATED 1 HOUR AGO

Samantha Boh


SINGAPORE - SMRT has appointed a chief commuter engagement officer for the first time, to enhance service quality.

This is one of several initiatives to improve train services launched by new SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming, reported Lianhe Zaobao.

Mr Seah told the Chinese daily on Tuesday (Dec 19): "Commuters are at the heart of everything we do at SMRT. We see the importance of listening to and acting on feedback from commuters in a timely and effective manner..

He said the new chief commuter engagement officer, who will officially take up the job next month, will champion the needs of commuters by looking at various aspects of the operations and maintenance of the MRT that affect their journey experience.

"We must proactively take care of our commuters' interests. SMRT values every feedback and will deliberate each and every one in a careful and considered manner," he added.

SMRT noted that the team led by the new officer will further promote the development of SMRT as a passenger-centric organisation that provides a safe, reliable, caring and comfortable train service.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...mprove-service


Did you hire a local Singaporean or a foreigner ? Will the train services improve or not ? I am still boycotting SMRT trains until I fell that it is safe enough for me to travel on .

[sionglim]

weekends no mrt again, shuttle bus, no.two , stop very far from jurong east bus interchange.
Kayu...
Increase population,increase road user.i
Increase road accident
Chain collision.
Driving becareful.
Many forigne worker drive lorry n big truck.

[newton]

Steady man our Ah Khaw, so many cock-ups yet still have the fullest support of his boss and now can be acting PM when we have 2 DPMs.
Where to find a boss like our Dishonourable son PM.
A good month so far for Ah Khaw,
celebrate birthday,
no major MRT incident yet this month
and now acting PM.


Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan will, from today, serve as Acting Prime Minister while the head of government, Lee Hsien Loong, is away on overseas leave.

This is according to an official statement by the Prime Minister’s office that revealed that Khaw – who also serves as Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure – will be filling in for the PM from today to Christmas day, 25 Dec 2017.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean, will take over as Acting Prime Minister from 26 Dec to 31 Dec 2017.
PM Lee is expected to return on New Year’s Day.

While it seems quite ordinary that the Deputy Prime Minister would fill in for the head of government, it is not quite clear why the Transport Minister has been called on to serve as Acting PM for half the time PM Lee will be away.

Perhaps the decision has to do with the fact that Khaw has served as the ruling party’s chairman since 2011.

Another possible reason may be that the move signifies the government’s support for Khaw who is battling severe public backlash over persistent rail transport issues.

PM Lee himself said exactly one month ago, at the PAP Convention held on 19 Nov, that Khaw Boon Wan has one of the toughest jobs in Cabinet. He also asserted that Khaw has the People’s Action Party’s full support and confidence, to applause from other party members:“I want Boon Wan and his team to know that they have our full support and confidence.”

[skyleon]

Train fault on Downtown Line causes delays during morning rush hour


21 Dec 2017 07:51AM (Updated: 21 Dec 2017 08:23AM)


SINGAPORE: A train fault on the Downtown Line (DTL) caused travel delays during the morning rush hour on Thursday (Dec 21).

SBS Transit said on its official Twitter account at around 7.50am that train service on the line was delayed from Downtown station towards Expo station, and that commuters should add 10 minutes to their travel time.

It said at around 8am that full service had resumed.

A Channel NewsAsia reader who did not want to be named said he boarded the train at Bukit Panjang MRT station at around 7am, but the train did not move off and an announcement was made 10 minutes later telling commuters to alight.

Commuters were told that bridging bus services were available.

Photos showed a packed scene on the Bukit Panjang MRT platform.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...-fault-9515328


New line also got problem . And the problem always occur during rush hour . So how Mr Khaw still do not want to set up an Independent committee of inquiry ? Why PAP is so quick to set up committees including the Oxley affair and yet so slow to set up an Independent Committee of Inquiry for the train disruptions ?

[skyleon]

LTA to stop live experiments with commuters and conduct offsite testing


December 19, 2017

Only after a train collision that saw 38 injured with some broken bones and teeth, the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) will no longer be continuing live human experiments where commuters are used as guinea pigs to collect data. LTA announced on Monday (Dec 18) that they will be conducting a comprehensive train testing with their supplier Thales at an offsite facility.

In the meantime, the two stations where the Nov 15 collision occurred – Joo Koon and Gul Circle – will remain closed until mid 2018 while LTA conduct offsite experiment. According to the LTA, the collision was a result of a software logic mismatch between the new Tuas extension line terminal at Gul Circle and the existing East-West line terminal Joo Koon.

Signalling system supplier Thales was not punished for the collision incident, despite being made the sole scapegoat. However, in a secret deal with LTA, Thales had to bear the cost of an undisclosed amount to set up a simulation facility.

LTA and SMRT are also currently conducting live experiments with commuters on the North-South Line (NSL), which saw numerous train delays from alleged software glitches in the new signalling system. There has not been an incident injuring commuters yet, but economic losses from late workers chalked up at least S$50 million to date due to island-wide system failure and delays.

Despite the worsening state of rail reliability, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan claims otherwise, based off a government-published data which sees “multi-folds” improvement instead. For undisclosed reasons, SMRT was also excused from the Excess Waiting Time framework which should see the transport operator fined S$4,000 for every 6 seconds. The last punishment was in July 2014, and there has never been an update on punishments from LTA since then.


continue reading here : http://statestimesreview.com/2017/12...fsite-testing/

[SiaSuay]

Originally Posted by newton

Steady man our Ah Khaw, so many cock-ups yet still have the fullest support of his boss and now can be acting PM when we have 2 DPMs.
Where to find a boss like our Dishonourable son PM.
A good month so far for Ah Khaw,
celebrate birthday,
no major MRT incident yet this month
and now acting PM.

You spoke too soon . I wonder why Tharma is not the Acting PM ? Isn't Tharma a Deputy PM ? Singapore so small why must need 2 deputy PMs ? Why must need 2 Trade Ministers ? Why must need 2 Education ministers ? Isn't this wasting of tax payer's money ? Why new DTL also got breakdown ??? Why is Mr Khaw so quiet ??? when he talks he still say Singapore's rail reliability has improved . Who is he trying to bluff ?

[sionglim]

Early morning 745am, fault at down town line
Every time peak hour rush.
Wonder the train can take heavy load

[smellmyfart]

I wonder why they never announce ?

[Overcomb]

Originally Posted by smellmyfart

I wonder why they never announce ?

Because KelongPresident say cannot announce !

[skyleon]

Getting Singapore’s rail network back on track in 2018

By Olivia Siong

24 Dec 2017 09:29AM (Updated: 24 Dec 2017 10:50AM)



SINGAPORE: From Phase 3 of the Downtown Line to the Tuas West Extension, new sections of rail lines opened this year to bring more convenience to commuters. But 2017 may be remembered by Singaporeans for two major rail incidents instead.

Despite this, industry experts Channel NewsAsia spoke to said there are lessons to be learnt and noted that rail reliability could improve in 2018.

MRT TUNNEL FLOODING: “STORM IN A TEA CUP”

On Oct 7, a heavy downpour resulted in the tunnel between Bishan and Braddell MRT stations being flooded with rain water.

Train services were disrupted on the North-South Line for over 20 hours, affecting more than a quarter of a million commuters.

Investigations later revealed that a group of staff working for operator SMRT had falsified maintenance records, resulting in a water pump system to fail.

Eight staff were fired, and during a media conference to address the incident, SMRT's CEO Desmond Kuek pointed to "deep-seated cultural issues" in the company.

“For it to be revealed only in recent times is a bit surprising,” said Dr Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance, Institutions and Organisations at the National University of Singapore’s business school.

“It's a bit like tea - culture needs to brew and I think what is surprising is it takes a storm in a tea cup for this matter to surface."

Addressing the incident in Parliament on Nov 7, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said SMRT's management is responsible for building the right work culture.

Though, Dr Loh noted, that turning a company around could be a long-drawn process, with some consultants suggesting it may take about three years to do so.

"You need to have very committed management engagement of all the employees,” said Dr Loh. “With that engagement as a sign, then you can actually get a sense of what the real thinking of the people are and if there are any areas you may want to further develop.”

This could be done by sending staff for training or technical classes, or helping them develop in other areas like communication and supervision of staff.

“I think we need to drill in as well as create this sense of urgency, sense of belonging,” said Dr Loh. “Everyone will have to do it not only for the organisation per se, but it's also in the employee's interest.”

EAST-WEST LINE TRAIN COLLISION

But Singapore’s rail woes did not stop there.

On Nov 15, 38 people were injured when two trains on the East-West Line collided at Joo Koon MRT station - the second such incident in the MRT's 30-year history.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...n-2018-9523438


Getting the right people with the right skills and expertise to do the job will go a long way as to someone who volunteers for the job. What have we learn throughout the whole year ? That the mrt services seemed to be getting worse and worse even with the new train model . Until a trail collision and even a lightning strike from God . The commuters have lost confidence in Singapore's mrt service and the PAP government ability to resolve the matter . The commuters don't even expect the mrt service to improve in 2018 and in fact some have made alternative mode of transport arrangement . For myself I have boycotted SMRT train services and commute by bus or even taxi .

[SiaSuay]

I hope Santa will grant my wish : What I want for Christmas is not a train decorated with Christmas themes within the cabin . What I really want for Christmas is for Desmond Kuek & Lee Ling Wee either to resign and or be sacked from SMRT . What I really for Christmas is to Ah Khaw to stop blaming the SMRT workers and for him to take responsibility and accountability and to resign . What I really want for Christmas is to have safe ride on the mrt that will take me to the final destination that I want and on time . What I really want for Christmas that there will be zero breakdowns in the mrt system . What I really want for Christmas is no transportation fares price increase .

[sionglim]

Bus interchange have directional sign to MRT.
bus system still ok nonbreakdown