SMRT Corp Ltd : 2nd Update - SMRT statement : Service disruption on North-South Line (Northbound): Marina Bay Station to Bishan Station

16 December 2011

SMRT Corporation Ltd

251 North Bridge Road

Singapore 179102

Tel : [phone]

Fax : [phone] www.smrt.com.sg

2nd UPDATE - SMRT STATEMENT: SERVICE DISRUPTION ON NORTH-SOUTH LINE (NORTHBOUND): MARINA BAY STATION TO BISHAN STATION

Train service resumed at 11.40pm.
The disruption is caused by a damaged third rail between Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall MRT stations. The faulty third rail damaged the collector shoes of four trains, which caused all of them to stall:
• One train at Braddell station
• One train before Orchard station
• Two trains at Dhoby Ghaut station
Our engineers immediately went onsite to attend to the fault and repaired the third rail by 9.52pm, and thereafter conducted a full inspection of it.
One train was stopped between Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall stations. Passengers in the train were detrained on the track to exit at Dhoby Ghaut. Traction power was switched off to facilitate the detrainment and our investigation. After power to affected trains was cut off, emergency train lighting and ventilation came on. Lighting and ventilation in the tunnels remained switched on throughout.
We activated a two-way bus bridging service at 7.33pm between Marina Bay and Bishan stations, and extended the service at 8.23pm to Ang Mo Kio station. We also ran a dedicated
one-way bus bridging service from Bishan to Ang Mo Kio stations to provide alternative transport
to passengers. Average frequencies were 5 minutes. As at 11.40pm, 87 buses were deployed for bus bridging.
SMRT issued travel advisories through radio stations and our website to inform passengers of the disruption and bus bridging service as well as advise them to make alternative transport arrangements. Commuters were also advised to leave congested areas and stations. Public announcements were made in stations and trains, and signs were displayed in all stations.
SMRT activated about 300 staff on the ground to assist passengers and resolve the fault. Passengers who were unable to complete their journeys due to the disruption can file a claim for
refund at the Passenger Service Centre in any of the 68 SMRT stations.
SMRT apologises for the inconvenience caused.

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