Significant Delays on the North-South Line

SINGAPORE - Commuters faced significant delays on the North-South Line during peak hour on January 10, as a stalled train between Marina South Pier and Bishan turned their evening travel plans upside down.

Details of the Disruption

The disruption began at 5:40 PM when a northbound train experienced mechanical failure near Orchard station, according to the operator, SMRT. The situation escalated as announcements were made at nearby Newton station, informing passengers to expect an additional 10 minutes of waiting time.

Impact on Commuters

The repercussions were seen in the form of long queues forming at both Newton and Orchard stations, as frustrated travelers awaited updates. SMRT took to Facebook at 5:59 PM to alert the public of the issue, initially advising an additional 20 minutes to journey times, which was soon revised to 25 minutes by 6:04 PM.

Mitigation Measures

In a further attempt to mitigate the chaos, those heading towards Woodlands were advised to transfer at Orchard and Marina Bay stations to use the Thomson-East Coast Line. By 6:15 PM, the operator reported that the train fault had been resolved, and services were slowly resuming.

Free Bus Services

To provide relief, SMRT announced that free bus services running between Marina South Pier and Toa Payoh would continue throughout the disruption. A spokesperson urged commuters to consider alternative routes and reassured them that station staff were on hand to assist.

A Rare Scene at Orchard Station

In a video captured by a reader from The Straits Times, Orchard station appeared eerily empty just after 6:16 PM, a stark contrast to the usual rush hour bustle. By 6:20 PM, SMRT confirmed that the faulty train, which had been coupled with another train, was safely withdrawn to the depot after all passengers were disembarked at Orchard.

Operator's Apology and Commitment

The operator extended its apologies for the inconvenience experienced during the evening commute, emphasizing its commitment to keeping passengers informed with regular announcements both in trains and at stations.

Final Reminder for Commuters

As the situation has been resolved, commuters are reminded to remain vigilant for any further updates on service statuses to avoid being caught in similar situations in the future. Stay tuned for more news on public transport in Singapore!