Introduction

In a significant public transport incident, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) is launching a comprehensive investigation into a six-day disruption of the East-West Line train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations. This inquiry, initiated after services resumed on October 1, 2023, aims to understand the causes behind the disruption and enhance future safety measures.

Investigation Focus

The investigations will delve into the root cause of the axle box failure that led to the breakdown, with the LTA indicating that a forensic analysis will be conducted to explore not just the immediate causes but also any contributing factors that might have existed. The authority emphasized the importance of scrutinizing operational protocols, particularly focusing on fault detection and incident management procedures to evaluate if the appropriate actions were executed in response to the failure.

Service Recovery and Incident Response

In addition to reviewing how service recovery was handled, the LTA will assess the timeliness and effectiveness of the responses provided by the train operator, SMRT. In a bid to ensure a thorough examination, the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) will also conduct an independent safety probe related to the service disruption.

Expert Advisory Panel

To bolster the investigative process, the LTA plans to appoint an Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) consisting of six specialists with extensive backgrounds in train operations and engineering. The panel will be chaired by Malcolm Dobell, a former train systems head for London Underground. Joining him are rail experts Dr. Tony Lee and Mr. Chen Chao, rail system engineer Mr. Chew Tai Chong, railway engineering professor Gan Hiong Yap, and material science expert Professor Manoj Gupta. Together, they will provide technical guidance and a fresh perspective on the investigation's findings.

Parallel Review by SMRT

Moreover, SMRT is reflecting on this incident internally and has formed its own committee to conduct a parallel review. This committee is led by Mr. Quek Gim Pew, an independent board member and former chief defence scientist, with Mr. Ng Chin Hwee, the former CEO of Singapore Airlines Engineering Company, serving as deputy chairman. The committee will also include independent panel members to ensure a thorough examination of the situation.

Public Transparency and Future Safety

With the LTA promising transparency by making the findings public, both passengers and industry stakeholders are eagerly awaiting insights that could reshape safety protocols on Singapore's bustling rail network. The outcome of the investigations may not only enhance operational safety but also bolster public confidence in the reliability of Singapore's public transport system. Stay tuned as we cover updates on this unfolding story!