Impact on Business Operations caused by Suspension of MRT Services on Tuas West Extension

70 Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked the Minister for Transport whether the suspension of MRT services on the Tuas West Extension in mid-November 2017 has had a significant negative impact on the operations of firms served by the affected segment of the MRT system.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Following the train collision at Joo Koon Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station on 15 November 2017, train services on the Tuas West Extension from Tuas Link to Gul Circle stations were suspended from Thursday, 16 November, to Sunday, 19 November 2017 to allow the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) and Thales to perform safety checks on the signalling system.

The suspension of services had disrupted commuters' routine and their employers, but the impact was manageable. During the suspension period, bridging buses were deployed between Joo Koon and Tuas Link stations at headways of three to five minutes. We also enhanced the bus services in the area. Some companies also engaged private buses to ferry their staff to and from Joo Koon or Pioneer MRT stations during the peak periods.

I am grateful to commuters and employers for their patience and understanding during the service suspension, and I seek their continued support as the Tuas West Extension remains segregated from the rest of the East-West Line to allow Thales to complete the re-signalling work safely and speedily.