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SINGAPORE: A formal inquiry has been called to uncover the reasons behind the recent train disruptions.
Analysts said besides dealing with technical faults, the Committee of Inquiry should also determine if the current system of maintenance is adequate.
The breakdowns and chaos caused are not just technical problems, but situations that called into question the adequacy of contingency plans.
Dr Park Byung Joon, head, Urban Transport Management, SIM University, said: "It is actually very dangerous for passengers to take action on their own.
"For example, you are not supposed to jump onto the track just because the train stopped.
"The operator themselves, they have to assess the current system correctly.
"Because to inform the passengers what to do, they first have to know exactly what happened."
Associate Professor Lee Der Horng, Department of Civil Engineering, National University of Singapore, said: "We are now talking about a modernised transportation network. So any failure, any malfunction to the system, will trigger a lot of impact.
"Just by getting the passengers to look for alternative transportation modes by themselves is a bit unrealistic."
Dr Lee said contingency plans should also involve the other public transport operator, SBS Transit.
For instance, it can be roped in to ensure commuters get evacuated quickly.
The affected North-South Line, running since 1987, is the oldest rail line in Singapore.
And some said its age is one reason for the faults.
Analysts questioned the sufficiency of the maintenance regime, and asked if the regulator should take on greater responsibility.
Dr Lee Der Horng said: "Do we have a system to monitor, to regulate the operators? So that we can ensure the proper maintenance and the proper actions have been taken care to our transportation systems."
The formal inquiry will certainly go some way in reassuring commuters the government is taking the matter seriously.
In order to restore confidence in the system, analysts said the inquiry process must be transparent, the findings easily understood and accepted by the public, and the committee must also present a clear action plan to resolve the problems.
- CNA/ck
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