No Degree Required: After 8 years as an SMRT train captain, I'm now a depot controller and mentor to junior drivers

I have worked as a police officer and flight attendant, but have always been drawn to trains. I am intrigued by how they move and operate.

In 2014, I turned that fascination into a career when I joined SMRT as a train captain. It was a position I stayed in for eight years.

As an operator on the North-South Line, my job was to drive trains and rectify any faults that occurred.

A shift could start as early as 4.30am. I would usually begin by retrieving equipment such as the train keys, handheld radio, and iPad.

I would then proceed to my assigned train and prepare it for service by doing onboard checks, before driving it from the depot to the main line.

We began transitioning towards automated trains in 2018. It was a period of adaptation for me as I had to learn how to operate and attend to faults on automated trains.

It was also challenging when we upgraded to a new signalling system on the North-South Line that same year.

There were a few teething issues which caused delays. This made commuters anxious and frustrated, and I had to remain calm and collected when they approached me.

Despite this, I enjoyed my time as a train captain, especially looking out for great views during the golden hours after sunrise and before sunset.

Since then, I have had the chance to upgrade my skills and progress in my career at SMRT.

Back then, my highest qualification was a Nitec in Precision Engineering (Aerospace), which I received from the Institute of Technical Education Balestier in 2007.

Thanks to a work-study programme fully sponsored by SMRT, I was able to complete a diploma in Engineering (Rapid Transit Technology) at Singapore Polytechnic in 2023.

It was tough balancing part-time studies for 2.5 years, while doing my job and taking care of my family.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed gaining relevant knowledge which helped me in my daily work.

I was also fortunate to be sent to Mauritius on a six-month assignment in 2020, where I was part of a team that helped share our knowledge of driving and handling trains with our counterparts there.

There, I learnt to adapt fast to a different culture. Being away from my family also taught me to be resilient.

The experience also made me feel fortunate to realise that Singaporeans enjoy one of the best public transport systems in the world.

In February 2023, I was promoted to crew manager and depot controller at SMRT’s Ulu Pandan Depot.

I now oversee the train captains’ reporting schedules and control the movement of trains in the depot.

This includes ensuring that trains enter service on time and smoothly via a train control system which allows me to set routes within the depot.

My new role allows me to manage daily operations, as well as share my knowledge and experience with the junior train captains.

At times, I do miss being in the front seat of a train and making announcements to communicate with commuters. It’s fulfilling to see commuters enjoying a safe and smooth ride. 

My work is mostly deskbound now, but I must constantly be alert and attentive while on duty. A few seconds’ delay in my response to any issue could impact our operations.

And although my job requires me to work on the weekends sometimes, I have learnt how to manage my time with my family.

They have fully supported every decision I have made, and this has made me strive to be the best at what I do.

Working in public transport is rewarding as many people depend on the MRT system to get around.

To those who are thinking about joining the transport industry, I would say believe in yourself and give it a try.

The work can be tough but satisfying if you always give it your best and keep improving your skills and knowledge.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Mohamad Rezza Abdul Malek, 36, is a crew manager and depot controller at SMRT’s Ulu Pandan Depot. He was previously a police officer from 2007 to 2012, and a flight attendant from 2012 to 2014. He is married with three daughters aged six, 13 and 14. He loves to travel and go on long drives.

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