Chee Hong Tat on review of SMRT systems and processes, upgrading works of Bukit Panjang LRT

SMRT has formed a tripartite workgroup to review its systems and processes, including maintenance practices and lifecycle management of assets. It has invited representatives from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and National Transport Workers’ Union to join this workgroup, as well as engage overseas metro operators in Guangzhou and Taipei for mutual learning. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, who gave this update in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11), said the workgroup will identify areas for improvement and to maintain safety and reliability standards. He also informed the House that the overall mean kilometres between failure for the MRT network has improved. Turning to MPs’ questions on the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11), Mr Chee said renewal works are “progressing well”. These include bringing in new trains and upgrading existing ones. LTA aims to have new and upgraded vehicles enter service by end-2025. LTA also aims to resume dual-loop services for all hours on weekdays in the coming months. Mr Chee said LTA is on track to complete the renewal programme in 2026. “We recognise that the improvement works have been a long journey, but we have to go through this process to fix the legacy problems and deliver better service for our commuters,” he said.