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Singapore Sets Rail Reliability Taskforce as Minister Promises Sharper Commuter Updates

A run of faults across multiple lines has pulled MRT reliability off recent highs.

Overview

  • The Rail Reliability Taskforce, chaired by LTA chief executive Ng Lang and including senior leaders from SMRT and SBS Transit, will report recommendations by end-2025.
  • Its mandate covers full technical audits of critical systems, bringing forward renewals for assets such as power and signalling, and tightening service recovery to reduce passenger impact.
  • Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said zero disruptions are unrealistic but pledged to minimise incidents and provide clearer guidance to help commuters continue their journeys safely.
  • Siow asked LTA to publish more performance data, including train punctuality at termini and the share of scheduled distance covered, and to develop location-specific advisories and a single trusted app for disruption updates.
  • Official figures show MKBF at about 1.7 million train-km for the 12 months to August 2025, with four disruptions in five days this month and the July 2024–June 2025 period at a five-year low, backed by a S$1 billion five-year funding package to accelerate renewals and workforce capability.