The East West Line (EWL) experienced the third delay of the week last Saturday (4 November) afternoon.
This time, Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) posted announcements on its social media platforms, stating that train services from Queenstown to Jurong East were affected by track point fault and 30 minutes additional travel time was needed.
[EWL]: Due to a track point fault, pls add 30mins train travel time from #Queenstown to #JurongEast. (Not linked to new signalling project).
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) November 4, 2017
It then stated that free regular bus services between Clementi and Jurong East were available.
[EWL] UPDATE: Free regular bus svcs between #Clementi and #JurongEast.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) November 4, 2017
Fourteen minutes after its first tweet, SMRT stated that 10 minutes additional time was needed to travel from Queenstown to Jurong East.
[EWL]: Due to a track point fault, pls add 10mins train travel time from #Queenstown to #JurongEast. (Not linked to new signalling project).
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) November 4, 2017
At 3:30pm SMRT tweeted that the fault was cleared
[EWL] CLEARED: Train services from #Queenstown to #JurongEast have resumed.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) November 4, 2017
Then it added that the free regular bus services have stopped.
[EWL] CLEARED: Free regular bus services between #Clementi and #JurongEast have ceased.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) November 4, 2017
Commuters were affected and disappointed of course, many posted their complains on Twitter:
if there’s gonna be train delays, i could’ve just stayed at home at first? lel smrt smh
— shannn (@yhtrehod) November 4, 2017
Bad luck fault again.
— xtemujin360Resources 🇸🇬🇺🇦 (@xtemujin) November 4, 2017
We don't care if it's track or signal fault. If there's breakdown, it's your fault. #smrt https://t.co/VNtZ1fIGQj
— Jason Lim (@jas0nsg) November 4, 2017
Some also questioned the new term used for the fault:
This is new to me.. Track POINT fault.?
— Jonathan Tan 🇸🇬🇺🇦 (@rocketfuel168) November 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/MachuPichu2015/status/926713646654173185
#SMRT Blame: “track point”
Another day, another technical jargon to tell you that you won’t understand how difficult things are. https://t.co/qUFnxgdnl5
— freetrooper (@freetrooper) November 4, 2017
Maybe #SMRT should just say: “We screwed up again”
Soon, you’ll be used to it.
Then it becomes daily.
And you’ll still be ok with it. https://t.co/qb8yDboNtN
— freetrooper (@freetrooper) November 4, 2017
A commuter stated that the problem had started since 9:45am, TV screens at station said “NORMAL” for EWL:
Dude. This problem started from 9:45am and you're only posting it now. Brilliant. TV screens at station still said "NORMAL" for EW line.
— ZachSeb 제크리 (@ZSeb_) November 4, 2017
Another commuter stated that the announcement in the train isn’t clear, the message was not heard at all:
Announcement in train isn't clear nor audible… Can't hear what the message is at all.
— Wendy (@jojet70) November 4, 2017
Francis stated his conclusion:
https://twitter.com/airmail_sg/status/926735672173404160
