MRT train services along the North-South Line (NSL), East-West Line (EWL), and Circle Line (CCL) were disrupted at around 7pm yesterday (14 Oct) due to a power fault, which had affected the evening rush-hour commute for many commuters.
SMRT informed commuters about the disruptions on NSL and EWL via Twitter at about 7.15pm, asking commuters to add 25 minutes to their travel time.
“Free regular bus service is available between Woodland and Jurong East station,” it added.
[NSL]: Due to a power fault, pls add 25mins train travel time btwn #Woodlands and #JurongEast. Free regular bus service is available between #Woodland and #Jurong East station.
— SMRT Corporation (@SMRT_Singapore) October 14, 2020
The affected stretches had disrupted the train services between Jurong East and Marsiling, Serangoon and HarbourFront, as well as Clementi and Tuas Link.
The Land Transport Autthority (LTA) stated on Facebook at 8.44pm that preliminary investigations indicated that the disruption was caused by a power trip, adding that SMRT had commenced safe detrainment for passengers on NSEWL and CCL trains due to the delay.
“Free bus boarding was activated at all affected stations and the frequency of regular services serving these areas was also increased,” it wrote.
“LTA is working with SMRT on rectification works and we will carry out a full investigation into the causes.”
At around 11.25pm, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung stated on Facebook that the power cable fault has been isolated, and that services on NSEWL have been restored at 10.34pm.
Meanwhile, some netizens claimed that blackouts had occurred at Yew Tee MRT station and Boon Lay MRT station.
Bruh Boon Lay also wth pic.twitter.com/PTJuKKTBbn
— Annabelle 💝 (@Annabelle_UwU) October 14, 2020
Some commuters shared on Twitter that long crowds were spotted at the Queenstown MRT station.
mrt singapore power failure. look at the crowd at queenstown mrt stn :O
stay safe everyone !! #smrt #smrtsingapore pic.twitter.com/0wSeCkr9sv— cla met enha 😭💕 (@eaturicex) October 14, 2020
Another netizen tweeted to SMRT a video of the crowded bus.
https://twitter.com/Rsumntri/status/1316360987935600641
While some netizens posted on social media that commuters had to walk on train tracks due to the incident.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGUveRpnFoE/?utm_source=ig_embed
