Commuters face service disruption on TEL due to train fault following 6-day EWL disruption
On 1 October, commuters faced disruptions on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) from Woodlands North to Lentor due to a train fault, just as East-West Line services resumed after a six-day disruption. In a Facebook post, SMRT alerted passengers to 10-minute delays, introduced shuttle train services, and provided free bus rides. By 5:52 p.m., SMRT announced that TEL services had fully resumed.
SINGAPORE: Train services on the East-West Line (EWL) between Jurong East and Buona Vista resumed today, 1 October, after a six-day disruption.
However, commuters faced further delays on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) in the evening due to a train fault, adding to the recent string of train service issues.
According to SMRT a Facebook post around 5 pm, the fault occurred on the TEL on 1 October, causing trains to move at a slower pace between Woodlands North and Lentor stations.
The delay add an additional 10 minutes to passengers' travel times.
SMRT said commuters traveling on this route should anticipate the extended travel time.
In a subsequent post, SMRT also announced shuttle train services to help alleviate the disruption.
These shuttles are running between Woodlands North and Woodlands South stations, as well as between Woodlands South and Lentor stations.
Additionally, a provisional service has been introduced for commuters traveling between Lentor and Bayshore stations.
To support commuters further, free regular bus services are being provided between Woodlands North and Lentor.
In an update at 5:52 p.m., SMRT reported that train services on the affected line has fully resumed.
The issue quickly drew attention on social media platforms, with a Reddit user sharing their experience of the disruption at Springleaf MRT station.
According to the user, trains on the TEL line had completely stopped due to the fault, causing significant delays.
"SMRT staff say 10 mins, but I've been waiting here for 20, so add extra time if y'all are considering taking TEL, or find an alternative route," the user posted.
MRT disruption at TEL Line
byu/Apprehensive_Ant6010 insingapore
This incident comes immediately after a significant six-day disruption on the EWL, which caused major inconveniences for more than 2.1 million passengers.
The EWL services between Jurong East and Buona Vista were down from 25 September until they were finally restored on 1 October.
The disruption prompted investigations and service adjustments by the authorities to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, the combination of today’s TEL fault and the recent EWL disruption has led to heightened frustration among commuters, many of whom are calling for improvements in Singapore's rail infrastructure and management.
Commuters relying on public transport are advised to check SMRT's social media platforms or apps for real-time updates on the status of train services and to consider alternative routes where possible to avoid delays.
