Shortcomings in SMRT's maintenance regime LTA too fell short says Transport Minister

Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said the Land Transport Authority has fallen short in its role as the regulator - in holding the train operator accountable for delivering a reliable system for commuters. 

This despite shortcomings in SMRT's maintenance regime. 

Mr Lui delivered a ministerial statement in parliament today, in response to the Committee of Inquiry's report. 

The COI was tasked to look into December's train disruptions, which affected more than 200,000 commuters. 

Mr Lui said his ministry accepts the COI's findings and recommendations. 

"SMRT's maintenance regime had shortcomings, but we too - both MOT, as the supervising Ministry, and LTA, as the regulator - have to shoulder our share of the responsibility. We could have done more, and could have done better. The December incidents were a painful lesson, but we can and will learn from them. We will improve our ability to address new challenges that arise with an expanded public transport network. I give the House my assurance that we will spare no effort to improve." 

Mr Lui said LTA must re-look how it can better fulfil its duties, by working and supervising the operator more closely. 

He said LTA's regulatory approach in the past has been outcome-based. 

So going forward, the framework will be enhanced to be more prescriptive, and to also exercise greater oversight on areas that affect reliability and commuter comfort. 

Mr Lui said he agrees with the COI's recommendation for LTA to impose a requirement on SMRT to conduct a Maintenance Management System audit, to identify areas of possible improvement in the maintenance regime.