SMRT fined $2m for December train disruptions

The Land Transport Authority will impose the maximum fine of S$2 million on transport operator SMRT for the two train disruptions along the North-South Line on 15 and 17 December last year. 

LTA said its investigations have found that SMRT had failed to meet its licensing obligations for the North-South and East-West Lines. 

It has failed, among other things, to exercise due diligence and vigilance expected of a public transport operator, and to maintain its network in good and efficient working condition. 

In both incidents, SMRT was also found to be in breach of the Operating Performance Standards for the North South and East West lines. 

Under (section 19 of) the Rapid Transit Systems Act, a public transport operator can be fined up to $1 million per incident, if it fails to comply with the Operating Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements. 

In assessing the penalty amount, LTA says it considers the facts of the case, severity of the incident and any relevant mitigating factors that may apply. 

It will also consider any representations which the operator may make. 

A statement from LTA says the $2 million will be donated to the Public Transport Fund to help needy families with transport fares. 

In a separate statement, SMRT says it has been informed of the fine, and adds that the investigations into the incidents have provided the company with valuable insights into enhancements needed in its previous maintenance regime which was regularly validated by LTA. 

SMRT says since the two incidents, it has been implementing various initiatives to prevent recurrence and improve service reliability and incident response in collaboration with LTA. 

The operator says it will implement further improvements and work closely with the LTA to enhance its reliability and service levels for the benefit of commuters.