Stiffer penalties for train disruptions; LTA plans to peg them to fare revenue

Transport operators will face stiffer penalties for train disruptions. 

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) plans to peg the maximum penalty to a percentage of the operator's annual fare revenue from the affected MRT line to hold them more accountable. 

It aims complete the required legislative changes later this year. 

The LTA said this will help to ensure that the maximum penalty is sufficiently commensurate with the emphasis on ensuring a safe and reliable rail network. 

The current maximum penalty that can imposed on operators is $1 million. 

The penalties for breaching operating performance standards and codes of practices will also be adjusted - to make them more effective as deterrents. 

The LTA is also exploring ways to reduce waiting time for commuters during non-peak periods. 

It's aiming to bring down the waiting time to five minutes, except for periods when ridership is extremely low. 

Efforts to achieve this for the North-South and East-West lines are underway. 

The improvements for the North East and Circle lines can be expected when new trains arrive in 2015.