Stiffer penalty for MRT service disruptions

Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) is reviewing the current maximum penalty of S$1 million (RM2.5 million) for each train incident and regulatory non-compliance occurrence, and intends to peg the quantum to a percentage of operators’ annual fare revenue from the affected MRT line.

In a statement, LTA said this is to enable maximum penalty to be sufficiently commensurate with its emphasis on ensuring a safe and reliable MRT system.

"We aim to complete the required legislative changes later this year," it said.

LTA said it is also revising the penalty framework to place greater emphasis on service reliability.

It said penalties for non-compliance of Operating Performance Standards and Codes of Practices will be further adjusted to enhance deterrence.

As part of overall efforts to improve rail service reliability, LTA has strengthened the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) regulatory framework in four key areas, namely Maintenance of Rail Assets, Incident Management, Operating Performance Standards and Penalty Framework. In accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry on the North-South Line's train service disruptions in December 2011, LTA will continue to strengthen the RTS regulatory framework.

With these changes, commuters can expect better overall rail network reliability and better incident management should a train service disruption occur.