The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Feb 13 the proposals and recommendations to improve rail network reliability as outlined by the Rail Reliability Taskforce, formed in September last year.
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What is the Rail Reliability Taskforce
To develop and implement immediate solutions to improve rail reliability and joint responses to train service disruptions, the Rail Reliability Taskforce – comprising representatives from LTA, SMRT, and SBS Transit – was formed on Sep 19, 2025.
The taskforce first began its review through joint technical audits of systems related to the various train service disruptions that occurred between July and September 2025.
Subsequently, the taskforce also undertook a thorough review of rail operations and maintenance, in particular the areas of asset management, workforce capabilities, and recovery of train services.
The taskforce conducted detailed technical workshops, site visits, direct observations on the ground, and interviews with operational and technical staff members on the ground.
LTA said the series of recommendations from the Rail Reliability Taskforce will be progressively rolled out over the next few years across the rail network.
Enhancements to the Power Supply System for the NEL and SPLRT to improve reliability
LTA said it plans to implement a “more robust power supply system” to improve the reliability of the North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang–Punggol LRT (SPLRT).
This includes upgrading the existing power intake at the NEL depot in Sengkang, as well as increasing the traction power capacity of the NEL and SPLRT through adding more Traction Power Substations (TPSS).
LTA would also, in the longer term, explore building a new higher-capacity power intake as a dedicated back-up power intake for the NEL.
Enhancements to the Signalling System to enable faster recovery of train operations
LTA and the rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit will study the implementation of additional procedures and bypass systems to enable faster recovery of train operations without compromising safety.
During track point failures that are not immediately resolvable, LTA said the rail operators could introduce new procedures to speed up the securing of faulty track points, allowing trains to pass through the secured track point safely at a reduced speed.
In the longer term, LTA would also be studying whether it is feasible to implement a bypass feature that would allow a train detected with a signalling system fault to be manually driven at slower speeds, instead of being fully halted.
Other enhancements to improve the recovery and reliability of trains; the underlying causes of incidents are found to be unrelated
LTA would revise the placement of coupling levers and brake isolation valves on trains for easier access by staff members from rail operators, which would speed up the coupling of trains when a faulty train has to be moved using a rescue train.
LTA would also strengthen the electrical circuitry within its trains to reduce the likelihood of train-borne electrical faults.
The taskforce found that the incidents, which occurred between July and September 2025, took place across different MRT and LRT lines and involved different systems, such as signalling, power, and trains.
“While the underlying causes of the incidents were found to be unrelated, LTA and the rail operators will implement immediate and longer-term measures that the Taskforce has recommended to address several areas for improvement,” said LTA.
Prioritising the Renewal of Critical Systems; Renewal of the NEL power supply system to be brought forward to 2026
LTA said it would prioritise the renewal of trains, power supply system, and signalling system, and added it would shorten the time taken to renew them, given their direct and significant impact on train service operations when major failures occur.
LTA therefore plans to bring forward the renewal of the NEL power supply system to commence in 2026.
LTA also plans to set aside more engineering hours, including longer service closures where needed, to carry out renewal works efficiently and safely.
“This is necessary as renewing multiple systems simultaneously whilst maintaining day-to-day rail operations poses inherent coordination and operational challenges.
“These service adjustments will be planned carefully, and alternative transport options will be provided to minimise inconvenience to commuters.”
Enhancing the management of spare parts and the resilience of the supply chain
LTA and rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit would improve the management of spare parts by strengthening the ability to forecast requirements of spares through more detailed data collection and analysis.
It will stockpile additional spare parts, where needed, to enable timely replacements when faults occur, and to account for parts that have been discontinued by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
LTA and rail operators would procure extended service support from OEMs for critical systems, localise production of spare parts and repair capabilities, and diversify sources of supply.
“In the longer term, we will adopt more standardised and modular designs for our rail systems that allow for easier and faster upgrades or replacements, and simpler maintenance planning,” said LTA.
Leveraging technology and data to improve rail service reliability; More extensive usage of robotics and automation
A standardised, network-wide approach to condition monitoring across all MRT/LRT lines is being planned, said LTA.
Despite the existing implementation of condition monitoring systems, LTA said each system operates differently and is based on different parameters, as they were “introduced at different times and by different manufacturers”.
LTA would be introducing a baseline standard to harmonise the assets and parameters monitored. This would enable more comprehensive monitoring of asset health and earlier fault detection through data analytics across lines and systems.
LTA would also, in parallel, introduce an integrated data collection and management framework, allowing standardised asset performance data to be shared across operators.
This would support benchmarking, coordinated renewals, and more effective maintenance. LTA said: “Development has begun, with a progressive rollout over the next few years as we harmonise systems across lines.”
“LTA and rail operators will also engage various overseas metro operators to accelerate learning on this front, given the current absence of international standards for such comprehensive condition monitoring systems,” added LTA.
More extensive usage of robotics and automation will be introduced to the rail maintenance workforce to improve efficiency.
“This will build on existing efforts, with successful trials to be scaled up and implemented across the sector.”
Improving the recovery of rail services and commuter management during service disruptions
LTA and rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit have been rolling out various enhanced initiatives since December 2025 to improve rail service recovery and better support commuters during service disruptions.
LTA have launched a centralised webpage on Dec 13, 2025, that provides commuters with real-time operating status across all rail lines. It classifies delays into two categories, minor and major, with accompanying advisories to guide commuters on continuing their journeys.
A trial of new and improved wayfinding signs is taking place at Serangoon MRT station, which supports commuters in navigating out of the affected rail sector quickly.
“These include digital screens at key locations to display updates, flashing visual cues to direct commuters to alternative transport options, and QR codes along linkways and in trains for quick access to live service updates,” said LTA.
LTA said it is also developing new digital tools for real-time, journey-specific information for commuters during a disruption, adding that “these will be rolled out progressively, including on popular third-party wayfinding apps such as Google Maps.”
LTA and rail operators also plan to make operational adjustments to speed up the deployment of the first bridging buses when activated during a service disruption, to reduce the initial crowd build-up.
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This article first appeared on SGTrains.