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In a statement, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that it accepts the COI findings and recommendations, and will work closely with SMRT on the necessary follow-up.
It will also strengthen the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) regulatory framework in four key areas. These changes are expected to be effected by the end of the year.
Maintenance of rail assets
RTS operators are expected to submit maintenance plans annually instead of once every two years SMRT will be required to engage independent experts to audit their maintenance processes every three years
LTA will also work with SMRT to study scheduled closures of sections of the system to allow for more comprehensive maintenance works
Incident management
LTA will lead in formulating a Land Transport Emergency Plan to facilitate quicker, better coordinated and more effective responses to major train service disruptions
LTA's Crisis Management Team will continue to provide prompt assistance to the operator during service disruptions in areas such as bus services, managing of traffic to facilitate the movement of buses, and coordinating responses across government agencies where necessary
New Operating Performing Standards (OPS)
LTA will introduce more stringent standards relating to the frequency and number of delays caused by train faults
LTA will consider introducing additional standards to enhance commuter comfort, such as the availability of air-conditioning systems on trains and MRT stations
Penalty Framework
LTA will review the maximum fine, currently set at $1 million, that can be imposed on the RTS operators for extended train service disruptions, to adequately reflect the impact on commuters
This article was first published in The New Paper.
 
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