SINGAPORE:

A sense of relief washed over commuters as train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations finally resumed on Tuesday morning, October 1, following a grueling six-day shutdown.

Upon visiting both Buona Vista and Boon Lay MRT stations on Tuesday, it was clear that operations were back on track, with SMRT staff diligently guiding passengers and answering questions. The orderly queues formed by waiting commuters reflected their eagerness to return to normalcy, with many seeking reassurance that the disruptions were truly over.

In a heartfelt announcement, SMRT expressed gratitude for commuter patience, stating, “All train services have resumed. We would like to thank you for your patience and wish you a safe journey.”

As train services were being recommenced, staff members with lighted signs and microphones helped manage the flow of passengers at Buona Vista MRT station, ensuring clear communication about arriving trains and safety guidelines.

Personal Stories from Commuters:

Local resident Ms. Susie Chan, an 18-year-old student who typically travels from Clementi to Buona Vista, praised the workers' dedication during the crisis. “I live near the affected area, so it was heartwarming to see the workers trying to fix things late at night, even until 2am or 3am,” she said.

Meanwhile, rope access technician Syaz expressed his relief at the resumption of services. Commutes from his home in Braddell had turned into lengthy two-hour bus rides due to the train disruption, making the reopening of the East-West Line a significant benefit, cutting his travel time by roughly 30 minutes.

Student Darren Chan faced a different challenge during the disruption. On his first day of work at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, he opted for an expensive S$17 taxi ride to avoid being late. “I’m very relieved, just glad that it’s all back to normal,” he expressed regarding the reestablished train services.

Temporary Speed Restrictions in Place:

Despite the joy of resumed services, commuters were informed that temporary speed limits would apply to westbound trains until Thursday for safety reasons, with trains travelling at a reduced speed of 40 km/h. Authorities advised passengers to expect an additional five minutes of travel time.

During a ride taken by CNA early Tuesday, delays were noted due to the pressing of an emergency button, causing a slightly slower travel pace—something commuters were advised to be prepared for as they adjusted back to regular services.

What Went Wrong? A Detailed Look:

The disruptions began on Wednesday when a faulty component, known as an axle box, caused significant damage to the tracks, affecting services across nine stations between Boon Lay and Queenstown. Engineers initially identified 34 cracks along a 1.6 km stretch between Dover and Clementi stations, leading to emergency repairs that stretched over several days.

In a series of essential tests over the weekend, new cracks were identified, pushing back initial repair timelines. Leveraging advanced engineering solutions, authorities managed to replace 10 damaged rail segments before conducting further safety checks to ensure all systems were operational.

From troubleshooting delays to restoring shuttle services and handing out bridging buses, the response from transport authorities was extensive, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and inconvenience mitigation.

As life slowly returns to its usual rhythm, news of the resumption of East-West Line services is met with gratitude and relief, marking the end of a challenging week for Singaporean commuters.