SINGAPORE: Massive Queue at Boon Lay MRT

On the morning of September 30, a local Reddit user alerted the community about a staggering queue at Boon Lay MRT station that had remarkably spilled into the bus interchange. The user reported that commuters could expect to wait at least an hour to access the gantry, sharing a photo that depicted the extensive line — something not typical for the busy station in recent weeks.

“The queue begins at the MRT entrance and winds all the way inside the bus interchange. Your wait time is probably between one to one and a half hours,” the post warned. The user advised against using the MRT service during peak hours, suggesting that passengers opt for the free bridging bus service as an alternative.

Cause of the Queue: Train Malfunction

This surge in commuter frustration stems from a previous disruption on the East-West Line caused by a malfunctioning KHI train, which has been in service for over 35 years. The train emitted smoke en route to Ulu Pandan Depot, damaging a power cable and triggering a power trip. In response, shuttle train and bus services were implemented to ease the burden on affected passengers.

Although it was anticipated that MRT services would resume fully on the same day, an announcement from SMRT the prior day indicated that additional time was needed to secure safety before services could restart. Commuters were informed that the new resumption date would be October 1 (Tuesday).

Impact of Weather on Delays

Despite the availability of shuttle trains between Jurong East and Boon Lay, delays were exacerbated by rainy weather conditions, according to comments from users. One frustrated commenter suggested that public officials should experience the MRT themselves to understand the inconvenience firsthand.

Commuters' Frustrations

Reports from those caught in the extensive queue painted a grim picture: one user described the line as 'insane' and questioned the infrequency of trains, which were reportedly arriving every seven minutes. Another user noted that the congestion extended even further, with lines looping around the bus interchange and spilling out towards the MRT station.

Looking Ahead

In this challenging situation, the struggles faced by commuters reflect the ongoing issues within Singapore's public transport system, drawing attention to the necessity for improvements and better management during peak times. As frustrations mount, many are left wondering how soon these problems will be resolved.