2 young lives lost

[skyleon]

Joo Koon-Gul Circle closure: Additional travel time for Tuas commuters


PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO


Lester Hio


SINGAPORE - Commuters heading towards or away from Tuas on Monday (Nov 20) had to contend with additional travelling time due to the closure of the line between Joo Koon and Gul Circle stations.

Passengers had to disembark at Joo Koon or Gul Circle stations - with train operator SMRT providing free bridging buses between the two - before rejoining the train network.

Warehouse officer Terrence Yap, 35, who works in Tuas West, said it was very inconvenient. He had to alight at Joo Koon, take a 10-minute shuttle bus to Gul Circle, and board the train again towards Tuas West Road.

“I had to add another 15 minutes to travel,” he said. “It’s very inconvenient to get off just for one stop. It was actually better last week because at least the bus stopped at every station and I didn’t have to get back on the train.” Mr Yap added: “It’ll be better if the shuttle buses continue to stop at each station too.”

The free shuttle buses, all double-decker ones, moved off every one to three minutes, depending on the load of each bus.

There was a steady stream of commuters heading out from Joo Koon station during the morning rush hour between 7am and 8.30am, with many rushing to catch the free shuttle buses towards Gul Circle.

Train services between Gul Circle and Tuas Link resumed on Monday morning, after services were suspended on Thursday following a train collision the day before at Joo Koon station that left 38 injured.

The cause was a signalling glitch that happened when a train crossed over from the old signalling system used on the East-West Line to the new one used on the Tuas West Extension.

continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...tuas-commuters


Please claim all your extra travelling expenses from SMRT . New extension line also got problem . Such world class transport system . Still want to increase transport fares ???

[skyleon]

“We have a first-class transport system in Singapore” – PM Lee

November 20, 2017

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has asserted that he feels Singapore’s transport system is a “first-class” one at the PAP Convention 2017, held at the Big Box in Jurong yesterday morning:


“Actually, if I may be bold and say so, we have a first-class transport system in Singapore.”

Addressing a crowd of about 2000 PAP activists, the head of government acknowledged that while public transport here could be “even better,” Singapore is ranked among the top 4 cities in the world, in terms of train system reliability.

The ruling party leader was quoting an article that ranked Singapore as one of four most reliable train systems in the world, along with train systems in Hong Kong, Taipei and Los Angeles. PM Lee added:


“We’re not the best – Hong Kong is better, Taipei is better.

“We will get better. But we must see our problems in perspective and we must therefore encourage our team: ‘Work at it. Get there. We are with you’.”

The PM also opined that Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan has one of the toughest jobs in the Cabinet and added that Khaw has the People’s Action Party’s full support and confidence, to applause from other party members.


continue reading here : http://www.theindependent.sg/we-have...gapore-pm-lee/


Really world class transport system ??? What a joke .

[shitsticks]

Originally Posted by skyleon

“We have a first-class transport system in Singapore” – PM Lee

November 20, 2017

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has asserted that he feels Singapore’s transport system is a “first-class” one at the PAP Convention 2017, held at the Big Box in Jurong yesterday morning:


“Actually, if I may be bold and say so, we have a first-class transport system in Singapore.”

Addressing a crowd of about 2000 PAP activists, the head of government acknowledged that while public transport here could be “even better,” Singapore is ranked among the top 4 cities in the world, in terms of train system reliability.

The ruling party leader was quoting an article that ranked Singapore as one of four most reliable train systems in the world, along with train systems in Hong Kong, Taipei and Los Angeles. PM Lee added:


“We’re not the best – Hong Kong is better, Taipei is better.

“We will get better. But we must see our problems in perspective and we must therefore encourage our team: ‘Work at it. Get there. We are with you’.”

The PM also opined that Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan has one of the toughest jobs in the Cabinet and added that Khaw has the People’s Action Party’s full support and confidence, to applause from other party members.


continue reading here : http://www.theindependent.sg/we-have...gapore-pm-lee/


Really world class transport system ??? What a joke .

He so humble ah? From world class downgrade to first class?

[skyleon]

SMRT investigating possible lightning strike on train

20 Nov 2017 06:16PM (Updated: 20 Nov 2017 06:30PM)


SINGAPORE: SMRT is investigating a possible lightning strike after a train stalled as it was approaching Bedok MRT station on Monday afternoon (Nov 20).

The transport operator said passengers were detrained at Bedok, and the west-bound train has been withdrawn from service for investigations.

"After the incident, the train captain, who said he was unwell, received medical attention," SMRT added.

The man was taken conscious to Changi General Hospital, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which was alerted to the incident at 4.20pm.

Channel NewsAsia understands that the man complained of numbness and chest pain.

SMRT said that each of its trains is protected by a "Faraday Cage", which is an enclosure formed by conductive material that blocks electric fields and currents like lightning strikes.

"The cage conducts current around the outside of the enclosed space with none passing through the interior."

"If lightning strikes, the electric current will travel through the outside shell of the train, not through the cabin, and pass through the wheels to the track. The train is grounded to the track."

Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...-train-9422970


Even GOD is not happy with PAP and SMRT .

[skyleon]

MRT trains are supposed to be protected from lightning strikes

One passenger was reportedly injured in the latest incident, but it's unclear exactly what happened.

By Sulaiman Daud | 8 mins



An SMRT train was struck by lightning around 4pm on Nov. 20, as it was traveling along the East-West Line.

This resulted in a delay of about ten minutes between Paya Lebar and Tanah Merah MRT stations.


According to the Straits Times, at least one passenger was injured in the incident, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force have sent an ambulance to Tanah Merah MRT Station.

Protected from lightning

SMRT trains are supposed to be protected from lightning strikes. In a blog post written on May. 12, 2016, SMRT explained how their trains are protected from lightning strikes, in a similar manner to cars and planes.
“Each train is protected by a Faraday Cage. This is an enclosure formed by conductive material that blocks electric fields and currents such as lightning strikes. The cage conducts current around the outside of the enclosed space with none passing through the interior.

In this case, the metallic exterior of our trains is the Faraday Cage that protects everyone inside from electric currents. Even if you’re holding onto the grab pole, you will still be safe as the grab poles are attached securely to the train’s interior and are not connected to the external frame. If lightning strikes, the electric current will travel through the outside shell of the train, not through the cabin, and pass through the wheels to the track. The train is grounded to the track.”

Previous lightning strikes

This isn’t the first time that an MRT train has incurred the wrath of Zeus.

On May 11, 2016, a train on the North-South Line was struck, disrupting services from Yishun to Yio Chu Kang stations.



continue reading here : https://mothership.sg/2017/11/mrt-tr...tning-strikes/


Act of god ??? Message from God ??? So is Singapore Mrt system safe to travel or not ? Mr Lee & Mr Khaw ?

[skyleon]

Defence agency roped in to defend MOT’s incompetence a waste of tax dollars

Protected November 20th, 2017 | Author: Contributions


The PAP government has continued to leave the issue of MOT’s (yes, ultimately it’s MOT’s responsibility) accountability unaddressed.

The SMRT wayang will soon include 5 additional actors who work full-time as engineers in Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA). [ CNA ]

This would not have happened in any other country. For example, in the US, would Donald Trump request for help from the Pentagon for, say, a looded subway/major disruptions? Isn’t PAP damn sia sway?

When the DSTA has to be roped in, rest assured the problems encountered by SMRT must be worse than anyone could have imagined.

Mission of DSTA:


Four members of DSTA board are Desmond Kuek’s former subordinates/successor:



It appears SMRT CEO will be receiving more support from his army buddies, besides those he had roped in earlier. ​

But how are these highest-paid paper generals going to resolve SMRT’s deep-seated cultural issues?

When MOT Minister Khaw is agreeable to anyhow accept ‘volunteers’ with zero relevant experience into top management, commuters had better be prepared for the mother of all major disruptions.

Phillip Ang


continue reading here : http://www.tremeritus.com/2017/11/20...f-tax-dollars/

[sionglim]

conductor cage, ? Pump in current test its effectiveness, ?? high volt test ,low current,.
Got conductor cage is one thing, vendor test say pass is also one thing.
Consumer must test.
Scarly all fail.
Its very frightening during thunder storm.
So many incident is wake up call to improve.
Waiting for mrt investigate n test report.

[skyleon]

MRT train on East-West Line struck by lightning: Do you know Singapore is known as the ‘lightning capital’?

PUBLISHED 3 HOURS AGO

Lydia Lam


SINGAPORE - A train on the East-West Line was struck by lightning and stalled near Bedok MRT station around 4pm on Monday (Nov 20), causing a delay in service between Tanah Merah and Paya Lebar.

The train captain said he was unwell and was taken to Changi General Hospital, where he was warded on Monday night.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Meteorological Service Singapore said a lightning stroke was detected near Tanah Merah MRT station at 3.37pm on Monday.

A lightning stroke refers to a discharge of lightning between a cloud and the earth, especially one that causes damage.

What are the different types of lightning and which is most common in countries like Singapore? The Straits Times finds out.

1. HOW DOES LIGHTNING FORM?

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...-also-known-as


The question here should be is our Mrt train protected from lightning strike or not ? Is it safe or not ?

[skyleon]

Lightning strikes MRT train; train captain receiving medical attention

PUBLISHED NOV 20, 2017, 5:04 PM SGT UPDATED2 HOURS AGO

Christopher TanSenior Transport Correspondent
Audrey Tan
Adrian LimTransport Correspondent
Lydia Lam


SINGAPORE - An MRT train on the East-West Line was struck by lightning and stalled near Bedok station a little past 4pm on Monday (Nov 20). As a result, journey times between Tanah Merah and Paya Lebar were delayed for at least 10 minutes.

The westbound train heading towards the city stalled as it was approaching Bedok MRT station, Mr Patrick Nathan, SMRT's vice-president of corporate communications, told The Straits Times in a statement.

Passengers were detrained at Bedok station, and the train was withdrawn from service for investigation. After the incident, the train captain, who said he was unwell, received medical attention.

The captain was taken to Changi General Hospital around 4.20pm by a Singapore Civil Defence Force ambulance in a conscious and alert state.

ST understands that the train captain suffered numbness and chest pains.

Mr Nathan said SMRT is "currently investigating this incident as a possible lightning strike".

SMRT said in an update later on Monday night that the train captain would be warded on Monday night at CGH for further observation. The operator is in touch with the captain, his family and his doctors.

Trains on surface lines are occasionally struck by lightning, but operator SMRT has said that occupants are protected and are unlikely to be injured in such an event.

Mr Nathan said that each train is protected by a “Faraday Cage”, an enclosure formed by conductive material that blocks electric fields and electric currents such as lightning strikes.

"The cage conducts current around the outside of the enclosed space with none passing through the interior. If lightning strikes, the electric current will travel through the outside shell of the train, not through the cabin, and pass through the wheels to the track. The train is grounded to the track," he said.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...jury-suspected


Hope the train captain get well soon .

[skyleon]

MRT train struck by lightning: Driver in stable condition, says Changi General Hospital


PUBLISHED 53 MIN AGO

Lester Hio



SINGAPORE - The train driver who was hospitalised at Changi General Hospital (CGH) on Monday (Nov 20), after lightning struck the train he was in, is in a stable condition, the hospital said on Tuesday morning.

"The patient is in stable condition but we are unable to share more due to patient confidentiality and privacy," CGH said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

An MRT train stalled near Bedok station a little past 4pm on Monday afternoon after being struck by lightning.

Following the incident, the train driver said he was unwell, and received medical attention before being taken conscious to CGH.

He was hospitalised there overnight for further observation. The Straits Times understands that he suffered numbness and chest pains.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...neral-hospital


Thank you for your update SGH . Glad to hear he is in stable condition .

[skyleon]

Lightning did not hit Bedok-bound train, affected trackside equipment instead: SMRT

The train driver has also been assessed to be well, the train operator said.

21 Nov 2017 02:26PM (Updated: 21 Nov 2017 03:00PM)


SINGAPORE: Investigations into the train that stalled as it was approaching Bedok MRT station on Monday (Nov 20) showed lightning did not hit the train itself, but rather affected trackside equipment, SMRT said on Tuesday.

This is contrary to some media reports that emerged after the incident which said that the train had been struck.

In a statement, SMRT's vice president of corporate communications Patrick Nathan said the train was immediately able to recover and move on its own power after the incident, moving passengers safely to Bedok station.

At Bedok station, passengers alighted and the train was promptly withdrawn from service to allow for a "thorough inspection" by SMRT's engineers, he added.

"We would like to reiterate that passengers’ safety, as well as that of our staff, is of paramount importance to us," Mr Nathan said in the statement.

He also reiterated that it is safe to travel in SMRT's trains during a lightning storm as they are protected by a faraday cage.


This is an enclosure formed by conductive material that blocks electric fields and electric currents, such as lightning strikes, from entering the trains. During lightning, the electric current will travel through the outside shell of the train and the wheels to the track, and not into the cabin, Mr Nathan explained.

After Monday's incident, the train driver said he was unwell and was warded at Changi General Hospital (CGH) overnight.

Channel NewsAsia understands that the man complained of numbness and chest pain.

Earlier on Tuesday, CGH said he was "in stable condition" but declined to give further details.

In his statement, Mr Nathan said the train driver was on medical leave for two days prior to the incident.

Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...ckside-9425456


So again defective equipment ? Why was it so ??? Still don't want to set up an independent COI Mr Kkaw . I certainly sure won't want to travel on SMRT trains .

[skyleon]

Lightning struck trackside equipment, not train that stalled at Bedok station: SMRT

PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO

Lester Hio


SINGAPORE - Transport operator SMRT has refuted claims that a lightning strike hit a train as it approached Bedok station on Monday (Nov 20), which caused the westbound train to stall.

Instead, trackside equipment was affected by lightning, causing the disruption, SMRT said on Tuesday.

It added that the train driver who was admitted to hospital after the supposed “lightning incident” had also been on medical leave for two days over the weekend.

Following the incident, he was admitted for observation as a precautionary measure after reporting that he was feeling unwell.
“He has been assessed to be well and remains under observation,” said SMRT spokesman Patrick Nathan.

After investigations, “our engineers... confirmed that the train was not hit by lightning. Instead, lightning affected trackside equipment”, SMRT said in its statement.

“After the lightning incident, the train was immediately able to recover and move on its own power, moving passengers safely to Bedok station. At Bedok station, passengers alighted and the train was promptly withdrawn from service to allow for a thorough inspection by our engineers,” said Mr Nathan.

He added that it is safe for passengers to travel in trains during a lightning storm as trains are protected by a Faraday Cage.


continue reading here : http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...alled-at-bedok

[skyleon]

Protraying the type of protectionism that back rumours of cronyism

Published on 2017-11-21 by Ghui


by Ghui

No one is in doubt that Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan is working very hard and trying his best. That said, in the face of an ongoing transportation crisis, does hard work equate effective results?

Even if Minister Khaw is indeed doing all he can, the point of the matter is that public confidence in him has completely eroded and sometimes, those in power have to make the hard decisions for the greater good. It bears remembering that this is a job like any other and if one is not performing, one has to face the consequences of not doing so. This isn't a schoolyard gang where you back up your own. This is a public service job funded by public money.

Are Minister Shanmugam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong putting party loyalty above state concerns?

I understand that both PM Lee and Minister Shanmugam are trying to be supportive of their fellow minister and putting up a cohesive front. But does this closing of ranks best Singapore's interests? However unintentionally, it just comes across as they type of protectionism that provides fodder for rumours of cronyism even if that is the not case.

Minister Shanmugam has tried to defend Minister Khaw by listing all of his previous accomplishments in other government departments. How is that relevant to our current issue?

He then proceeds to talk about how Mr Khaw has had a tough few years. No offence but how is that solving the problem? We all have had tough times at our jobs and still had to perform or face the risk of a chop. The two issues are completely unrelated. The Ministers get paid huge salaries for doing their jobs. In the face of these series of blunders, there is no time for a "there there you poor thing" pat on the back!

Is this the pervading attitude of those ensconced in power - which they are given slack because the job is tough?

PM Lee is a little more contrite, acknowledging that public confidence has been hurt. While that sentiment is encouraging, he stopped short at providing solutions and also attempted to explain how difficult the job is which in my opinion, misses the point completely. He even asked the public to go on supporting Mr Khaw.

While I have nothing personal against Mr Khaw and do sincerely believe that he has inherited a poisoned chalice, I still think that there has to be some semblance of accountability. He is the face of public transport. If it isn't working out, we need a new face to bring on change. The government must see that and do the right thing. The ills that have plagued the MRT are not new and in fact keep on escalating!


continue reading here : https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/201...s-of-cronyism/

[skyleon]

2 full-day shutdowns, shorter operating hours for 19 NSEWL MRT stations in December: LTA, SMRT

By Lianne Chia @LianneChiaCNA


21 Nov 2017 05:30PM (Updated: 21 Nov 2017 05:32PM)


SINGAPORE: Seventeen East-West Line (EWL) MRT stations and two North-South Line (NSL) MRT stations will be fully closed on Dec 10 and Dec 17 to allow for extended engineering hours, train operator SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Nov 21).

In addition, from Dec 8 to Dec 31, the 17 EWL stations from Tiong Bahru to Tuas Link as well as Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak stations on the NSL will close earlier on Fridays and Saturdays (at 11pm) and open later on Saturdays and Sundays (at 8am), according to the statement.

The shorter operating hours will double engineering and track access time for engineers to "accelerate" re-signalling works on the EWL, LTA and SMRT said.

Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak are affected as engineering works will extend to Jurong East MRT station, a heavily used intersection of the NSL and EWL, they added.

With extended engineering hours from December 2017, the completion of re-signalling works on the EWL will be "significantly accelerated" from the end of 2018 to June 2018, authorities added. Works for the NSL are on track to be completed by next month.

In the first half of 2018, reduced train service hours will also be introduced along other stretches of the NSEWL, said LTA and SMRT. Parallel shuttle buses will be provided along affected MRT stations during affected hours and fares will follow the rail fare structure.

The move comes after a software glitch in the EWL signalling system caused two trains to collide at Joo Koon MRT station last week, injuring 38 people.

Later that day, authorities identified the “inadvertent” disabling of a software protection feature as the reason for an approaching train hitting another, stalled train at Joo Koon station. The software glitch arose when a faulty train was transiting between the old and new signalling systems, said LTA earlier.

Two signalling systems actively operate on the EWL - the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, which is active between Tuas Link and Pioneer MRT stations, and the legacy signalling system, which controls train movements between Pioneer and Pasir Ris stations.

The revised engineering schedule announced on Tuesday will accelerate re-signalling works on the EWL, "so that train services on the entire line, including TWE (Tuas West Extension), can run seamlessly on the new CBTC system", the joint statement said.

This will also provide more time for other renewal projects and maintenance works to "improve overall reliability" on the NSEWL.

Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, LTA's chief executive, said that more details would be announced at a later date and that LTA would "work with public transport operators" to ensure there are alternatives for commuters who need to travel along the stretches affected.

Read more at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/...wl-mrt-9425326


Why don't you guys close the entire NSL & EWL for 1 month to further expedite the process ? In the mean time please provide free bridging bus services for your commuters . Please ensure all safety protocols for your workers during this period of time .

[sionglim]

kawasaki qing dao now moving like tortise
Cabin.no. xxxx:: made in 2016