Vid Hypersonic April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_792089.html SMRT to spend about $900 million to tackle MRT woes A systematic upgrade of the North-South and East-West MRT lines will roll out from this year and be completed by 2020 or so. The plan, designed to make Singapore's oldest metro lines more robust, is expected to cost around $900 million, possibly more. Rail operator SMRT Corp announced the upgrade at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon after a spate of embarrassing breakdowns took place over the last two weeks. To be carried out in stages, the plan includes replacing all metal claws holding the power-supplying 'third rail' up with the latest type that can be bolted down and are far more resistant to vibration than the claws in use today. A system will also be put in place that measures track vibration levels. Older trains will also have their propulsion systems replaced. About half of the 128 trains plying the North-South and East-West lines are 25 years old. The signalling systems of both lines will also be replaced with newer systems. Besides being more reliable, they will also allow trains to run at a higher frequency to better cater to peak-hour crowds. The most tedious part of the plan involves replacing all the rail sleepers - timber or concrete pieces that hold up the tracks. This will start this year, and take up to 2020 or so. SMRT said disruptions in the last two weeks were caused by electrical as well as mechanical faults. The Circle Line breakdown on April 18 was caused by a short circuit of the communications network. the system tripped because of a 'defective power cable'. East-west line disruptions on April 13 and 17 were caused by faulty air compressors, while another breakdown on April 8 was caused by power loss to an obstacle detection system. The cost of the upgrading - the biggest and most comprehensive since the MRT trains started running 25 years ago - will be borne by both SMRT and the Land Transport Authority. The two lines will be closed in stages to facilitate works. Who's going to pay for it? My guess is either communters or govt payout ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyfitms Twincharged April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 good reason to increase fares from now til 2020 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kangadrool Supersonic April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 whether commuters pay or gahment pays, it's still taxpayers paying. U and me pay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackyv Turbocharged April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 dont worry, ah gong is working on the numbers... for bus alone, they are willing to fork out 1.1b, im sure the 900m is wet wet water ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celicar Turbocharged April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 Upgrading should have been anticipated from day 1, I don't understand why things have to come to this stage before those earning top $$$ in SMRT wake up. Shame shame. :angry: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Altivo 3rd Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 If they had carried out progressive upgrades/maintenance previously, then there is no need for this massive upgrade. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoverofCar 6th Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 So go and tell that EX CEO Saw...what profit did she make for the company during her stay? All about to be coughed out now... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vid Hypersonic April 24, 2012 Author Share April 24, 2012 A corporation such as the SMRT have been reaping profits after profits. Yet they save on the most important element of their success - the tracks and train Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happily1986 5th Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 A corporation such as the SMRT have been reaping profits after profits. Yet they save on the most important element of their success - the tracks and train to be fair, i think the lion's share of this allotment goes to the signalling system. A complete overhaul and/or upgrade can cost a billion on its own. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tjkbeluga 5th Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 So go and tell that EX CEO Saw...what profit did she make for the company during her stay? All about to be coughed out now... SORRY HOR!!!! Their profit is STILL their profit hor.... Money for all these reparing will have to dig from somewhere else.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoverofCar 6th Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 SORRY HOR!!!! Their profit is STILL their profit hor.... Money for all these reparing will have to dig from somewhere else.... very true...fare increase on the way! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainman 1st Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 Similar upgrade? Sounds like clearing backlog which they should be doing ages ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tjkbeluga 5th Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 I wonder..... Will take up to 2020 to complete.... by then, 8 years already, won't it need to be replaced again? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerwoods Turbocharged April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 Where are they going to find the money ? This sounds like a Somalian Scam ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
questionedfish Clutched April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 i smell fare increase....possibly 2013. hope i'm wrong! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vid Hypersonic April 24, 2012 Author Share April 24, 2012 i smell fare increase....possibly 2013. hope i'm wrong! I'm sure they won't wait until 2013. Will probably be 2nd half of this year Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pchmj Clutched April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 I'm sure they won't wait until 2013. Will probably be 2nd half of this year They say no fare increase this year. So next year increase more to make up, easy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kungming 1st Gear April 24, 2012 Share April 24, 2012 Siao liao loh, how to justify performance bonus for staff for the next few years? Shareholders also jialat, can forget about dividend liaoz. ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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