Express Train Services Not Possible

Source : Weekend TODAY, September 8, 2007

Letter from KUEK CHOR LING
Manager, Corporate Marketing and
Communications, SMRT Corporation

I REFER to Mayur Vora’s letter, “Limited express train services could help ease bottlenecks” (Sept 3). The writer suggested that SMRT conduct a trial on limited express train services with selected stops during peak hours.

We would like to explain that this is not feasible as our current track system was not designed to operate express trains. There is no parallel track to allow a train to bypass stations or overtake another train.

In addition, trains arrive at a station every two to four minutes during peak hours. The express train idea will mean that passengers have to wait for selected trains instead of being able to take every train passing through the station. This may create confusion and result in overcrowding in the stations.

Nevertheless, we thank the writer for the suggestion.