LTA tightens regulatory noose on train operators after disruptions

The transport body plans to impose tougher audits and possibly raise fines to prevent a repeat of last December's train service disruptions.

Overall, the Land Transport Authority will strengthen the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) regulatory framework in four key areas: (i) Maintenance of Rail Assets; (ii) Incident Management; (iii) Operating Performance Standards (OPS) and (iv) Penalty Framework, it said in a release.

These regulatory changes are expected to be effected by the end of the year, it added.

"LTA will introduce more prescriptive maintenance requirements on RTS operators. They will be required to submit maintenance plans annually instead of 2-yearly, and the coverage will expand from safety-critical items to include those that could affect reliability," LTA said.

"The operators will also be required to carry out an internal audit of their own maintenance processes and activities on an annual basis. LTA will require SMRT to engage independent experts to audit their maintenance processes every three years, with a view towards ensuring that the maintenance regime is appropriate and adequate to ensure the continued safety and reliability of an aging RTS infrastructure and operating assets. LTA will also work with SMRT to study scheduled closures of sections of the system to allow for more comprehensive maintenance works," it added.

"The RTS operators will be required to introduce formal processes to track indicators and analyse faults, with on-condition monitoring to provide for real-time analysis of faults and failures. This will allow for the early detection of problems and timely preventive actions to be taken," it said.

Beyond specific regulatory impositions, LTA will also work with the RTS operators to inculcate an "excellence mindset" on their maintenance approach, which will include a framework of self-assessments, harmonising work procedures and internal supervisory checks on maintenance works.

LTA will also require the RTS operators to seek its approval for their Rail Incident Management Plans (RIMP). This will allow LTA to make changes to the RIMP and direct the RTS operators to adjust their plans as necessary. LTA will also review SMRT's command structure and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that it is well-equipped to manage large-scale incidents The maximum fine, currently set at $1 million that can be imposed on the RTS operators for extended train service disruptions to adequately reflect the impact on commuters, will also undergo a review.

"While LTA has in the past adopted a more outcome-based regulatory approach with a specific focus on the safety-critical aspects, we acknowledge that LTA needs to do more and provide greater regulatory oversight to ensure greater train reliability," said LTA on why the regulatory changes were needed.