Faulty in-train LCD displays unacceptable after fare hike, says Stomper, but SMRT has other problems

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Calvan

A daily MRT commuter found it unacceptable that the information screens on the train were not working properly after a recent increase in public transport fares.

Stomper Calvan shared a video of the malfunctioning in-train LCD displays on Dec 28.

"I am not understanding this," said the Stomper. "I'm taking the train every day and today, I take the train and see no info shown on the MRT screens.

"The public transport fare increased and this type of service can be provided to us. This really cannot be accepted."

From Dec 23, public transport fares for adults who pay by card increased by up to 11 cents as the overall cost of bus and train rides went up by 7 per cent.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat had said in Parliament on Oct 15 that public transport fares should not be tied to service levels, reported The Straits Times.

"LTA (Land Transport Authority) has put in place different measures to hold the operators accountable for meeting their service and reliability standards," said the minister.

"For example, by imposing penalties for lapses and setting incentives for good performance. So there are carrots and sticks within the system to incentivise the rail and bus operators to maintain high service and reliability standards, without directly using the fare review exercise to achieve this outcome."

It would also appear that SMRT has more pressing problems than faulty LCD displays as the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) had three "incidents" within a week from Dec 27 to Jan 2.

The rail operator posted on Facebook on Jan 3 that the incidents were unrelated and engineers from SMRT, LTA, and train manufacturer Alstom were working together to investigate the root causes of each incident.

"Despite these incidents, train services continued operating in both directions," added SMRT.

"Commuters were advised to plan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes of travel time."

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