Global Issues - Train Services

I have been doing evaluation for global issues recently for one of my module and thought it'll be good to post it up. Pardon me for some of my grammar mistakes or even the lack of substantial ideas. Trying to improve on it!

Transport Issues – Train Services

According to Channel News Asia on 29 August 2012, Singapore is coming up with a new mass rapid transit (MRT) line. The Thomson Line which has 22 stations is estimated to open in 2019 instead of the previous indication of 2018. The new MRT line is expected to provide greater convenience as it will be connected to six interchange stations and facilitate transfer for many residents. The Thomson Line will also be advancement in the transport sector of Singapore as we will see progress in the technology used to minimize the hazard during the process of building the train tracks.

On the other hand, Yahoo News reports on 20 April 2012 on the third major MRT disruption in Singapore since December 2011. It provides an account of how the disruptions have caused the public to be late for school and work. In the article, anger and negative opinions of the public is being voiced out. Many people are criticizing SMRT for their unsatisfying service and sarcastic remarks about how the MRT disruptions are like the recent flooding incidents, becoming so unpleasantly common. Lamenting at how the measures SMRT have put it failed, consumers feel unjustified for the time they wasted due to train disruptions.

From ‘Public Transport Victoria’ on 21 June 2012, in Victoria, Australia, the authorities are coming up with planned disruptions in their train services. Similar to Singapore, they are introducing a new ‘Regional Rail Link’ that will provide new stations. However, the main difference is that they are planning for train services to be temporarily stopped so that they are able to conduct their “maintenance and renewal program”.

I feel that although the new MRT line may seem to provide more convenience to the people, we cannot be sure that the additional of 22 new stations will not result in greater train faults and disruptions. The fact that people are already pushing the blame of increased train faults to the recent opening of the circle line, there may be more complaints and anger if the new MRT line fails to provide quality service. While it may be unavoidable that train tracks may wear and tear, I feel that the building of the new train line should be taken even more seriously by the government than before. Also, what Australia is doing may seem to be feasible. The Singapore government should consider seeking a temporary disruption in the train services so as to allow for better upgrading of the tracks.

 References

1.       Public Transport Victoria (21 June 2012): http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/planned-disruptions-to-train-and-tram-services/

2.       Yahoo News (20 April 2012): http://sg.news.yahoo.com/mrt-breakdowns--like-floods--are-now-part-of-singapore-life---.html

3.       Channel News Asia (29 August 2012): http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1222777/1/.html