A train collision at Joo Koon Station which was apparently caused by a software glitch between the old and new signalling systems of the East-West Line (EWL) and Tuas West Extension last Wednesday, Nov. 15, had prompted the SMRT authorities to halt train operations between Joo Koon and Tuas Link stations the following day, Nov. 16 until Nov. 20 to allow for investigations to be made by French signalling contractor, Thales, regarding the incident which had left 36 passengers injured.
As a result, there will be no train operations between Joo Koon and Tuas Link stations from Nov. 17 up to Nov. 19. Train operations between Joo Koon and Gul Circle will also be indefinitely suspended from Nov. 20 onwards. Given this situation, the LTA and SMRT have organized bus-linking services to accommodate all affected commuters in all affected areas starting Thursday, Nov. 16.
Train operations between Joo Koon and Tuas West Extension Stations will be suspended for up to a month starting Nov 16
In light of this development, the Tuas West Extension, which runs along Tuas Crescent, Tuas West Road, the Gul Circle and the Tuas Link stations, will be isolated from the rest of the East-West Line for up to a month according to an announcement by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) last Nov. 16.
The EWL operates on the old signalling system whereas the Tuas West Extension runs on the new one.
While train services between Gul Circle station and Tuas West Extension are set to resume on Nov 20 (Monday), this segment of the line will be isolated from the rest of the train network as it will still operate on the old signalling system.
A series of investigation and operation checks were made by Thales on both train lines to review the old and new signalling systems, and they have confirmed that both are safe to provide service independently, according to the LTA.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan expressed that the recent incident demands more caution from the LTA and SMRT and he strongly stands by the decision to “isolate” the Tuas West Extension from the rest of the EWL for up to a month or until such time that the EWL is set to operate on the new signalling system to ensure safety and reliability of the train’s services.