Singapore fines operator $2.3M over massive MRT disruption affecting millions

By VNA June 4, 2025 | 02:48 pm PT

People at an MRT station in Singapore. Photo by Pexels

Singapore's rail operator SMRT has been fined 3 million SGD (US$2.33 million) after a major six-day disruption crippled the East–West MRT (mass rapid transit) Line in late 2024, affecting some 2.6 million journeys, one of the worst breakdowns in the country's train history.

In a statement issued on June 3, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said the penalty was determined after taking into account the overall impact, including SMRT’s expenditure of over $7.75 million on repairs and alternative transport arrangements for commuters.

LTA noted that SMRT had responded promptly by deploying free public buses to reduce commuter inconvenience. The affected section between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations was quickly isolated, repairs were completed on Sept. 30, and full train services resumed on Oct. 1, 2024.

The penalty amount will be channelled into the Public Transport Fund to assist lower-income families with commuting expenses.

Under current regulations, rail operators can be fined up to $750,000 or 10% of annual fare revenue from the affected line, whichever is higher. SMRT reported earnings of $6.2 million before interest and tax for the 2023/24 financial year from operating the Bukit Panjang LRT and four MRT lines.