In an interview, SMU Assistant Professor of Strategy & Entrepreneurship (Education) Terence Fan explained that train lines operate on customised systems shaped by factors such as signalling, train age, and mechanical issues, so recent disruptions are varied and not directly linked. He noted that problems often occur when lines are newly launched, like the Thomson-East Coast Line, due to complex integration, or when they age, as with the East-West Line, where wear and rust set in. While earlier trains appeared more reliable, Asst Prof Fan suggested that today’s higher operating frequency may be straining the network. He stressed that breakdowns impose socio-economic costs on businesses and underscored the need for greater investment in maintenance.
