The authority added that it will continue to work closely with tripartite partners to maintain the reliability of Singapore’s rail system and provide smooth and convenient rail journeys for commuters.
SMRT may appeal Friday’s decision to the Minister for Transport, who will either reject the appeal and confirm LTA’s decision, or allow the appeal and substitute or vary LTA’s decision.
The Minister’s decision on the appeal is final.
On Friday, SMRT’s President Lam Sheau Kai noted LTA’s directive for it to invest in its capabilities.
“Workforce development and upskilling have long been our core priorities for SMRT, and this directive is fully aligned with our ongoing commitment to invest in our staff,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
On the challenges SMRT faced in overhauling the old KHI trains, Mr Lam added: “Had the pandemic not occurred, all KHI trains would have been replaced by the new (Movia) R151 trains as planned, and the incident might have been prevented.
“He added that SMRT will strengthen its direct engagement with original equipment manufacturers of trains and systems, and deepen its technical and engineering expertise through closer collaboration with these partners.
It will also work closely with LTA and train manufacturer Alstom to progressively roll out its new fleet of Movia trains and fully phase out the KHI trains by this September, Mr Lam said.
Responding to CNA’s queries on whether SMRT would appeal against LTA’s decision, Mr Lam said that the operator submitted its representations shortly after receiving notice from LTA about the penalty.
“We acknowledge receipt of LTA’s notice to impose the penalty and note that LTA has taken our representations into consideration in its decision,” Mr Lam added.
