[stephenkhoo]

SMRT-ing from train failures

Last week’s multiple train breakdowns in Singapore may spell trouble for the prime minister

SINGAPORE’S multiple train breakdowns have become a political hot potato for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who must now take steps to assure an angry public that there is accountability in government and that authorities can cope with emergencies.
The city-state, known for its efficient government, spectacular skyline and dozens of luxurious shopping centres, suffered three major subway disruptions last week, each lasting several hours.
Last Thursday, hundreds of commuters were trapped underground without light and ventilation for more than an hour before they heard from train operator SMRT.
The breakdown on the north-south line, which connects the north of the island to the city centre and serves the main Orchard Road shopping belt, caused huge traffic jams, with crowds spilling into the streets to try to find a way home.
Singapore, one of the world’s most densely populated countries, discourages car ownership through hefty taxes, leaving most commuters to rely on the subway. Lee has promised a full inquiry and the government regulator has stepped in to check trains and subway lines.
Lee’s People’s Action Party (PAP) has been in power since independence in 1965. It saw its share of vote dip to just over 60 per cent — its lowest share ever — in May parliamentary elections with government accountability, inflation, big income gaps and an influx of foreign workers key issues among voters.
“A breakdown in train services is in itself no big deal. That happens all over the world. However, foreign investors are looking with great interest at how the government is dealing with an electorate that seems to demand more accountability,” said Hans Vriens, the managing partner of a Singapore-based corporate advisory firm.
The incident also puts into spotlight on whether some of Singapore state companies are behind the times.
“SMRT with its twitter service from 9am to 5pm clearly doesn’t cut it,” said Vriens, referring to the company’s failure to use new media to disseminate information.
He was on a train that broke down on Saturday morning.
Passengers complained that SMRT staff were slow to inform them, including those stuck on trains, about the disruptions and what was being done to help those who had been stranded.
The problems were made worse when several shuttle buses called in to ferry affected passengers were late, due in part to drivers losing their way, the Straits Times newspaper reported on Monday.
Several commentators called for the resignation of SMRT chief executive officer Saw Phaik Hwa, and more than 1,400 people signed an online petition asking her to leave. Saw said she had no plans to quit.
Analysts expect the government to become more actively involved in overseeing the operations of public transport operators SMRT and ComfortDelGro, which in the short-term could hurt earnings.
Saw, who has been credited with trebling SMRT’s net profit to S$161.1 million (RM393 million) over the past eight years, had already been under fire for overcrowded trains and frequent breakdowns in the subway system.
The Workers’ Party, the largest group in the opposition, which controls six of 87 seats in Parliament, asked if the increasing breakdowns along two subway lines were the result of insufficient investment in maintenance and upgrades.
“If so, were the lack of essential investments a result of pressure on the public-listed MRT operators to minimise costs and maximise profits for the benefit of their shareholders, at the expense of the 2.3 million commuters?”
SMRT is a subsidiary of Singapore state investor Temasek, whose CEO Ho Ching, is Lee’s wife.
Other commentators voiced concerns about Singapore’s ability to cope with civil emergencies, given the inadequate response by SMRT to the breakdowns when they first occurred.
“Imagine if the service disruption was caused by a terrorist attack and the panic, confusion, and fear multiplied many times,” said Eugene Tan, an assistant professor of law at Singapore Management University.
He said part of the problem was because of SMRT staff not being given the authority to make decisions on the spot.
“Standard operating procedures did not work and SMRT staff seemed disempowered, awaiting instructions from higher up, to deal with the fluid situation,” Tan said.
CIMB economist Song Seng Wun said the breakdowns, if not handled well, could be another flashpoint for politicians in the next election on top of other longstanding issues.
“Thrown into a first-time crisis like this, too many people just froze, while waiting around like a headless chicken looking for guidance,” Song said.
“The handling of an unknown emergency is still somewhat lacking. It just illustrates that Singapore Inc doesn’t respond well if there is no manual.” Reuters

[stephenkhoo]

I have no comments as this is SMRT which is a listed organization structurally run and capitalized by the GLC state own company Temasek. Their key objective is to be competitive and give the best returns for to their shareholders. In this new world economy government and regulatory are tied down by market driven forces so I doubt any echo for the CEO or government to put a strong footing will happen. Much like the recently case when an SIA plane from Jakarta had to circle and fly to KL to refuel before heading back to SG to land 4 hours delayed. Part of capitalism is class division so if you are elite you get the best of breed services and efficiency otherwise you fall into the bell curve like everyone else diluted in service and accountability.

Other than quickly fixing the issues and increasing the frequency of trains they will not risk investing due to this recent spate of breakdowns.

My feel is everyone including analyst is waiting for more clear indications from market results job data and clarity of Europe debt situation. As in 2009 the US FED used stressed test instrument to provide confidence to banks maybe ECB will come up with a new market valuation formula to rate the debt exposures.

[stephenkhoo]

here is a commentary written in ST. what is this? using smell? I know this for years since I started taking mrt and bus it is also because of our hot and humid weather that people sweat easily and profusely. With or without the heated bodies during peak hours even at home my wife will nag at me for being sweaty and stinky! The best formulae for easing mrt congestion is to improve public transport services, add more routes and secondary services such as feeder or lrt. Better still is to encourage walking and cycling to nearby kiosk or maybe even car pool for some. Although it takes a professional to plan and schedule transport tables but it certainly does not take a politician or ceo of a transport company alot of stress or knowledge to simply assure the masses that transport is a vital component of our economy and daily lives. In this new age we live in, we rely on critical resources such as transport and communication. These 2 should go hand in hand.