Expect Longer MRT Train Intervals During Off-Peak Hours

Train delays, breakdowns and long intervals are the banes of our existence. Trying to get from one place to another fast and smoothly?

The train says no and proceeds to waste the next 15 minutes of your life.

That’s a picture of an angry train.

It might be worse during peak periods, as everyone is rushing to and from work.

What about non-peak periods then? Would it be better to have interval adjustments?

Longer Intervals during Off-peak Periods

Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan suggested that train intervals could be more dynamically managed to keep intervals longer during off-peak periods and shorter during peak hours.

According to findings of an international panel, matching the length of intervals to commuter demand can help to reduce the maintenance cost of MRT lines.

This optimizes the use of resources and reduces unnecessary wear and tear on the system that drives down maintenance costs.

Wait, does this mean that taking MRTs will be cheaper? *fingers crossed* 

Need To Reduce Costs For Intensive Maintenance Efforts

You must be wondering, why is this all necessary?

Well, it all boils down to cost efficiency in rail operations. Due to the intensive maintenance effort to improve reliability in recent years, fare prices have gone up to cover the rising cost of operators.

However, they are still unable to cover their rising cost with fares alone.

This is where the operators seek to reduce costs.

Singapore’s Train Frequency Is Higher Than In Other Countries

Currently, the trains arrive at a frequency of up to three minutes during peak hours, and five minutes for off-peak hours. This is much more frequent than other established metro operators in the region, according to a Land Transport Authority spokesperson.

Mr Khaw took Hong Kong as an example, noting that their trains run at intervals of between eight and 14 minutes during off-peak periods. In Taipei, the intervals go up to 10 minutes.

Hence, he recommended transport operators to experiment this with its train lines and adjust intervals according to commuter demand. This means longer intervals for off-peak periods for us.

The only consolation? We get to have shorter intervals for peak periods.

Will this be better for both commuters and train operators? Or will things still be the same?

I, for sure, would appreciate a more reliable train ride during peak periods at the expense of longer waiting time in off-peak periods. How about you?