Singapore’s public transport operator SMRT announced that they will be extending the ban on mobile service along the Circle Line to the whole day because they are unable to ascertain the source of a “mysterious” interference signal that is disrupting their train signalling system.
Also announced on their official Twitter channel, SMRT said that trains running along all 30 stations of the Circle Line will be delayed. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT are currently running tests while the trains will be driven manually.
As of publication time (1.14pm), Circle Line stations are seeing serious overcrowding and the situation is likely to worsen during the Friday evening peak hours from 5pm to 8.30pm. Although passengers are advised to avoid taking the Circle Line if possible, the other train lines may see worsening overcrowding as spillover effects.
The termination of mobile services along the Circle Line may also pose serious security concerns as commuters will not be able to notify the authorities if they witness a crime.
There is no mention of compensation by SMRT and the telco companies. The amount of economic losses from the two-day long breakdown and train delays is at an estimated $300,000.