The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has commenced regulatory investigations into the disruption of train services on the East-West Line between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations from 25 to 30 September 2024.

2.        The severe disruption to East-West Line service affected a large group of commuters over 6 days. It also caused substantial damage to rail infrastructure which required extensive repairs.

Scope of investigations

3.        LTA will conduct thorough investigations across a number of areas.  First, we will investigate the root cause of the axle box failure. LTA’s investigations will include a forensic study into the nature of the axle box failure, and identify any other potential contributory factors that led to the incident.

4.        Second, LTA will examine the fault detection and incident handling procedures, to determine if appropriate actions were taken. LTA’s investigations will review the existing procedures, and propose measures to improve detection of such faults, minimise disruptions to service, and prevent damage to rail infrastructure.

5.        Third, LTA will review the service recovery and disruption mitigation efforts, to ascertain the timeliness and comprehensiveness of the responses taken by the operator, including the speed of deployment of the bridging bus services, effectiveness of announcements on the disruption, clarity of guidance to commuters on alternative travel options, and overall crowd management.

Appointment of Expert Advisory Panel (EAP)

6.        To support its investigations, LTA will appoint an Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) to review the findings and advise on technical matters.

7.        The panel will be chaired by Mr Malcolm Dobell, former Head of Train Systems for London Underground, and comprises five other local and overseas experts. Mr Dobell, Dr Tony Lee and Mr Chen Chao have extensive expertise in rail operations and maintenance; Mr Chew Tai Chong’s expertise is in rail system engineering and train design; Professor Gan Hiong Yap has expertise in railway engineering, while Professor Manoj Gupta is an expert in material science with a background in mechanical engineering.

8.        As part of the investigations, LTA will gather the facts, interview staff involved, review records and evidence, and consult with the EAP. Investigations are expected to be completed in a few months, and LTA will release its findings to the public.


Annex:  Profiles of the Expert Advisory Panel (EAP)