Singapore Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung apologises to train commuters for MRT service disruption

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung on Thursday (Oct 15) apologised to train commuters for the inconvenience caused the previous night after a power fault caused a disruption to multiple MRT lines.
SMRT says the breakdown of the insulation of a power cable and an attempt to restore power to two MRT lines without "first isolating the fault" led to the disruption in another line: cna.asia/319PEnz
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[@okayyyy335]

I liked his response. He expressed apologies sincerely, kept it short and sharp and thanked everyone who helped out yesterday. He also pointed out how complex the system is (if you haven’t read it yet, read the Medium post by a data scientist who did a lot of calculations to find a train that had been causing previous SMRT train breakdowns). Hopefully over time, we will have backups prepared. One thing worth pointing out was the lack of in-train announcements warning commuters of the trains stopping at select stations. Hope this can be improved :)

[@abangadikingreenontheirpmd4055]

First Minister to say sorry? I like this guy

[@heroshen]

How about now?

[@hermesz_]

Dude is relatively new to the job and has already apologised and not deflect the blame to others. He even thanked the staff working during the incident. Meanwhile, from SMRT CEO, not a peep from him. Like what, generals cannot say sorry or acknowledge fault?

[@freesoul6876]

The way he speech out is very clear and cut and honest he knew people work behind doing a hard job he appreciates well done sir👍🏽

[@isorokuyamamoto8423]

He took responsibility which every boss should...... not like his past predecessors or ex CEOs. That's a good improvement compared to last time i think... hope our public transport improves under his leadership

[@nele3055]

Probably the first and only PAP minister that i’m beginning to like. 👍 That’s the way! Apologise and improve!

[@patriciaselwyn3983]

Gave his apology in a sincere, succinct and humble way. Lucky to have this man in Government!

[@wanyewmun5457]

He will apologize, but the rest of won't. Not even one.

[@heroshen]

how about now?

[@Leon-ld2rb]

First time the apologies came in so fast! Good job!

[@leehyunsong7001]

Why Transport minister needs to apologize? Where is the smrt CEO all the while?

[@sushibuffet1480]

at least he knows how to apologise for a mistake that lasted one night unlike his colleague in parliament whose mistake lasted 8 months (and still counting) but thick skin don't want to apologise

[@donnk]

yes that shameless woman

[@sohya_bean]

Only know how to keep quiet and try to deflect responsibility. How she is still MOM boggles me.

[@lioneye5048]

This is how a good Minister should do. Dare to admit, apologise and be thankful for the people who stood with him. Salute to him.

[@huiyingtanyayap]

This is such a beautiful country . You don’t see high level people apologize for a mistake in Most of the country .

[@elliotw.888]

actually it's usually the opposite. he's the exception as opposed to the norm. in many other modern Western democracies, such incidences usually force the minister to tender a resignation immediately. but here we just suck it up and wait for the next ge

[@tanbryan7824]

He is v humble.

[@traviskoh999]

Say sorry got use?

[@alexzhang6027]

依然支持你，很清晰很透明，任何的成就都是从问题中找到答案，只有暴露问题才可以避免下一次，谢谢部长

[@arrowstheorem1881]

Said sorry and no heads rolled. Best! I applying for a job there

[@danieltan2270]

Thought we are supposed to design the system to prevent multiple line breakdown from a single point failure. There are rooms for improvements

[@LimJoe]

First apology from a minister I have heard in my lifetime until now, and giving his technician and work staff due credit.

[@polarspirit]

I've never heard any ministers apologised before. This is the first.

[@Shah-pr5ur]

There is no problem with our transport system la.Why when it was first started we weren't experiencing things like this?Ask yourself,what happens when you exceed your phone's storage limit??? The same thing here,small country but we're over populated with them foreigners.

[@rachel7919]

Proffesional,tactful and sincere..Good to see our minister apologetic about situation and look at positive aspect of things despite negative incident.😎💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@soonleongong4863]

Sir, The system really need major upgrade, not patching here and there. Please look into the loud noise in the MRT tunnel when travelling. if we need to change the train please change it, the noise level is way too high.

[@MsRockzz]

I always had a good vibe about Ong Ye Kung. He seems really in touch with the ground and always says thank you and isn’t afraid to apologise

[@kennySg101]

I applaud the courage to take responsibility. 4G leadership should be transparent, bold and accountable. 1 thumb up for minister Ong.

[@gregoriysharapov1936]

Apart from his humility, I like his wit. Saying that he had a rough night because he had an allergic reaction 😂

[@karma4990]

There is no need for apology ,all needed was review why it failed and if it's human ,work neglect or technology issues . Everyone in the country , workers are hard working so no need to reiterate about your team.

[@blessedone1631]

Amazing leadership.

[@blessedone1631]

Respect totally how Minister Ong was so authentic, took accountability of a stressful situation and turned it into a thanksgiving and motivational speech for all involved. That singular Chinese phrase that so aptly applied spoke volume also of the depth of this extraordinary leader. I'm rooting for him to be my next PM.

[@thirdeye6025]

No need to apologise la... this is not new..🤣🤣🤣

[@yvonnechow7977]

From the comments, you can gather how much people want humility and sincerity in a minister. I hope the other ministers learn from Mr Ong and put away their pride.

[@wbgsci]

We all know the breakdown or power failure is not his fault. LOL.

[@wanyewmun5457]

Xia xue

[@the-real_LUCIFER]

MRT breakdowns Sometimes flood Bus somethings breakdown But ERP never breaks down. Only in Singapore ✌🏻

[@tonykwok9763]

Went up 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hongdaniel9373]

Good job, Minister Ong!

[@sgsg5975]

1st time said sorry. And counting......

[@farnix]

I feel that he is the right person for the job at least.

[@farnix]

@@thangvictor1184 well, he did do well before, so unless you have a magic ball to see into the future, give him a chance to prove his metal la...

[@farnix]

@@thangvictor1184 At least he showed his face and accept responsibilities, what else you want him to do? Crucify some SMRT engineers publicly? And unless you are an engineer; or a technician for the matter, you will know that no amount of technology or gadgets can eradicate human error completely.

[@DanielYapHZ]

He took over an incredibly difficult task! And in covid some more, he will need 3 eyes - land, air, and sea! Salute to him, JYJY OYK!!!!!

[@ImSEOKing]

Apology and sincerity is one thing... the true question to ask is .... Where are the backup power generators ?

[@Seramics]

He's good at Ministry of Education. Idk why they change him. PAP don't like sincere genuine man.

[@leehongwei4340]

maybe becoz ministry of transport need a guy like him. no doubt he will do good

[@user-zo7jc7wo8h]

Why can't other minister learn how to say "Simple Sorry".??

[@sohya_bean]

Yea unlike a certain female minister

[@CL-yo3xw]

@@sohya_bean “Not come across one migrant worker who has demanded an apology ”

[@sohya_bean]

@@CL-yo3xw cos she has nvr went to visit them lol

[@weiyang4589]

Seriously, do u expect the train to be 100% running all the time. Ingrateful people. Go design ur own train then. Just know, when ure working in ur own jobs, u make mistakes too, do you exprct the whole department to come after u and have u fired?

[@danieltan2270]

Thought we are supposed to design the system to prevent multiple line breakdown from a single point failure. There are rooms for improvements.

[@red_amoguss]

@wei yang You talk so much, go be a Transport minister then

[@weiyang4589]

@@red_amoguss lol moron

[@pPP-df2gw]

Moron

[@tanboonleong2511]

plp

[@lionheart8929]

Be responsible and accountable to the people who were inconvenienced by the disruption. The operator has to be fined a certain amount commensurate with the severity of inconvenience caused to commuters; and this fine MUST go back to the people/commuters in the forms of travel discounts, etc, something like what is practised in HK.

[@aajwadattes6318]

Few years back LTA fined SMRT due to breakdown of North-South and East-West lines about 5 million plus. So they may soon be fined.

[@tonykwok9763]

Few hours in pitch darkness in trains.....nightmares!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arrowstheorem1881]

SG Swiss standard!

[@busloxwcko7randy]

Tower Transit also serves the Northern route of Singapore in 2021

[@arrowstheorem1881]

If WP were responsible for the train and this happened? How will things be the same or different?

[@tonykwok9763]

Pants drop!!!!!

[@BaySean]

Mad Rush Train.

[@khoochongping454]

加油！

[@anonymousanonymous4963]

Look at the comments made by 61% Pap & 61% like father like son

[@woonhockkhoo4680]

Tengok menteri minta maaf.kalau salah

[@Coachchuateckguan]

He should be Prime Minister.

[@allenwalker6099]

apologise to the train captains also.

[@rusydididigamingandvlog2290]

Last night i was waiting for the bus on the way home no wonder so late ,MRT station all power system break down, that why cause the buses to be delays as crowded waiting

[@kuroryuzaki28]

You need to go back to primary school and relearn the basics of English grammar

[@timothyaugustine7093]

@100 Star Gaming nay it's because he smoked too much Winston's Classic that his brain fried and as a result, he couldn't use proper grammar to construct his sentences. /s

[@aizataiffin4526]

Pity for those who had to walk on the mrt track. Imagine if there is a wheelchair person.

[@tlt6650]

Please know that we are all humans and we do make mistakes! To be in a leadership role is never easy as everyone seems to blame those in charge ( that is those higher ups as we all call them), but do remember we all work together as a team which involves many, not just one!

[@sttalk2500]

Today on 16/10/2020, my mrt card show mismatch when I was to enter the gantry. I ask the stuff. The staff me that I did not tap when I was unboard the bus, so the staff said they need to deduct the fare from my Easy link card. However I am sure I do tap before Unboard. But never mind let take it that's I did not tap. The amount to be deduct should be to and from the journey, but the stuff deduct the full amount which come to about nearly $2. I am not arguing about the money that had been deducted, although it is not fair. But what my stand is , yesterday the transport minister had said that he will ensure the system to be in tip top condition. Today I encounter this issue. Can I ask a question from the minster of transport? Are you very confident that you will convert the MRT system to a tip top condition? And when can you fulfill it?

[@sttalk2500]

@Chia Family Is still their fault. Because someone said he want to make singapore as Zhi Hui Guo.

[@nathanchong7731]

He is open in sharing about her allergy reaction...

[@twong6531]

can't compare with KBW....I feel sorry too, haha

[@minecraft200]

thanks for the apology.

[@ongernie7216]

Because of fault of a small cable can get the whole system to come down with a system black out! !!!!!!

[@yapnyukling9326]

Mr Ong seems be in-touch with the ground. Great! While SMRT train efficiencies, unfortunately, have been really bad in the past few years! In fact, the whole of efficiencies of various operations in Sg have been so lousy. I feel really ashamed to see all these!!!

[@limcheongguan9889]

The prompt expression of earnest apology by Minister Ong reflects a positively marked difference. Well done.

[@David-mb4ow]

What's the lesson learnt in short term to comply with social distancing and long term solution to prevent breakdowns?

[@sttalk2500]

Why dun you stuck inside the mrt without light and air. Then I apologize to you.

[@tonykwok9763]

👍👍👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@rickychua9597]

Hi..! His response is Better than his ex - boss..Thank you..!

[@veerasamyn5299]

Not to waste time. These breakdown were common now then before. Why? Population increase is the real issue. Even a horse needs rest so if u kept pushing the train harder than its performance this is the result. Many jobs can be segregated with working hours changes. It's the manpower policy. Stop blaming anyone but the system in planning is the root cause of the issue. If all go to work at the same time this kind of not only train breakdown can be foreseeable but also road traffic to anything. Even the canteen will be too crowded. If u learn to divide u will get a better answer.

[@michaelyang2119]

Ong is much better than KBW

[@KilatKilau]

when your country so small, any problems need to be explained, if not u're replaced.

[@stloh3475]

It's so contradict, how long dies it take united team to isolate fault cable & reset trip breaker. You employ me, i do it in a minute.

[@ngkokbeng]

This would not be the last breakdown. And no amount of vigilance can prevent the next. We are still paying the price of past government mistakes. They neglected the MRT maintenance during those years, and in spite of the billions spent, we are still suffering the consequences.

[@samesamebutnotsame1172]

Nanyang cc the cafe n pioneer mall giant also blackout...the blackout referring to electrical or health??

[@deschan2246]

Khaw left behind 💩 for him to clear

[@f.s.c8488]

Khaw only there to warm the seat with his salary, he particularly do nothing at all as a transport minister 🥴

[@noblefan591]

Wow, he actually apologized? I don't mind having him as the transport minister now.

[@kelvinth30]

This is what a good leader should response. I would like to see him promote to DPM , not Chan please !

[@voidnoidoid]

Oh hey he apologized, I'm beginning to like him somewhat

[@mercybawihtei2785]

Sir that is not your wrong everywhere can be happening and accident

[@pinchofsalt1277]

Seems like the mrt breaks down frequently, either due to power failure or some kind of faults with the train or tracks. So raising transport fare will help to reduce or prevent these hiccups?

[@pPP-df2gw]

Too much cockups. Really wonder they not tired of giving excuses?

[@wanyewmun5457]

Xia sue

[@tonykwok9763]

COMPENSATE? FREE RIDES FOR AFFECTED COMMUTERS AND LOWER FARES NO GST....ETC ETC FREE FOOD FOR POOR?

[@muhammadridhwan977]

otak kau la right spirit. FINE FINE FINE

[@tonykwok9763]

FINE CITY...GST PUB HDB CPF MEDISHIELD CC GRC CECA POFMA SOCIAL DISTANCING SAFE DISTANCING PMD PARKING MAID LEVY MAID .......RC JAYWALKING SPEEDING DRUNK DOINGS SMOKING SPITTING MOUTH FARTING FRUIT PICKING PUBLIC GARDENING MASK WEARING LITTERING 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@liar-liar]

In the 90's there was a saying, "sorry no cure"...or is it "sorry don't cure",...????? Only the 80's and 90's gangster knows...maybe...???

[@theazworkshop9280]

can just connect the circle anot haiz

[@gavinneo8312]

Already in the works

[@nusantarah4982]

I apoloze too if I think the situation can be helped by it. Once I encountered an axxxhxxe, who gave me a tongue lashing after I already apologised for hvg blocked his car, when in fact he trapped himself in by his own lousy parking. Nonetheless, that baxtxxd won’t deter me from apologizing in future.

[@kenghonglee124]

i only want to see witch Teo and pig face wong apologised..... but tan gu gu

[@boyan619]

No matter what he is still JUNTA PAP

[@sanahsamad8106]

I just like to ask question,how about i already made so many proprety and the bank Investmant, but when I just like to ask only to my name in dbs bank Investment, the bank officer say not have your name with Investment , and proprety Investment also many ,and I don't know, no body call me back and say somthing so I have made Investment already more than 1 year think,before I submit,they say we will contact you pr you like to visit web side , and all the time when they made exvertisment in the box for fill up already have my full name,my gmail and my phone number already complet , do you think that chiting or scrm, thay why now I stop not to joint Investment any more, because I think something not right to the Investment thank you

[@bigez5612]

this guy already got a slit eye for a start, plus that fiasco last night(probably did not get a wink) add on an infection to boot(again,probably did not sleep well n immunity down)practically can't see his eyeball. thats what train breakdown do to human body.

[@kepakmerah5616]

Gov needs more saman ppl to make money to pay electricity bill.lol

[@jaikishinlakhyani1623]

That's the modus operandi...when something screws up just apologise. Never never accepting responsibility!!

[@edwinkoh3379]

He accepted responsibility by apologising?

[@jaikishinlakhyani1623]

@@edwinkoh3379 . My point is this is nothing new. The usual standard response by the establishment. The SMRT poor maintenance over the years has come back to haunt them. Perhaps you're fine with apologies but some of us are tired of these types of response. No one seems to be accountable for lapses and failures. Anyway, you have your own opinions, and I mine.

[@farhan-5705]

This is why I'm wondering why don't they build any redundancy line for the West West (as in Jurong), while the east receives DTL & TEL in the near future (n even CRL), we don't get a straight line to complement the EWL (DTL is too detached to help Jurong West people for eg). I appreciate the upcoming JRL but effectively it works like a mega-LRT n doesn't drive straight service to city. You still need the EWL to bring you further. If a similar breakdown happens especially among the older lines we're doomed

[@gavinneo8312]

Cross-island line in the works

[@quehzac4554]

Why do i get the feeling this will be the first of many apologies. Meanwhile he still gets his fat paycheck. 🤭🤭🤭

[@yvonnechow7977]

You can get it too if you qualify and run for election.

[@willsontoh7105]

Congrats smrt is getting back to business. More fare raise in 2021 soon get ready

[@AbcdEfgh-sq2tf]

Why did he left MOE?

[@sttalk2500]

Tip top condition ?Does it mean this type of breakdown will not happen again. I do not understand if it is a tip top condition, then why so many years, the problem still exists? What kind of tip top is consider a tip top condition. Will MRT breakdown cause a damage to Singapore reputation as a efficiency country? Reputation is important to somebody. But our reputation?

[@kristintan4600]

You have to thank Mr Kwak for setting up the response system.

[@likhongtan320]

He is the correct transport boss l have'nt seen for a long time

[@darylteoboonsan1965]

Nice guy.

[@kelvinsoh7391]

Resign talk so much for F

[@gkheng3848]

Sohai lol.

[@fengjikangqiang]

Dnt worry too much , just use the cheapest available spare parts for maintenance whenever possible, phv will b there to save those miser able passengers.

[@thechosenone6324]

Khaw be like.. ord loh

[@siewyuk]

Swee!

[@wanyewmun5457]

Continue vote for PAP. See what you get next?