Our once trusted MRT has broken down again. The breakdown is between Outram and Queenstown MRT Station towards the direction of Joo Koon.
I do not know how much SMRT will be fined for this episode again BUT I don’t think it is fair to pay whatever fine to the government. Who are the ones who are really affected when MRT breaks down? It is the commuters not the damned government? So, why pay fine to them in the first place?
What should be the corrective action here? I say pay commuters DIRECTLY! For those who are on the train and asked to get off because of the breakdown, their Easy Link card should be credited with $30.00 when they exit the station. This is to allow them to find alternative transport.
What about those who have walked all the way to the station and end up cannot take the MRT? For wasting their time and effort walking or cycling to the station, SMRT should credit their card with $10.00. Of course some people may ask, what if there are free loaders, that is, not taking the train but heard that it has broken down, so come and collect this $10.00? I don’t see anything wrong with that! You don’t want to pay these free loaders, then ensure the trains don’t break down! It is as simple as that!
Let SMRT know that their liability is UNLIMITED, not like now, can just fine a few hundred thousand dollars fine. I still remember there was one breakdown where 100,000 commuters were affected! Then, SMRT will have to cough out $3 million!! This plan will ensure justice for the ones affected and the right punishment for the perpetrator!!
Bruce Lee
TRS Contributor