I just saw the headlines of a recent Straits Times. Was surprised to see that LTA “is looking for experts to assess the health of the entire rail network as the regulator and operators grapple with glitches that do not seem to go away” (22 april 2015)
It sounds like they have finally exhausted all avenues when it comes to fixing our train faults and have thrown in the towel.
If so,
1) Were past fare hikes in 2011, 2014 and April 2015 justifiable? Why are commuters paying more for substandard services that the operators have been unable to solve for the past few years?
2) Should LTA and IDA approve SMRT bid for the 4th telco contract with OMG? SMRT is primarily a transport operator so it should focus and improve on its transportation first.
3) Should SMRT continue to dabble in its retail venture: SMRT Xchange? Shouldn’t more manpower be diverted to solving our train woes?
4) Is Minister Lui able to juggle his duel roles of Transport Minister as well as Second Minister for Defence? Would it be better if he could focus on his primary role?
5) Why do Minister Lui and SMRT CEO Desmond Kuek continue to earn million dollar salaries annually when they are unable to lead our local team of capable SMRT employees and have to resort to external help?
Baffled Reader
*Article first appeared on http://www.tremeritus.com/2015/04/27/smrt-throws-in-the-towel/