Commuter flags 8 Dec Circle Line delay as netizens mock how Reddit beat SMRT to train failure updates

SINGAPORE: A commuter took to social media on Monday (8 Dec) to report yet another train delay, this time on the Circle Line (CCL).

In a Reddit post, the user warned fellow commuters that the Circle Line from HarbourFront was experiencing delays due to an incident, noting that trains were running about five minutes behind schedule.

The user added uncertainty about whether other lines were affected, asking if Paya Lebar remained congested and whether the lines impacted by the extension would only be fixed after 8 December.

However, Heidoh observed that no corresponding update had been posted on SMRT’s social media platforms during the incident.

This was not an isolated issue, as limited updates were also noted during previous disruptions on the Thomson–East Coast Line on 18 November 2025 and the East–West Line on 2 December 2025.

On-the-ground experiences

Commuters responding to the Reddit post described confusion and repeated train terminations.

One user reported being at one-north, where commuters were instructed to exit the train.

The next arriving train was also disrupted, and commuters were subsequently told to alight at Pasir Panjang.

“Suddenly my train terminates at one-north, all passengers waiting for the next train,” another user commented.

'Commuters have to check Reddit for updates'

Several users criticised the lack of clear communication from transport operators.

One remarked sarcastically that the so-called clearer communication from the minister had resulted in commuters relying on Reddit for updates on train failures.

“Something is wrong systemically when Reddit has disruption news faster than the transport operators,” another noted.

Some also pointed out discrepancies between online reports and official station displays, with one user highlighting that the service status screens near entrances and gantries continued to show the Circle Line as normal — with a smiley face — despite the ongoing issues.

Users described this as a consequence of the shift toward more localised updates.

LTA faces public backlash over shift to localised announcements for minor MRT delays

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently announced a change in how minor MRT delays will be communicated.

Under the new approach, rail operators will prioritise localised updates for commuters at affected stations rather than issuing network-wide advisories.

According to LTA, the change applies to delays lasting under 30 minutes and affecting shorter stretches of the network.

The authority told The Straits Times that the move reflects commuter feedback that maximum additional travel time advisories often do not match the varied impact on different travellers, leading some to make unnecessary detours.

LTA added that the new approach aligns with recommendations from a rail reliability task force convened in September 2025 after at least 15 disruptions occurred across the MRT and LRT network between July and September.

The task force is tasked with improving reliability and strengthening disruption response measures.

The authority also plans to introduce more accurate online journey-time information tailored to commuters’ specific locations and destinations, which it said would reduce unnecessary diversions during faults.

Despite these assurances, many netizens questioned the policy, arguing that prioritising localised announcements reduces transparency, hampers journey planning, and risks overcrowding if commuters remain unaware of delays further along the line.