Due to a power supply failure, train services between one-north and Bishan Circle Line stations were disrupted this morning. This is the third day that rush-hour commuters are facing delays.

Mr Colin Lim, LTA's Group Director for Vehicle and Transit Licensing said in a statement today (Apr 18):

"We recognise that many commuters have been inconvenienced and upset over this morning’s train service disruption on the Circle Line (CCL) and the recent incidents on both the NSEWL and the CCL.

"LTA has reiterated its strong concerns over these incidents to the management of SMRT. SMRT will be required to provide a full report on the incidents including its plans to resolve the underlying causes.

"LTA will review the report and work with SMRT on the plans to rectify the situation.”

MRT train services along the Circle Line between one-north and Bishan Stations resumed at 10.10am, transport operator SMRT said in its latest update. In total, eight stations were affected by this morning's disruptions and 18,000 passengers were affected.

Passengers who had paid their fare but could not complete their journey can get a refund at the Passenger Service Centre in any of SMRT’s 83 stations in the next 14 days, said SMRT.

"The interruption started at 7.40am at Botanic Gardens Circle Line Station and our engineers were immediately onsite to attend to the fault. Our Rail Incident Management Plan was activated at 8.15am," said Mr Goh Chee Kong, Senior Vice President, Communications & Services, SMRT.

Mr Goh also elaborated in the statement issued today (Apr 18):

"Our preliminary assessment indicates an electrical earth fault disrupted power supply to the communications backbone network located at Botanic Gardens Circle Line Station. This in turn interrupted the transmission of information from the signaling system that controls the safe operations of the trains. The fault has been isolated and rectified.

"Train service from Dhoby Ghaut and Marina Bay Circle Line stations was turned around at Bishan Circle Line station so that passengers could connect to the North-South Line and Bishan bus interchange to use the free public and bridging bus services. Train service from Harbourfront Circle Line station was also turned around at one-north station."

SMRT interim CEO and executive director, Mr Tan Ek Kia said:

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to commuters and the public. We are working with LTA and contractor to investigate the cause of the problem to prevent a recurrence.

"We would like to thank LTA, the Police and SCDF for their assistance during the disruption, and SBST for informing the public through iris and their website and for providing bus services."

Most passengers coming from the North-East line at Serangoon station only found out about the train disruption at the Circle Line platform. There was a sign placed next to the fare gates indicating that the train service from Caldecott to Holland Village was disrupted due to track fault.

Train services heading from Serangoon station towards Harbourfront experienced delays at each station.

The train stopped for a short while before leaving for the next. Announcements were made to notify passengers of the slight delay.

At Bishan station's Circle Line platform, at about 8.47am, an announcement was made to inform passengers that the train service has resumed. However, at Braddell Station, announcements about the train disruption were still being made at 8.50am.

There was a larger than normal crowd gathered at the platform heading towards Dhoby Ghaut at each station. At Bishan Station, there were about 10 people waiting at the second level balcony looking down on the crowd.

Free bus bridging services are being offered at designated bus boarding points outside one-North to Bishan Circle Line stations.

Said STOMPer PH:

"Everyone have been 'bonding' at the station since 8.50am. No announcements were made either."

Photos of this incident were contributed by Asiaone and STOMPers PH, hirakawa, Oldenpl, Wilson, Rachel and Nanarina.

Pictures 1 to 27 show the Circle Line breakdown on April 18. Images 28 to 41 show the East West Line breakdown from April 17.