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LOL retard need to be told more backup? need Prioritising and shortening renewal of core systems? in computer we already have backup on top of backup cause we know it ssd/hdd up lorry the data recovery is going to be expensive everything have a lifespan 75% up need to get ready to replace liao all these common sense le, those retard all these dont know meh
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SINGAPORE – A task force looking into solutions to improve the reliability of Singapore’s rail network has submitted its report to Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. Comprising senior leaders from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operators SMRT and SBS Transit, and advised by a team of industry experts, the group found that the underlying causes of various rail disruptions between July and September were unrelated. However, there were several areas for improvement, LTA and the rail operators said in a statement on Dec 30. One suggestion was for more backup or bypass systems as well as procedures that would allow train operations to resume more quickly after a minor fault. The task force also recommended that the renewal of trains and signalling and power systems – all of which are core systems – should be prioritised. The time needed to renew these systems should be shortened, the statement said, adding that more engineering hours should be set aside to achieve this. This includes rolling out full-day service closures. The use of technology and data was also emphasised. More comprehensive and standardised condition monitoring can be carried out across the rail network, alongside ensuring spare parts are available when needed. This, the task force said, would enable pre-emptive maintenance and the replacement of critical components to be done more quickly. Automation can also be used more widely to supplement the work of rail workers when carrying out maintenance. Confirming he had received the task force’s report, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow wrote on Facebook on Dec 30 that the Ministry of Transport will review the findings and provide a full response to the recommendations by the first quarter of 2026. Chaired by LTA chief executive Ng Lang, the task force includes SMRT group chief executive Ngien Hoon Ping and SBS Transit group chief executive Jeffrey Sim. Said Mr Ng: “The task force’s work comes at an important time as Singapore juggles ageing existing rail lines alongside rapid network expansion. “The challenge of operating and maintaining the rail system will only increase as its size and complexity grow. These recommendations will help guide the next steps to be taken to continue strengthening the reliability of our rail network.” Hardware was not the only area of improvement flagged by the task force. Adopting a “more commuter-centric” mindset, and improving alternative travel options and standard operating procedures for the management of disruptions would also benefit passengers. One suggestion was to provide “more precise, tailored and real-time information” on the status of train services and alternative travel routes, with the task force recommending that more tools be developed so that passengers can plan their journeys in the event of a disruption. There should also be better wayfinding to help affected passengers navigate disruptions, the task force said. The rail sector’s workforce was another aspect that the task force examined. It recommended that LTA and the rail operators work together to strengthen the role of the Singapore Rail Academy to raise standards and prepare those in the industry for future challenges. To achieve this, the task force said the coverage of professional certification could be expanded to more rail systems and workers. It also suggested more frequent staff rotations between LTA and the two operators, so that common perspectives and capabilities can be built. Following the submission of the report, SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai said on Facebook that the rail operator will continue to partner LTA, rail system manufacturers and technology providers to make use of artificial intelligence and other technological solutions to better monitor the health of critical train systems. Supporting the task force was a five-member independent panel comprising rail experts from across the globe, including those with experience running metro systems in Taipei and Hong Kong. The task force’s formation was announced on Sept 19, following at least 15 instances of delays and interruptions across the MRT and LRT networks in three months. The independent panel made several recommendations when the members visited Singapore in November to meet LTA, SMRT and SBS Transit. One was for the LTA to carry out longer planned shutdowns of parts of the rail network, so that critical maintenance and renewal works can be done safely and efficiently. Another suggestion was for system designers to gain front-line operational experience, while front-line operators should build up knowledge in system design and the management of assets. Improving communication to the public was another area that the independent panel brought up, having singled out three groups in particular – those stranded in trains, those at affected stations, and those outside the rail network who might be considering travel on the affected service. On Dec 3, LTA announced that the two rail operators will prioritise on-site communication for minor MRT delays to passengers who are directly affected at stations, instead of broadcasting a social media advisory on maximum travel time. This followed advice from the task force. Minor delays are those that involve a shorter stretch of the rail network, with service disruptions expected to last less than 30 minutes. This change rankled some passengers, who were frustrated by the absence of updates on SMRT’s social media channels during two separate train disruptions in November and December. Passengers interviewed by The Straits Times had said finding out about a delay only when they get to a station would prevent them from making other transport plans, and could cause them to be late or force them to spend on private-hire car services. On Dec 12, LTA announced that it was introducing a one-stop webpage the next day that gives real-time updates on rail delays. Accessible via mytransport.sg/trainstatus, it uses a three-colour classification system. Green is used to indicate normal service, yellow to represent minor delays, and orange for major disruptions that will likely take more than 30 minutes to resolve.
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A Singapore Airlines (SIA) passenger was "extremely [disappointed]" after discovering that her business class seat could not be reclined and that the in-flight entertainment system was not working during her flight from Seoul to Singapore. Speaking to Mothership, the passenger shared that the incident took place on Dec. 24. Uncomfortable Prior to boarding, the passenger said she was informed that her in-flight entertainment system was faulty, though this did not bother her too much. However, once onboard, she realised that her seat could not be reclined. In a video she shared, her seat remained upright despite repeated attempts to use the electronic control panel located at the side. Electronic control panel. Photo courtesy of Mothership reader. She said the seat could not be reclined manually either. As a result, she had to remain seated upright for the six-hour-long flight. "I had to remain fully upright for the entire flight, making it extremely uncomfortable and difficult to rest," she lamented. Offered a voucher as compensation The passenger said she was not given an explanation as to why the seat was not functioning, and that an inflight supervisor told her there was "nothing [he] could do", before referring the issue to another crew member. According to the passenger, she was later informed that a S$400 KrisShop voucher would be issued to her as compensation. She was later advised to place a safety card over the in-flight entertainment screen to reduce the light, to help her try to get some rest. Photo courtesy of Mothership reader. She also claimed to not receiving further follow-up or check-ins from cabin crew for the remainder of the flight. "Had I been given the option, I would have chosen to take a later flight or travel on another day, but that alternative was not offered," she said. Describing the experience as physically exhausting, the passenger said it fell short of the standard she had come to expect from the airline. Luggage was also damaged The passenger also said that three of her 11 checked-in luggages were damaged during the flight, including a suitcase that had been purchased just seven days earlier. Photo courtesy of Mothership reader. Photo courtesy of Mothership reader. She also raised concerns about the onboard meal, saying she was unable to finish the gnocchi main course. "It genuinely tasted like hardened, reheated rice cakes," she said. Photo courtesy of Mothership reader. However, she highlighted a positive interaction with one cabin crew member. She said a Korean stewardess noticed she was not eating, checked in on her and made an effort to engage her in conversation. In an attempt to ease the situation, the stewardess also gave teddy bears to her children, who were travelling with her in business class. SIA's response In response to Mothership's queries, SIA stated that prior to boarding, an SIA ground staff member in Seoul informed the passenger that both the seat’s in-flight entertainment system screen and seat-recline mechanism were faulty. As the flight was full, they were unable to offer her an alternative seat. According to SIA, the passenger had agreed to remain in her assigned seat, and cabin crew onboard checked on her well-being throughout the flight. The airline sincerely apologised for the experience, as well as the damage to the passenger's luggages, adding that she may submit a report on their website. They have also offered the reader compensation for the inconvenience caused.
