SMRT trains at Jurong East station.
SMRT Trains has implemented more stringent checks for track access during traffic hours, and stepped up training for persons in charge who lead its track inspection teams since the accident.
In mitigation, it said that its “genuine remorse” for the accident is also clear from the immediate action it took to ascertain the cause of the incident, undertake a review of its processes, and review and revamp its operations to prevent similar incidents.
Among other measures, it has also set up a Track Access Management Office to control access to railway tracks, and revised its operating procedures by simplifying the language to remove ambiguities.
But SMRT Trains accepts full responsibility for its safety lapses and respects the court’s decision, it said in a statement yesterday.
Its managing director Lee Ling Wee said SMRT has comprehensively reviewed its safety protocols and procedures, and is “determined to never again have a repeat of the tragedy”. He said all staff are empowered – regardless of rank – to call a time-out if they feel safety is compromised.
National Transport Workers’ Union executive secretary Melvin Yong, in a Facebook post, urged SMRT to seek the union and workers’ input as feedback would help identify potential safety gaps.
Related story: SMRT fined $400k over fatal accident
Related story: SMRT says disruptions on East-West line due to track circuits, not sleepers
