Mysterious signal fault returns to cause disruption on Circle Line

SINGAPORE — A mysterious signal fault on the Circle Line has returned to frustrate commuters, with travel times delayed by at least half an hour during the morning rush hour on Wednesday (Nov 2). 

The CCL last saw a signal fault on Aug 29, when commuters were hit five days in a row with delays that SMRT attributed to the signaling fault.

SMRT has been trying — unsuccessfully so far — to identify the source of the problem, including shutting off mobile phone signals on Sep 2.

The problem returned on Wednesday at 7.37am when SMRT warned commuters of a 10-minute delay between Pasir Panjang and One-North stations on the CCL due to a signal fault.

Later it tweeted that the fault was cleared, but later said that “trains are moving slower towards HarbourFront” station.

At 8.38am, SMRT said commuters can expect an additional 30 minutes travelling time on the Circle Line due to an “intermittent signaling fault” — a phrase some commuters have come to dread.

At around 9.33am, it said that there was no train service between Botanic Gardens and Serangoon stations. 

Free regular bus services are available at all Circle Line stations, according to SMRT.