New SMRT group CEO takes train to work, pledges reliable rail services

SINGAPORE — Outlining his priorities to consistently deliver reliable train services and create a culture of continuous improvement, new SMRT group chief executive Neo Kian Hong on Monday (Aug 13) also revealed he has moved to Bishan and takes the train to work.

Speaking to reporters in person for the first time since assuming the role a fortnight ago, Mr Neo said he moved to Shunfu estate because of the job. TODAY understands that he is renting an apartment in the estate, about 10 minutes’ walk from Bishan MRT station. 

He sold his car during his previous stint as the Defence Ministry’s permanent secretary for defence development as he was provided with transport, and opted not to buy a new car after taking up the job at SMRT.

“I think it’s more useful for me to take the trains to understand the issues. I can do work at the same time as I’m travelling,” said Mr Neo, whose office at SMRT’s headquarters on North Bridge Road is near City Hall station.

It was SMRT chairman Seah Moon Ming who told reporters about Mr Neo’s move to Bishan for his new job; Mr Neo was asked to elaborate when his turn came.

They were at Bishan depot with Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan and other senior officials to view the new trains that would be added to the North South and East West rail lines (NSEWL) from next month.

Supplied by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, six of the new trains will be added progressively from next month and another six, from early next year.

‘ONGOING’ WORK TO REDUCE PEAK-HOUR TRAIN INTERVALS

Asked when trains would run at intervals of 100 seconds during peak hours – as permitted by the new signalling system now in place on the NSEWL – Mr Neo said the project is ongoing.

“Whatever new projects that we have, we do it systematically and deliberately… this is an ongoing project and we will let you know at the appropriate time,” he said.

The East West Line switched to the new communications-based train control signalling system in May, after the North South Line made the switch last year.

The maximum train frequency allowed by the old signalling system was every 120 seconds, and SMRT said this is the current frequency during peak hours.

Asked about his priorities, Mr Neo said rail reliability is a “basic requirement”.

Sustaining the reliability of services through maintenance, staff and the injection of resources is also key, and he said this would help the operator to regain public confidence.

Incidents such as the collision of two trains near Joo Koon last November and the flooding of train tunnels between Bishan and Braddell stations last October caused major inconvenience for many commuters.

Mr Neo said he wants to develop a culture where workers continuously strive to improve existing work practices.

Mr Seah expressed confidence in Mr Neo, calling him a “ground leader and a problem solver” who works well with multiple stakeholders.

In a note to staff on his first day on Aug 1, Mr Neo said he had met some SMRT staff at the stations, depots, interchanges, workshops and offices in previous weeks.

On views shared by the public since his new role was announced, he wrote: "Many expressed support, others noted improvement, some cautioned against complacency, but all hoped for train services that are reliable, safe and comfortable... We must continue to work hard to deliver this."

Asked on Monday about criticism of his lack of rail-sector experience, Mr Neo – a former chief of defence force, like his predecessor Desmond Kuek – said there are many facets to a large organisation like SMRT.

“It’s an entire suite ranging from how… we organise ourselves to how we deliver in operations, in maintenance. It’s also about selecting the right people to run the operations, rallying everyone to see our focus. And we’re now focused on delivering that outcome which is reliability. And we will deliver.”

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