SINGAPORE ― A signalling system fault at Bayfront station early on Thursday morning caused several hours of delay to the train services on the Downtown Line (DTL).

In a joint media release on Thursday afternoon, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and train operator SBS Transit said services on the DTL were affected by the signalling system fault at Bayfront at 6.01am.

Trains approaching Bayfront station in both directions had to be driven manually and at a lower speed, it added. By 7.30am, the signalling fault was isolated to the stretch from Promenade to Bayfront stations in the direction of Expo. However, “due to train bunching”, there were additional journey times of 15 minutes to half an hour from Bukit Panjang station.

The delays continued throughout the morning to the late afternoon, with trains still travelling at lower speeds from Promenade to Bayfront stations, with additional travel times of up to 15 minutes over that stretch. 

There are free regular bus services at designated bus stops between Bugis and Chinatown stations. 

“The signalling system supplier Siemens is working closely with our engineering teams to restore normalcy at the affected stretch as soon as possible,” said the LTA and SBS Transit. 

“We are sorry for the inconvenience caused to commuters”.

Train services on the DTL towards Expo and Bukit Panjang were hit by delays since the morning rush hour.

SBS Transit first announced at 6.51am that there was a delay on the Downtown Line. Commuters were advised to add an additional 15 minutes of travelling time. 

“Recovery works (are) in progress. We are sorry,” SBS Transit added. 

In another update 50 minutes later at 7.41am, the train operator said the service remained delayed, and there were free passing bus services between Botanic Gardens station and Chinatown station. 

Some commuters said on social media that the train stopped at every station for more than 10 minutes.

Subsequent updates throughout the day showed that the normal services have yet to be resumed.