By Tony Ng

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has implemented a set of tighter operating standards for trains starting from today, Transport Minister Raymond Lim announced this morning.

The new set of regulations will manage the crowding of trains as public transport ridership hits record highs.

Under the revised standard, each train can only carry 1,600 passengers instead of the original limit, 1,700 passengers.

Currently the passenger load at peak periods stands at around 1,400 passengers, SMRT said.

A new indicator, train headway, means that passengers would not have to wait as long for a train during peak periods.

Under the regulation, waiting times during peak periods cannot exceed prescribed standards.

For instance the operator will have to ensure that commuters at Yishun station (south bound) will have no more than a 2- to 3-minute wait during the morning peak-of-peak period, which is usually between 7.45am to 8.30am.

Some trains will also be modified to increase standing room. 14 train seats will be removed from the existing 50 seats in each car to give a more comfortable ride to passengers along the Bukit Batok to Jurong East section.

LTA is also exploring the option of additional bus services to alleviate passenger loads at the more crowded stations.

With the opening of the Boon Lay Extension (BLE) on Feb 28, 2009, travelling time will be reduced by as much as 15 minutes.

Connectivity will be enhanced between the Jurong West area and the other parts of Singapore. 

It will also offer direct access the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system instead of requiring bus transfers at Boon Lay Station.

LTA’s Chief Executive, Mr Yam Ah Mee, said, “Managing the issue of crowding on trains calls for everyone – the Government, the operators and commuters – to play a part."

While improvements are made to the infrastructure, "commuters can also help through simple gestures," he stated. 

"For example, they can move to the centre of trains or the ends of the platform to reduce localised crowding."

"For those commuters who are able to shift their morning commutes to before 7.45am or after 8.30am to avoid the most crowded periods, we encourage them to do so."