Monday blues for NEL commuters after train fault at Outram Park

A train fault that occurred at Outram Park station caused delays on the North East Line (NEL) for more than an hour yesterday morning.

Full service resumed at around 10.30am with free bus rides and bridging bus servicesavailable at designated bus stops.

SBS Transit tweeted the delay at 9.33am, warning of an additional 15 minutes of travel time along the NEL.

At 9.56am, it tweeted that free bus rides were available at designated bus stops between HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut stations.

SBS Transit announced that full service had resumed at 10.36am.

Commuter Christopher Goh, 44, who works in the jewellery line, was on his way to Dhoby Ghaut station from Buangkok station.

He spoke to The Straits Times at Serangoon station at about 10am.

"It took me 35 minutes just to get from Buangkok station to Serangoon station," he said.

"The train stops at every station for about five to 10 minutes. I now have to explain why I am late for work."

Read also: Analysing train breakdowns, line by line

The commute from Buangkok to Serangoon station usually takes about 10 minutes.

Commuters said the fault affected travel on the NEL in both directions.

At about 10.15am, announcements were made at Chinatown station to inform commuters that fares were not being deducted at the exit gantries for affected stations.

Commuters were also observed to be waiting for about 15 minutes in a stationary train that was bound for HarbourFront station.

Read also: Rise in major breakdowns but MRT gets more reliable

Train breakdown reasons: SMRT must be clearer and more transparent

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