24 July 2006 (1st update at 6.45 pm) – Free bus and train shuttle services are being offered to all those affected by the partial stoppage of NEL services.

The free train shuttle, which operates between HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations, will be introduced at 7pm. Passengers who enter or leave the North East Line (NEL) from HabourFront, Outram Park, Chinatown and Clarke Quay Stations will ride for free on the NEL, regardless of where they disembark. The average headway expected on this free train shuttle is about 20 minutes.

This free train shuttle is over and above the free bus shuttle services deployed earlier that shuttled between HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations stopping at Outram Park, Chinatown and Clarke Quay Stations. Currently, there are 35 buses deployed to provide the necessary connection for passengers. The frequency for the bus shuttle service is about 2-3 minutes.

The bus and train shuttle services have been introduced to try and minimise inconvenience to SBS Transit NEL customers. Meanwhile, work is continuing at NEL to get the line fully operational.

Normal train operations are still running between Dhoby Ghaut and Punggol Stations with a frequency of six and a half minutes.

SBS Transit Executive Director, Mr Ong Boon Leong, said: “We wish to apologise for the inconvenience caused to our commuters. We understand how inconvenient it is and are trying our best to get the service back up and running as soon as we can. In the meantime, we are offering them free alternative travel.”

The stoppage of NEL services between Harbourfront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations occurred at 12.57pm today after one of our southbound trains lost traction power as it was leaving Outram Station.

At 1.13pm, NEL officers activated the detrainment process. In all, about 100 passengers were affected. None were injured.

Miss Ling Ming Ming, who works in Chinatown and was on her way out to lunch, said of the detrainment: “I was very impressed actually because of the smooth way it was handled. Yes it was somewhat inconvenient since happened at lunchtime but at least we were kept informed throughout about what was happening and the detrainment was very well organised.”

Fifty SBS Transit Goodwill Ambassadors have also been deployed to the affected stations to help with traffic control.

For the 100 passengers affected by the stalled train, they can seek a refund of their train fare at any NEL Passenger Service Counter.

Members of the public may call our Customer Relations Centre at 1800 287 2727 or 6383 7214 for further information.

We wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused.