25 July 2006 – North East Line (NEL) services between Harbourfront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations resumed at 5.42 am today.

The stoppage of NEL services between Harbourfront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations occurred at 12.57pm yesterday 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. No one was injured.

Fifty SBS Transit Goodwill Ambassadors were deployed to the affected stations to help with traffic control. Signboards and posters announcing the disruption of services were also put up at all affected stations. Regular audio announcements were made aired to inform passengers of the disruption to services.

Free train and bus shuttle services were also introduced to minimise disruption caused by the partial stoppage of services.

The free train shuttle, which operated between HarbourFront and Dhoby Ghaut Stations, was introduced at about 7.30 pm yesterday. Commuters who entered or left the NEL from HabourFront, Outram Park, Chinatown and Clarke Quay Stations rode for free on the NEL, regardless of where they disembarked along NEL.

The free train shuttle was 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. In all, 35 buses were deployed to provide the necessary connection for passengers.

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

We wish to once again apologise for any inconvenience caused.