57 new trains, fitted with an upgraded signalling system, started running on the North-South Line (NSL) on Sunday, as part of a two-month trial. The trial is being conducted by rail operator SMRT to analyse the system's response to different situations and also to study the trains' ability to run on time.
These trains are fitted with several other features. Read on to know more:
1. The trains include LCD display panels to provide information on landmarks and places of interest near the various MRT stations.
2. The compartments also have energy efficient LED lighting, which is also used to mark spaces in the train cars for wheelchair users. It is said that these lights are more energy efficient than the usual fluorescent lighting.
3. The new upgraded signalling system, fitted in the train, was first announced by SMRT in 2012. The new system allows the trains to run closer to each other, which helps to shorten the waiting time for trains at stations. According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), this up gradation will help improve peak hour capacity by up to 20 per cent.
Previous glitches
However, this is not the first time that SMRT thought of launching the new system. Previously, it was decided that it will be launched in 2016. Unfortunately, because of the need to conduct "more extensive reliability tests", LTA delayed the launch and made it in 2017, reported the Channel News Asia. The tests included safety and system checks.
All 57 trains are expected to run on the North-South and East-West Lines by 2019, reported the news website.
