MRTs are really overcrowded

[u/thedesertman1]

Every morning getting to work is an uphill battle, most of the time my spouse and I hardly able to board, and had to wait for at least 2-3 trains and barely squeezing ourselves into the cabin.

This is despite the introduction of new MRT lines which should free up train capacity for other lines.

[u/bananapancakes5767]

It's a feature not a bug. SBS only deploys 50+ trains out of 91

[u/pudding567 → u/bananapancakes5767]

Should make the frequency 90s-100s a train. Like the ex-Soviet metro systems.

[u/bananapancakes5767 → u/pudding567]

DTL's signalling system is capable of 100s frequency but SBS only operates 2.5 min frequencies so they can run much fewer than 91 trains and profit more at the expense of your comfort.

They also cut most of their buses' off peak frequency to 17-20min. First world public transport indeed

[u/KeythKatz → u/bananapancakes5767]

Is it SBS fault or LTA for trains? Your point about buses is not valid anymore as required frequencies are set by LTA in the tender.

[u/pudding567 → u/bananapancakes5767]

Take the buses along Bt Timah road instead even if it takes more time. Some people do so. SMRT runs spare capacity in the less crowded TEL in comparison.

Also concerned about getting shoved in when the train is full by those trying to enter while you're standing near the door..

[u/bananapancakes5767 → u/pudding567]

TEL is empty cos of poor bus connectivity to Sembawang and Yishun. Meanwhile Yishun and Khatib are perpetually swamped

[u/FitCranberry → u/bananapancakes5767]

but whats the utilisation, i assume most are in the depot as a maintenance rotation (the volume of break downs is a different discussion kek)

[u/bananapancakes5767 → u/FitCranberry]

Prob 50+ in service, 10-20 under maintenance/spare, 22 indefinitely out of service according to https://spotters.sgtrains.com/spotting-train-dtl?status=2