In a speech during a visit to the Gali Batu depot in Woodlands, Transport Minister Mr. Lui Tuck Yew said that compared to 2011, trains now travel, on average, more than than double the distance - of about 127,000km - before experiencing a delay of more than five minutes, reported The Straits Times. Trains also travel triple the distance, of about 111,000km, before it has to be withdrawn from service, he added.

Mr. Lui said the Government will focus on three areas to tackle the issue of rail reliability. First, authorities will ensure that train operators have a rigorous maintenance regime. Second, older rail lines are being upgraded, such as through the replacement of timber sleepers on the East-West Line that is expected to complete by the end of 2016. Lastly, new rail lines will help to improve the overall resilience of the network, as commuters will have alternative routes in the event of a disruption.