In response to the troubles between SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) regarding Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)’s chartered trains, Managing Director Lee Ling Wee issued an extensive explanation on their decision through the company’s Facebook page.
The debacle emerged from revelations that the public transport operator had failed to seek prior approval from LTA before going ahead with ACS(I)’s request, chartering five of their trains to transport students and staff to a rugby championship match at the National Stadium. LTA have stated that SMRT may face sanctions for not adhering to proper protocols.
In the statement, Lee stressed that the charters were “not without precedent” and that SMRT have actually done the same arrangements with other schools in the past without the need for LTA’s permission. The five trains were able to be withdrawn from public services during off-peak hours due to low passenger load, and the usual Circle Line train services “ran smoothly throughout the transit”.
He goes on to promise that SMRT will keep all relevant agencies updated regarding future arrangements, and encourages more schools to employ their services should they too require the mass transport of students to-and-fro.
“All things considered, we feel the effort was genuine and worthwhile as it transported a large number of students efficiently and safely”, Lee concludes.
Photo: @sushi_tay via Twitter
Read Also: As it turns out, chartering MRT trains isn't that easy
In response to the troubles between SMRT and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) regarding Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)’s chartered trains, Managing Director Lee Ling Wee issued an extensive explanation on their decision through the company’s Facebook page.
The debacle emerged from revelations that the public transport operator had failed to seek prior approval from LTA before going ahead with ACS(I)’s request, chartering five of their trains to transport students and staff to a rugby championship match at the National Stadium. LTA have stated that SMRT may face sanctions for not adhering to proper protocols.
In the statement, Lee stressed that the charters were “not without precedent” and that SMRT have actually done the same arrangements with other schools in the past without the need for LTA’s permission. The five trains were able to be withdrawn from public services during off-peak hours due to low passenger load, and the usual Circle Line train services “ran smoothly throughout the transit”.
He goes on to promise that SMRT will keep all relevant agencies updated regarding future arrangements, and encourages more schools to employ their services should they too require the mass transport of students to-and-fro.
“All things considered, we feel the effort was genuine and worthwhile as it transported a large number of students efficiently and safely”, Lee concludes.
Photo: @sushi_tay via Twitter
Read Also: As it turns out, chartering MRT trains isn't that easy