Probe Finds SMRT Going Back and Forth, Moving In Circles

SINGAPORE, SIN - An independent probe set-up by the Landing Transportation Authorities (LTA) found damning evidence that train and bus operator SMRT has remained directionless for years. The investigation found 'many indications that current and future services provided by the company were in fact going in two different directions, and sometimes in circles.' The report also raised questions on whether 'passengers were misled to believe they were getting anywhere' and if 'the corporate leadership had a clear direction in mind.'

Details of the investigation were released early yesterday, after nearly 6 months of auditing. The probe was launched after severe breakdowns on several of their lines led to calls for more regulatory oversight by LTA.

The auditing process and consolidation was hastened after this month's breakdown pressured authorities to show that they've actually been doing something about it. LTA spokesperson Blake Dowe said that the evidence found was concerning. "Something is wrong if half of the company's operations are going one way, and the other half in the opposite direction."

Transport industry experts however, remained optimistic about the outcome. "Audits are about how to improve, not to point fingers." says Han Yee Chee, a senior adviser to SBS Transit, the 2nd largest transport company in Singapore. "SMRT needs to focus on it's future goals, and decide if it wants to head east or west, it can't do both. If it doesn't make a decision soon, it could very well spell disaster for their track record and derail plans for future lines."