SMRT fined S$200,000 for security breach
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has
fined SMRT S$200,000 under the Rapid Transit Systems (RTS) Act for
lapses relating to the security breach at Bishan MRT depot in
August.
The security lapse was similar in nature to an
incident at Changi depot in May last year for which SMRT was fined
S$50,000.
LTA said its investigations found that SMRT had
failed to exercise due diligence and vigilance expected of a public
transport operator by failing to regularly inspect, continuously
maintain and repair its operating facilities.
SMRT also failed to adequately carry out its responsibility to
oversee the day-to-day security operations at its depots and
implement fully the security measures recommended by the Public
Transport Security Committee (PTSC) after the Changi depot
incident.
Due to its negligence, SMRT had failed to effectively guard against
unauthorised intrusions.
It also failed to detect, in a timely manner, the security breach
at its Bishan MRT depot and the graffiti on one of its MRT trains
on August 17.
As a result, LTA said SMRT had breached its obligations under the
Rapid Transit System (RTS) Licence & Operating Agreement
(LOA).
The authority said it will be closely tracking and auditing SMRT's
performance so that it adheres to the public transport security
standards that have been set.
The fine collected will be donated to the Public Transport Fund to
help needy families with transport fares.
- CNA/al
