How SMRT is Boosting Reliability with Technology

1. How SMRT is Boosting Reliability with Technology Many countries are exploring ways to adopt digitisation and apply smart technologies to make public transport systems more efficient, safe, sustainable, and responsive to the community’s needs. New housing developments, changes in population demographics, and evolving workplace travel patterns all contribute to the need for the advancement of the public transportation network. Singapore's extensive rail service is clean, efficient, and regular, reaching just about every corner of the island. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and transport operators are working hand in hand to make railway transportation more sustainable, reliable, and efficient. Let’s check out how transport operator SMRT Corporation is contributing to the enhancement of rail reliability using new technology. 1. Track Access Management System (TAMS) SMRT has started using a novel system called Track Access Management System (TAMS) that leverages AI to replace time-consuming and labour-intensive manual processes. TAMS digitalises and automates track access allocation to facilitate the regular maintenance and planning of engineering works. Commenting on the TAMS solution, SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “Our TAMS solution that uses AI to digitalise and automate track access allocation for regular maintenance and planning of engineering came out tops in the productivity category of the International Union of Railways Digital Awards. Project Over watch, the AI-driven decision support system for the CCL OCC, won the Most Innovative Solution award at the Land Transport Excellence Awards 2022.” SMRT CEO, Ngien Hoon Ping, also commented on the TAMS system, adding that“acing the previous labour-intensive and time-consuming process, TAMS has enabled savings of 30,000 man- hours per year on the NSEWL.” 2. Railway Noise Barriers Noise barriers will be installed by the transport operator along elevated railway tracks near residential estates to minimise railway noise Installation works comprise three phases. The complete work will be done by 2023. 3. Engineering Technology SMRT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Certis Cisco to co-develop technology solutions and initiatives such as warning systems and anti-fatigue monitoring to assist our station staff and train captains to work more effectively and safely. 4. Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) To continually improve highly automated communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling systems, LTA has invested in CBTC simulation centres for each rail line. This would allow new software and patches to be rigorously tested before use to ensure safe and reliable train services for Singaporean commuters. SMRT will train engineers in these advanced technologies. 5. Data Analytics SMRT is using the Condition Monitoring of Singalling System, an integrated platform that draws performance insights from signaling data from the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL). It

2. indexes data from the Communication-Based Train Control system for diagnostics based on the profile of the rail assets, and the defects detected. 6. Automatic Train Supervision Alarm Monitoring System The operator has also developed the Automatic Train Supervision Alarm Monitoring system on the Circle MRT Line (CCL) to help the maintenance team understand trends in the signalling system. The system is able to identify potential issues and provide analysis of the type, location, and occurrence frequency of the problems. 7. Project Overwatch This project was launched in October 2020. It is an in-house developed system by SMRT to monitor train services on the Circle Line (CCL) in real-time. The project features software that triggers an alert when trains stop for longer than planned for on their routes. Commenting on the initiatives by the operator, SMRT CEO, Ngien Hoon Ping, said: “Through a strong partnership, sincere engagement, and efficient planning, we will continue to renew and re- engineer our railway infrastructure, trains systems, and operations to achieve operational and service excellence.” Conclusion From data analytics, TAMS to predictive analytics, advanced solutions will help transport operators make insightful decisions, based on data. Upgrading the transportation technology will help the government and operators provide better services to the commuters.