SMRT Trains is the first and largest train services provider in Singapore. As a subsidiary of SMRT Corporation Ltd, they manage and operate train services on the North-South Line & East-West Line (NSEWL), the Circle Line (CCL), the new Thomson-East Coast Line, and the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit. SMRT is committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable service for commuters in Singapore.
Travel and Transportation
Challenges
As the pioneering Mass Rapid Transit operator in Singapore, SMRT Trains serves more than 2 million passenger journeys every day. Some of the railway lines operated by SMRT are amongst the oldest in the country and require constant maintenance work, which need to be completed within limited and insufficient windows between rail operating hours. In addition, maintenance tasks are scheduled through disparate systems including excel worksheets and regular in-person meetings, which are time-consuming and susceptible to human error.
“Together with our tech partner Lenovo PCCW Solutions, the implementation of Track Access Management System (TAMS) has helped SMRT in saving more than 30 thousand manhours per year. Through its process safety interlock design, TAMS has also helped to ensure the safety of our operations and maintenance staff by eliminating human errors.”
Mr. Alvin Kek
SMRT Senior Vice President, Rail Operations
Solutions
In its quest to enhance safety and streamline track access management, the SMRT sought the support of LPS to develop the Track Access Management System (TAMS). This cutting-edge digital platform centralizes the management of track access for maintenance and engineering tasks across rail lines, replacing outdated manual processes and operational paradigms.
TAMS leverages AI and data analytics to analyze and optimize weekly maintenance tasks, such as rail replacement and signaling work. The system identifies conflicts in track access requests and prioritizes track repairs based on infrastructure conditions, significantly improving efficiency and safety. It also provides real-time updates on track allocation status and access progress with dashboard reporting for greater transparency and data-driven decision making.
Value created
With the successful implementation of TAMS on the NSEWL in 2021, SMRT has saved 30,000 man-hours per year and track access time has improved by 50%. In August of 2024, LPS expanded the system to the CCL. Together, the NSEWL and CCL lines have maintained the highest standards of rail reliability, achieving over 1 million Mean Kilometres Between Failures (MKBF).
TAMS has undergone significant upgrades, incorporating new features that enhance both operator efficiency and passenger experiences. A key improvement is the redesigned user interface, engineered for increased intuitiveness, streamlining workflows and reducing training time. Furthermore, advanced AI algorithms now enable real-time tracking and optimization of train routes, improving efficiency and responsiveness through AI-powered geospatial capabilities. To facilitate accessibility for a diverse workforce, TAMS now supports multiple languages, including English, Mandarin, and French.
Built-in safety interlocking to validate track authorization and prevent human error during maintenance works – including traction power shutdown and restoration, also helps to ensure that SMRT’s 1,500 strong maintenance team is protected at all times.
LPS's innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to excellence have not only enhanced the SMRT's operations but also positions Singapore as a global leader in smart mobility and urban transit.
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