I have earlier warned about our MRT system being “Seconds From Disaster” in my earlier posting on 31 Aug 2011 via post “MRT Train Jerking and Shuddering Too Much For Safety Concerns.” In that post I noticed that our MRT trains along the North-South Line was swaying too much and certain cranking sound that already signaled that something was faulty. We should have taken a cue from the China’s bullet train disaster then to reduced the speed of our aging train system commensurable with their age and not push to the limits of specification to appease public demands. Singaporeans should always remain rationale against popular demands.
So I remember telling my wife at that juncture that maybe the MRT should install microphones not only onboard the train but also under the carriages and maybe the track too besides vibration detectors. Sound is one of the best method for early detection of mechanical faults that could also translate into electrical faults too. Best to have sample sound of normal working parts and any serious creaking or even swaying sound could be analyzed for immediate action. Visual inspection of parts are difficult along the entire rail system and recording sound or real time broadcast of undercarriage sound could be an immense aid to engineers seating in their offices in the HQ to really hear what the normal working train laden with passengers sound or creak during peak hours, speeding in the tunnel while passengers strive to stand steadily near the entrance without any handrail overhead ( I was just in Beijing and marvel that they actually had a overhead handrail at the entrance but not the vertical bar). Another simple solution is simply to ask any commuters daily along the same route to tell you if they suspect any mechanical fault. I can bet you that commuters taking the NS MRT route the past few weeks could have provided crucial cues on something was seriously wrong with the system, from the movement, swaying and creaking sound that deviate from norm. After all these commuters take the train daily and not just for showmanship. Even in their doze they can tell when to alight the train. Sound matters.
Take Care
You Hear Me!!!?
Mikey
