SINGAPORE - MRT service disrupted for 40 minutes RUSH-HOUR train services between Jurong East and Boon Lay stations on the east-west line were disrupted yesterday at 7.45 am for nearly 40 minutes.

An SMRT spokesman explained that the delay was caused by a point- machine failure on the tracks between the Clementi and Jurong East stations.

Point machines are used to switch movable-rail sections to allow trains to cross from one track to another.

SMRT staff had to reset the machine manually and train services resumed at 8.24 am.

According to figures from SMRT, this is the seventh time these machines have failed, resulting in delays of more than 15 minutes this year. Last year, they broke down six times.

This is also the first train stoppage this month and the second this quarter.

In a statement to the press, SMRT apologised to all affected passengers for the inconvenience caused.

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-- Doris (nocents@bellsouth.net), December 13, 2000