The first of 57 new trains fitted with an upgraded signalling system has started running on Singapore's North-South Line (NSL), as part of a two-month trial being conducted in the region by rail operator SMRT.
The trial aims to analyse the system's response to various situations, in addition to studying the trains' ability to run on time.
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SMRT has also fitted the new trains with other new features such as LCD display panels and energy-efficient LED lighting.
The new trains are part of a wider initiative to expand capacity on the North-South and East-West Lines (NSEWL), and are planned to be added gradually in order to increase the frequency of services on the line.
The latest trial also marked the first full-day trial to be completed since the test began during the last hour of passenger service on 28 March.
Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that there was a delay in the launch of the new system from 2016 to 2017 as 'more extensive reliability tests' such as safety and system checks were deemed necessary.
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By GlobalDataAuthorities noted that all 57 trains are expected to become operational on the North-South and East-West Lines by 2019.
Together with the 42 trains added to the North-East Line and Circle Line fleets last year, the total fleet size is set to increase from the existing 141 to 198.
NSL is the first mass rapid-transit line in Singapore, stretching a length of 44km from Jurong East to Marina South Pier. The line comprises 27 stations, including Canberra.
