Likewise, the queue for bridging bus services at Jurong East stretched to about 300m along the sheltered walkway from the bus stop outside Block 201 Jurong East Street 21 to opposite Westgate mall. The waiting time for buses was at least 15 to 20 minutes but passengers were observed to be waiting in an orderly manner.
Boon Lay also saw a growing crowd, with staff having to hold commuters back at gantries to prevent overcrowding on the train platform.
But amid the frustration, heartwarming moments emerged .
A son of a station staff member who heard about the disruption drove over to support his mother and her colleagues at Buona Vista by providing drinks and snacks.
Muhammad Faris, 26, said he would wait for his mother to complete her shift before driving her home.
He was not the only one. Other passengers left water, isotonic drinks, and fruit juice for MRT staff who had been working all day to handle the situation.
“I just came down to support my mother as well her friends that are working tirelessly throughout the whole day since the breakdown… to give a little bit of support. I’m pretty sure they’re very tired,” said Mr Faris, a technical officer.
