Crowded platforms, missed meetings: Brief MRT delay ripples across Singapore’s morning rush

Commuters queue at an MRT station amid a reported train delay on October 21, 2026. — Reddit/SMRTRabak, Reddit/singapore pics via AsiaOne

First Published: Wednesday, 21 Oct 2026 12:56 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 21 — Commuters encountered long queues and crowding at Lakeside MRT station this morning amid a reported train delay between Buona Vista and Outram Park stations.

A Reddit post shared today showed a queue of commuters waiting to enter Lakeside MRT station, with the poster wondering what conditions were like inside the station and at other stations along the line. 

The train delay reportedly began at about 7.50am and was resolved by about 8.15am.

Though the disruption lasted less than 30 minutes, commuters online described crowded platforms, delayed journeys and trains being held at stations during the morning rush hour.

AsiaOne understands that the delay was an isolated technical issue involving the train itself and was not caused by human error.

The disruption prompted discussion among users, with some expressing concern about the crowds and the inconvenience caused during the morning commute.

The delay also raised questions about alternative transport options, with the original poster (OP) remarking: “I just know Grab prices are insane too.”

Commuters report delays and crowding at other stations

Other Reddit users shared their experiences of the disruption, with some saying they were delayed on their way to work.

“The train stalled so long at Queenstown and Redhill [MRT stations] sigh… I am late for my meeting,” one user wrote.

Another highlighted how even a short disruption could cause significant crowding, saying that a 10-minute delay could lead to a substantial build-up of commuters, made worse by the size of station platforms.

The impact appeared to extend further along the East-West Line, with one commuter at Jurong East saying they waited about 15 minutes for a train as more passengers continued to arrive at the platform.

Another commuter reported being stuck on an eastbound train at Chinese Garden MRT station for about five to 10 minutes, writing: “Something weird is happening with the trains this morning ... Trains stuck at stations for ages.” — AsiaOne