{
  "id": 167071,
  "title": "SMRT Trains profit nearly doubles to S$12.8 million as revenue rises 5.6%",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/smrt-trains-profit-nearly-doubles-to-s-12-8-million-as-revenue-rises",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-05T09:04:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/smrt-trains-profit-rail-revenue-ridership-6300516"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singapore's SMRT Trains reported a nearly doubling of its profit after tax to S$12.8 million in the latest financial year, as revenue rose 5.6 percent due to increased ridership and fare income, according to the company's statement on Wednesday (Aug 5). Revenue surged by S$51.5 million from the previous year, with profit after tax climbing from S$6.9 million to S$12.8 million, and earnings before interest and tax reaching S$16.2 million from S$4.9 million.\n\nSMRT's improved profit margin of 1.3 percent compared to 0.75 percent in the prior year was attributed to disciplined cost management and secured energy contracts before recent geopolitical developments. Higher repair and maintenance expenses partially offset the gains, as SMRT continues to invest in its rail assets and enhance engineering capabilities.\n\nChairman Seah Moon Ming highlighted that total train maintenance cost stood at S$245 million, while energy costs amounted to S$125 million. The company also reported an average of 2 million mean kilometers between failure (MKBF) for its trains for the first time, surpassing the global benchmark of 1 million MKBF. MKBF measures rail reliability by tracking the average distance a train travels before experiencing a service delay of more than five minutes.\n\nMr. Seah emphasized that this level of reliability is a result of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement, noting that it is not the outcome of a single breakthrough or an exceptional individual. He also mentioned that SMRT's rail licences, with expirations ranging from 2029 to 2031, prompt discussions with relevant authorities.\n\nThe chairman addressed the difficulty SMRT faces in attracting new tenants for Tanjong Pagar station's retail area due to the expiring rail licence in 2031. He advocated for longer licence periods to provide certainty for long-term investments, enhance workforce stability, and allow operators to focus on service improvement for commuters. SMRT's collaboration with Guangzhou Metro, known for its engineering capabilities and operational reliability, includes developing innovations like predictive crowd control and train/maintenance upgrades.\n\nRecent upgrades, such as a S$7 million enhancement at Bishan Depot and an upcoming S$5.5 million expansion of Mandai Depot, aim to improve overhaul capacity and reduce overhaul times. The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link project, which SMRT manages, is 82 percent complete and expected to open soon with announced fares.",
  "summary": "Revenue rose S$51.5 million on higher ridership and fare income.",
  "key_points": [
    "SMRT's profit after tax nearly doubles to S$12.8 million",
    "Revenue rises 5.6% due to increased ridership and fares",
    "Chairman emphasizes reliability through disciplined cost management"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Straits Times",
        "title": "SMRT's rail revenue up 5.6%; profit after tax almost doubles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/smrts-rail-revenue-up-5-6-profit-after-tax-almost-doubles",
        "published": "2026-08-05T09:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}