The North-East Line (NEL) now operates up to 40 trains during the morning peak period of 7.30am to 9.30am, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow said in a written parliamentary reply on 23 September. Most commuters can board the first train that arrives, though some may have to wait an additional two minutes for the next service. Incentives under the Travel Smart Journeys programme were improved to encourage commuters to travel at different times or use other modes. The reply also did not clarify how far the NEL’s capacity can be further increased beyond the current level of 40 trains. On 9 September, SBS Transit announced that it had temporarily reduced the number of trains on the NEL during morning peak hours as a precautionary measure.