Singapore, 12 December 2018

Joint Media Release: LTA-SMRT

New Operating Hours for the Bukit Panjang LRT from January 2019 as Planned Renewal Works Commence

1. From Sunday, 13 January 2019, the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) network will close earlier at 11.30pm daily to enable SMRT to intensify and accelerate maintenance and system renewal works. Please refer to Annex A for the list of last train timings.

2. As part of the planned renewal works commencing in the first quarter of 2019, BPLRT’s original equipment manufacturer, Bombardier, will be undertaking the following work:

a. Upgrade the network’s power rails system;

b. Replace the existing signalling system with a new Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for higher rail reliability;

c. Replace all 19 first generation Light Rapid Vehicles (LRVs), which have been in use since BPLRT services began in 1999, with new and improved vehicles. Concurrently, upgrade the 13 LRVs, that were put into service in 2015 to expand the BPLRT fleet, with the CBTC signalling system; and

d. Equip LRVs and CBTC signalling system with condition monitoring systems for real-time detection of tail alignment and predictive maintenance.

Cessation of Service C

3. As previously announced on 3 March 2018, BPLRT Service C commencing and terminating at Ten Mile Junction Station will be permanently closed from 13 January 2019. The vacated station space in Ten Mile Junction Station will thereafter be converted into a stabling and testing ground for the BPLRT’s new LRVs.

Ongoing enhancements to raise BPLRT’s reliability

4. Since November 2017, periodic Full Sunday Closures and Sunday Late Openings have been implemented for the BPLRT network. These have enabled accelerated maintenance works. Please refer to Annex B for photos of maintenance engineers carrying out works along the BPLRT.

5. LTA Chief Executive, Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, said: “Over the past year, our engineering teams have made use of additional engineering hours to intensify and speed up the replacement of the BPLRT’s ageing infrastructure. The upcoming enhancement works will see extensive works carried out on the BPLRT network to implement a new signalling system and renew train cars. These are part of our efforts to improve the BPLRT’s reliability and commuters’ travel experience. We are grateful for residents’ patience in allowing us this extra time to carry out enhancement works, and seek their understanding as we continue to strive towards more reliable journeys on the BPLRT for all commuters.”

6. SMRT Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neo Kian Hong, said: “We are working very closely with LTA and Bombardier to ensure that these renewal works are carried out well, on schedule and safely. Even as works to renew and upgrade the BPLRT network’s key components are being carried out over the next few years, we will continue our efforts to improve our operations and maintenance of the system, so that commuters can continue to enjoy reliable and comfortable journeys on the BPLRT.”

Alternative Travel Options

7. To support the change in the BPLRT’s operating hours, bus services 920, 922, 973 and 974 will run for longer hours until around 1.00am, to serve commuters within the Bukit Panjang township. Commuters can also continue to access Junction 10 via the Downtown Line’s Bukit Panjang MRT Station, Phoenix or Bukit Panjang LRT stations, as well as bus services plying the bus stop opposite Junction 10.

More information on LRT and bus service timings can be found on www.smrt.com.sg. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys ahead using alternative transport. Updates will be available on SMRT’s website, as well as through SMRT’s Facebook and Twitter feed.

-end-

Click here for more information on alternative bus service options.