Bukit Panjang LRT will close early at 10.30pm on weeknights from November 2024 to October 2025 to upgrade its signalling system and test new trains.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
The train that serves Bukit Panjang is getting a major upgrade to run more smoothly and reliably. To do this work, it needs to shut down earlier at night for testing, but buses will still be available for late-night travel. By the end of 2025, you'll have new and improved trains to ride.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Do you think the long-term benefits of improved train reliability justify the temporary inconvenience of early closures?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Bukit Panjang residents, get ready for smoother train rides as the LRT gets a major overhaul.
According to SMRT, Bukit Panjang LRT will close early for upgrades.
The train will stop at 10.30pm from Thursday to Sunday.
This change starts on 14 Nov 2024 and ends on 31 Oct 2025.
Public holidays are not affected by this change.
SMRT said, “This service adjustment is necessary to facilitate the upgrading of the BPLRT signalling system, as well as the testing of the new and retrofitted Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) on the BPLRT network.”
The LRT is getting a new signalling system called Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC).
This system is like the one used on MRT lines.
SMRT explained, “The new CBTC signalling system allows better control of train speeds, which will allow commuters to enjoy smoother and more reliable rides.”
The upgrade work has been going on since 2022.
It needs a lot of testing at night, which is why the train will close early.
| Upgrade Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Signalling System | New CBTC system for better control |
| New Vehicles | 19 new LRVs being added |
| Upgraded Vehicles | Second-generation vehicles being improved |
The LRT is getting 19 new trains.
Four new trains started running on 1 August 2024.
One more new train will come by the end of 2024.
The rest of the 13 new trains will arrive in 2025.
Old trains are also being made better.
Five old trains have been upgraded and are now running.
The sixth old train will be ready in early November 2024.
All new and upgraded trains should be running by the end of 2025.
If you need to travel after 10.30pm, you can use buses.
These bus services will still be running: 67, 171, 920, 922, 960, 963, 972, 972M, 973, 974, and 976.
These buses can help you get around after the LRT closes.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will watch how many people use the buses.
They will change the bus services if needed.
The LRT started running both loops on weekends and holidays from 28 September 2024.
This means trains run on both tracks all day on these days.
The whole renewal programme should be done by the end of 2026.
LTA might need more time for work as the project goes on.
They will tell people if there are any more changes to train times.
SMRT said, “We thank commuters and residents for their understanding and patience, as we continue to improve the BPLRT’s reliability.”
These upgrades are part of Singapore’s efforts to make public transport better.
Do you think the benefits of the LRT upgrades will outweigh the inconvenience of early closures?
Do you think the long-term benefits of improved train reliability justify the temporary inconvenience of early closures?
Be the first to weigh in.
