Bukit Panjang LRT to end at 10:30pm every Thursday-Sunday for next 1 year or so for upgrading works

Train services on the Bukit Panjang LRT will end one hour earlier at 10:30pm every Thursday to Sunday, from Nov. 14, 2024, to Oct. 31, 2025, with the exception of public holidays, when train services will run as per normal.

This service adjustment is necessary to facilitate the upgrading of the LRT signalling system, and the testing of the new and retrofitted light rail vehicles on the Bukit Panjang LRT network, according to a joint press release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT.

During the early closure period, commuters can take existing bus services serving Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang to continue their journeys after 10:30pm.

These include services 67, 171, 920, 922, 960, 963, 972, 972M, 973, 974 and 976.

LTA will monitor ridership and adjust service levels where required to meet commuter demand.

Signalling system will be upgraded to a similar system used on the MRT lines

Since 2022, works to upgrade the existing signalling system to a new communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system, similar to that used on MRT lines, have been carried out progressively.

LTA and SMRT pointed out that the new signalling system allows better control of train speeds, which will allow commuters to enjoy smoother and more reliable rides.

Intensive testing is required to ensure full integration of the signalling system with the rest of the trackside equipment across the entire BPLRT network.

This can only be carried out during engineering hours, and each period of testing exceeds the engineering hours available during a typical night.

Testing also needs to be conducted with the upgraded and new light rail vehicles as they progressively become available over the next year.

Upgrades to the rail, vehicles and control centre are also ongoing

LTA and SMRT added that the upgrading of the signalling system is part of a broader BPLRT renewal programme that aims to provide commuters with a more reliable and improved travel experience.

Aside from the signalling upgrading works, upgrades to the operations control centre and power rail replacement activities are also ongoing to enhance system reliability.

In addition, the replacement of the first-generation Bukit Panjang LTR vehicles with 19 new vehicles has been progressing well.

Since Aug. 1, 2024, four new light rail vehicles have entered passenger service, with another currently undergoing testing.

One additional new vehicle will arrive by end-2024, while the remaining 13 new vehicles will arrive progressively in 2025.

In parallel, the 13 second-generation vehicles currently in service are also being upgraded.

Five second-generation vehicles have already been upgraded and are running in passenger service, with the sixth second-generation vehicle to complete its upgrading in early November 2024.

The remaining seven second-generation vehicles will be progressively upgraded and tested over the coming year.

All of the new and upgraded Bukit Panjang LRT vehicles are expected to enter passenger service by end-2025.

Full dual-loop services have also resumed for all hours on weekends and public holidays since Sep. 28, 2024.

Further resumption of dual loop services on weekdays can be expected in coming months and updates will be provided when ready.

Additional engineering hours may be needed

LTA added that is is targeting to complete the full renewal programme by the end of 2026.

Additional extended engineering hours may also be required as the renewal works progress.

LTA and SMRT said:

"We will continue to plan our works carefully to minimise the impact on commuters as far as possible, and will provide timely updates if service adjustments are needed.

We thank commuters and residents for their understanding and patience, as we continue to improve the BPLRT’s reliability."

Top photo from Sg Trains