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Bukit Panjang LRT

The Bukit Panjang LRT is the first light rail line to be introduced into the system. SMRT is currently operating this line.

Opened in 1999, the fully automated and driverless line spans 7.6km across 13 stations within Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang towns, complementing feeder bus services in the area. It connects with the North-South Line at Choa Chu Kang station, and the Downtown Line at Bukit Panjang station.

The line branches off at Bukit Panjang to serve the different stations on the line on two different routes. There are eight stations on the looping section of the line, including Bukit Panjang station.

Initially, a 0.2km branch at Bukit Panjang station connects to the fourteenth station at Ten Mile Junction. The Ten Mile Junction station was closed in 2019 to faciliate renewal works for the system.

During peak hours, some trains will run in a 2-car formation instead to increase the capacity on the line.

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At a Glance

Bukit Panjang LRT

First opened 6 November 1999

7.6km with 13 stations

Light rail line with 1-car and 2-car trains

Fully-automatic train operation

The Bukit Panjang LRT is operated by SMRT Light Rail

Line diagram

Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) Line Diagram

Rolling stock

Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) ›

Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801A) ›

Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) ›

History

Initial stages

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) system was developed to extend the reach and accessibility of the MRT network, which was approved on 10 February 1996. The LRT system would operate as a feeder service to complement the existing MRT network. Constructions for the LRT line began in April 1996.

In tandem with the developments around the Bukit Panjang area, the line was opened on 6 November 1999 and is the first light rail transit system in Singapore.

Infrastructure upgrades

Redevelopment at Ten Mile Juncton

The Ten Mile Junction station was temporarily closed on 10 December 2010 to facilitate the renovations of the mall which the station was situated within. Service C was also withdrawn during the period where the station was closed.

The station was reopened on 30 December 2011 when the mall reopened and service C was reintroduced again.

Additional Platforms at Choa Chu Kang

To allow better commuter circulation and ease commuter movement within the station, two additional platforms at Choa Chu Kang station were constructed and completed on 27 December 2016.

The two new 'exit only' platforms helps to reduce platform crowding on the existing centre platform, providing more space for commuters boarding the LRT. Each of the new platform will be accessible by a dedicated staircase and escalator.

Renewal of the Bukit Panjang LRT System

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) the contract to renew the Bukit Panjang LRT System on 7 March 2018.

The contract involves a re-signalling upgrade to Alstom's Cityflo 650 Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system and also the replacement of power rails and the decommissioning of the legacy signalling track circuits. The new signalling system is expected to commence in 4Q 2022, and renewal works are expected to be completed by 2024.

The renewal of the system also includes the replacement of the 19 existing C801 trains with the new Alstom Innovia APM 300 C801B automated people mover cars, and the retrofitting of 13 existing Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 C801A train cars.

The Bukit Panjang LRT Service C to Ten Mile Junction will also cease operations permanently from 13 January 2019, providing LTA and Bombardier with additional space to conduct the renewal works.

Timeline

Date Project Description
6 November 1999 Bukit Panjang LRT Opening of Bukit Panjang LRT (14 stations)
10 December 2010 Redevelopment at Ten Mile Juncton Temporary closure of Ten Mile Juncton
30 December 2011 Redevelopment at Ten Mile Juncton Reopening of Ten Mile Junction
27 December 2016 Additional Platforms at Choa Chu Kang Opening of two additional platforms at Choa Chu Kang
13 January 2019 Bukit Panjang LRT Renewal Permanent closure of Ten Mile Juncton
4Q 2022 Bukit Panjang LRT Renewal Commencement of Alstom Cityflo 650 CBTC Signalling System
2024 Bukit Panjang LRT Renewal Completion of the renewal of the Bukit Panjang LRT System

Facts + Figures

Type
Light Rail Line (LRT)
Stations / Length
13 stations / 7.6km (currently operational)
Bukit Panjang LRT - 7.6km
Depots
Ten Mile Junction Depot
Train Length
1-2 cars
Track Gauge
Central Guideway
Electrification
600V AC from power rail
Operation Type
Fully-automated operation
Signalling System
Fixed-block Bombardier CITYFLO 550 ATC

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