Trains /

Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801)

The Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) trains were the first generation of rolling stock for the Bukit Panjang LRT. These were rubber-tyred automated people mover (APM) trains, also referred to as light rail vehicles (LRVs), designed for small-scale automated guideway transit (AGT) systems.

19 train cars were purchased, capable of operating in single and double car formations, and officially entered passenger service in 6 November 1999, when the LRT line opened.

These trains operate on an exclusive elevated guideway, unhampered by road and pedestrian traffic. Compared to the metal-wheeled MRT trains, these APM trains were fitted with rubber tyres and were relatively quiet during operations.

The smart misting glass windows of these trains were well-known over the Internet, with netizens intrigued by this innovative feature to protect the privacy of residents living adjacent to the LRT line.

Utilising Bombardier's CITYFLO 550 Automatic Train Control (ATC) signalling system, these trains were capable of fully automated operations and can run without any train attendant on board.

These trains have been decommissioned and were succeeded by the third generation Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) trains, as part of renewal works for the Bukit Panjang LRT system.

History
Lines
Design
Features
Gallery
Technical Specs
Related Links

At a Glance

Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801)

Bukit Panjang LRT

Built 1998 - 1999

Decommissioned 2023 - 2025

19 train cars, numbered 101 to 119

The Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system was endorsed by the Government on 10 February 1996, where it will serve as a feeder to the MRT network.

Following the endorsement, Contract 801 for the supply of new LRT trains was awarded by the Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) to the joint venture of ABB and Daimler-Benz, better known as Adtranz, on 12 April 1996.

19 train cars were purchased for the 7.6-kilometre Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT), which commenced passenger service on 6 November 1999.

Initially known as the Adtranz CX-100, Bombardier Inc. acquired the joint venture in 2001, where it rebranded the trains as the Bombardier CX-100.

Bombardier Transportation pursued a synonymous branding system for their APM trains in 2010, consolidating both CX-100 and INNOVIA APM 100 trains, to now be known as the Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 trains in its final form.

The manufacturer touted the INNOVIA APM 100 trains to be "extremely reliable" and "consistently delivering availability of 99.8 per cent."

Replacement and Decommissioning of C801 trains

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) awarded Alstom Transport (previously known as Bombardier Transportation) the contract to renew the BPLRT system on 7 March 2018.

Contract 801B for asset replacement and reliability enhancement works included the replacement of all 19 first generation C801 trains with the new third generation C801B trains, slated to enter passenger service in the fourth quarter of 2022. The first two C801B trains entered passenger service in August 2024.

The first C801 train decommissioned from passenger service after approximately 24 years of service on 26 November 2023, and the last train retired on 17 October 2025.

Exterior

The exterior of the train featured a prominent white and turquoise colour scheme, with a red band at the bottom.

The windows of the train were also tinted blue.

The seats had a single colour scheme of turquoise.

The train featured a viewing space at both ends of the train, serving as additional seating space.

These trains had much wider doors for faster boarding and alighting.

Its spacious interior also allowed for a higher passenger capacity.

Smart Misting Windows

The train cars were equipped with smart misting windows (except the front windows).

The windows would mist within 6 metres (20 feet) of residential buildings, eliminating privacy concerns.

Viewing Space

Both ends of the train featured a viewing space.

The viewing space allowed passengers to view Bukit Panjang through the windscreen.

Overhead Hand Grips

Overhead hand grips were positioned along the aisles of the train cabins to provide standing passengers with increased support.

LED Travel Information Displays

The LED Travel Information Displays provided commuters with their route information throughout their journey.

It was located above every train door.

Emergency Next Station Stop

The Emergency Next Station Stop button, located at the side of the train doors, stops the train at the next station in an emergency.

Intercom

Intercoms were located at both ends of the train to contact the train staff in an emergency.

Gallery

The exterior of the Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) train for the Bukit Panjang LRT.

Exterior of a single-car Bukit Panjang LRT C801 train

The exterior of a double-car Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) train for the Bukit Panjang LRT.

Exterior of a double-car Bukit Panjang LRT C801 train

The interior of the Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) train for the Bukit Panjang LRT.

Interior of a Bukit Panjang LRT C801 train car

The LCD media screens of the Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) train for the Bukit Panjang LRT.

LCD media screens were used to display advertisements, but they have since been turned off

Technical Specifications

M: Motor car

Manufacturer: Adtranz
Number Built: 19 cars
Train Numbers: 101 – 119
Traction Control: DC thyristor drive (Bombardier 1460-P4)
Line Voltage: 600 V AC (nominal) from power rail
Rail Type: Centrally-mounted guide rail
Maximum Speed: 55 km/h (design)
48 km/h (service)

Train Length: 12.8 m (1 car)
25.6 m (2 cars)
Car Length: 12.8 m
Width: 2.8 m
Height: 3.4 m
Train Weight: 16.5 t (tare condition/unladen)
Doors: 2.0 m wide, 4 per car
Seating Capacity: 16 seats per car

Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801)

At a Glance

History

Replacement and Decommissioning of C801 trains

Lines

Design