Service Improvements for Bukit Panjang LRT
Measures to Address Reliability Issues;
40% Increase in Capacity During Peak Hours
1. LTA
and SMRT will be embarking on various efforts to make the Bukit
Panjang LRT (BPLRT) system more robust with additional targeted
measures. Capacity has also increased by 40% with more than half of
the 13 new train-cars put into service since last November. The
remaining trains will be put into service by the third quarter of
this year. From September 2015, SMRT willl also be extending the
BPS1 service to the evening peak. Works are ongoing to enhance
Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang LRT stations to cater to the higher
traffic expected with the opening of Downtown Line 2.
Measures for Repair-Maintenance of System
2. The
LTA-SMRT Joint Team[1] has
identified system faults causing the loss of train signals and
traction power as the key contributors of past incidents.
SMRT is working with Bombardier
Transport which supplied the BPLRT system to address these
faults.
3. To
address the issue of traction power tripping and the loss of power
to the train-cars, SMRT will be replacing the power rail brackets
at LRT crossings where such incidents are more likely.
Cameras will also be installed on the under-frame of the train-cars
to better monitor the alignment and contact between the train-car’s
current collector shoes and power rails. These will
also be used to detect the causes for anymisalignments
so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken to minimise
such incidents.
4. In
addition, SMRT will enhance the gap breaker panels with improved
features for better isolation and insulation of internal components
to reduce the
likelihood of
arcing between the electrical components and smouldering incidents.
As a predictive maintenance measure, SMRT is also replacing the
signalling cards and relays on the train-cars.
Increased Day-to-Day System Manning
5. SMRT
will deploy more operations and maintenance staff at the BPLRT
stations to provide timely assistance and rectification of
faults, in
a further effort to minimise
inconvenience to commuters in the event of technical faults. This
effort includes hiring more staff for BPLRT train-cars and
stations, which are designed to operate unmanned, as well as
putting out clear signage to notify commuters of free bus
services.
6. In
addition, SMRT is working with the train-car manufacturer on remote
reset features from the BPLRT Operation Control Centre. When this
is completed, operations staff will be able to remote reset the
train-cars for faster service recovery.
BPLRT Capacity Improvements
7. We
are also on track to add 13 new train-cars to BPLRT by the third
quarter of this year. To date, seven train-cars have
been put
in service,
increasing capacity for commuters especially during the morning and
evening peak hours. With more train-cars, commuters can enjoy
shorter wait times and a more comfortable ride.
8. From
September 2015, SMRT will also be extending the BPS1 service for
the evening peak, i.e. from Choa Chu Kang back to Bukit Panjang, to
supplement the BPLRT service. Currently, BPS1 is a unidirectional
morning peak trunk service from Segar Road to Choa Chu Kang
Interchange, via Jelapang and Senja.
Enhancements to LRT Stations
9. Bukit
Panjang LRT station is being upgraded with
additional platforms so that its connectivity with the upcoming
Downtown Line 2’s Bukit Panjang station will be
improved.
Upgrading works will be completed before the opening of Downtown
Line 2.
10. To
allow better commuter movement at Choa Chu Kang LRT station, LTA
will also add two additional station platforms. These two ‘exit
only’ platforms will connect to the link bridge leading to the Choa
Chu Kang MRT station, and allow the existing centre platform to
have more space to cater to boarding passengers. There will be one
staircase and one escalator to serve each of the new platforms.
Works are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of
2016.
11. These
near-term measures will
help provide a more reliable and comfortable service for
commuters. Asthe
system will have operated for 20 years by
2019, LTA
will be
reviewing the
future BPLRT
plans,
as well aswork
closely with stakeholders and the public transport operators to
ensure the adequacy and quality of public transport services for
residents of Bukit Panjang town.
http://www.smrt.com.sg/Media/Press-release/News/articleid/602/parentId/180/year/2015?category=Press%20Releases