Bukit Panjang LRT line to shut on 2 Sundays to test signalling system

Train service on the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) line will be suspended for two days so that a new signalling system can be tested to make sure it is properly integrated with new and upgraded light rail vehicles.

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan

In a statement on July 30, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and BPLRT operator SMRT said the line would be closed on two Sundays — Aug 31 and Sept 21.

The closure will allow the testing of the new signalling system while "simulating actual operating conditions", LTA and SMRT said.

This is to make sure that the various BPLRT systems can operate safely and reliably when they are rolled out for passenger service, they added.

A shuttle bus service, LRT Shuttle B, will operate on Aug 31 and Sept 21 in the direction of BPLRT Service B from Choa Chu Kang station to Bukit Panjang, via Petir, at a frequency of five to 15 minutes.

LTA and SMRT said renewal works on the BPLRT's signalling system and fleet are nearing completion.

Fourteen of 19 new third-generation light rail vehicles have been deployed for passenger service, and 11 of 13 second-generation vehicles have been upgraded and returned to service.