LTA, SMRT detail service improvement measures for LRT system, stations

THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT are embarking on various efforts to make the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) system more robust with additional targeted measures.

The measures include:

- Working with Bombardier Transport which supplied the BPLRT system to address the system faults which cause the loss of train signals and traction power.

- Replacing the power rail brackets at LRT crossings to address the issue of traction power tripping and the loss of power to the train-cars. Cameras will also be installed on the underframe of the train-cars to better monitor the alignment and contact between the train-cars' current collector shoes and power rails. These will also be used to detect the causes for any misalignments so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken to minimise such incidents.

- Enhancing 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.

Additionally, SMRT will deploy more operations and maintenance staff at the BPLRT stations to provide timely assistance and rectification of faults.

Capacity has also increased by 40 per cent 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 this year, SMRT will also be extending the Bus Parallel Service BPS1 for the evening peak (from Choa Chu Kang back to Bukit Panjang) to supplement the BPLRT service.

Separately, 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.

At Choa Chu Kang LRT Station, LTA will add two additional station platforms. These two "exit only" platforms will connect to the link bridge leading to 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.