New train cars arrive for Bukit Panjang: LTA

Peak-hour capacity to increase by 50%.

The first of 13 new train-cars for the Bukit Panjang LRT System (BPLRT) arrived in Singapore early on June 15, the LTA announced on Wednesday.

According to the LTA, the additional 13 train-cars are expected to increase the peak-hour capacity of the BPLRT by about 50%.

“As new train-cars are added to the system and the network upgraded, overcrowding on certain stretches of the LRT network will reduce and commuters can experience more frequent train services and shorter waiting times,” the LTA stated.

Here’s more from LTA:

All train-cars will undergo extensive reliability testing at Bukit Panjang depot and will progressively go into service from the last quarter of this year.

The new train-cars will ease crowding levels, especially during the morning and evening peaks. The BPLRT currently has 19 train-cars.

With the additional train-cars, trains will arrive more frequently and more 2-car trains can be put into service.
Headways between the Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang LRT stations will be reduced to 2.2 minutes from 2.5 minutes today, and that for the loop between Petir and Senja stations (in both directions) will be reduced to 4.4 minutes from 5 minutes today. 

LTA has also started work to construct two new additional platforms at Choa Chu Kang LRT station to improve commuter movement and reduce platform crowding. 

Currently, commuters board and alight from the trains at a single platform, which can become congested during peak hours. With the new platforms dedicated for passengers exiting the station, the existing platform can be freed up for boarding passengers