THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE FIRST LIGHT RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM IN SINGAPORE - BUKIT PANJANG LRT SYSTEM

摘要

The Bukit Panjang Light Rapid Transit (BPLRT) System, a fully automated People Mover System, is located in the north-western part of Singapore. The BPLRT system was conceived as an effective replacement for the feeder bus services as well as to serve as an artery linking the new residential and sub-urban development at Bukit Panjang with the main line Choa Chu Kang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. The system was opened for revenue service on 6 November 1999. In order to ensure the viability of the system, key requirements for the project were to minimise land take, infrastructure cost and recurring operation and maintenance costs. This was also to be a fast-tracked project with a contract period of just 41 months. Apart from the time and cost constraints, there was no shortage of other challenges encountered during the course of the project. Some of these challenges included the "retrofitting" of the LRT alignment through the built-up estates of Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang, managing a turnkey contractor, the planning and implementation of an integrated development at Ten Mile Junction, etc. This paper presents some of the major challenges faced, how they were overcome and the lessons learnt during the construction of Bukit Panjang Light Rapid Transit (BPLRT) System.