3rd-gen Alstom Innovia APM 300R enters passenger service on Aug 1, 2024; first two of 19 new vehicles

The new 3rd-gen Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) vehicles for the Bukit Panjang LRT. (Image: LTA)

Commuters living in the Bukit Panjang region can look forward to riding the new 3rd-gen Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B), which officially entered passenger service on the Bukit Panjang LRT on Thursday (Aug 1), said the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

These light rail vehicles were purchased to replace the first-generation BPLRT fleet, which has been running since the system opened in 1999.

First two new Bukit Panjang Light Rail Vehicles to commence passenger service from Aug 1, 2024

Artist’s Impression of a double-car Alstom Innovia APM 300 (C801B) train for the Bukit Panjang LRT. (Image: LTA)

19 new 3rd-gen C801B vehicles will gradually replace all 1st-gen vehicles

The two new 3rd-gen light rail vehicles for the Bukit Panjang LRT, which officially entered service on Thursday, are part of the batch of 19 new vehicles jointly manufactured by French train maker Alstom Transport and Chinese train maker CRRC Nanjing Puzhen.

The new C801B vehicles will gradually replace all 1st-gen C801 vehicles which have been in service for over 20 years, LTA said.

LEARN MORE: Bombardier INNOVIA APM 100 (C801) »

Concurrently, LTA said the 2nd-gen C801A light rail vehicles are being upgraded with the Communications-based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, with half of the Bukit Panjang LRT fleet to have completed renewal works and re-entered passenger service by mid-2025.

“By end-2025, all of the 19 new third-generation vehicles would have arrived in Singapore, in time for the full BPLRT fleet to be renewed by 2026,” LTA mentioned.

MORE INFO: Running Status of BPLRT Trains »
MORE INFO: Delivery of Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) »

Improved features of new 3rd-gen C801B vehicles

The new 3rd-gen C801B vehicles have new and improved features for commuters to enjoy smoother and more comfortable rides.

These features include new liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors with “dynamic-coloured route displays”, which assist passengers in identifying the current station and tracking route.

Brighter and energy-efficient light-emitting diode (LED) saloon lights are also installed, with an upgraded air-conditioning system that has “enhanced cooling capabilities and even distribution of air throughout the vehicle.”

In addition, the C801B vehicles feature a condition-monitoring system that oversees the train’s health of various key systems, including doors, brakes, and air conditioning. Power rail sensors will also be installed for real-time monitoring as the train travels.

The condition-monitoring system and sensor allow earlier detection and rectification of defects, providing the operator with a comprehensive “overview of the functionality and performance of the vehicle and tracks” and enabling pre-emptive maintenance as required.

LEARN MORE: Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) »

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Related Links
Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) – SGTrains
Bukit Panjang LRT – SGTrains

External Links
First Two New Bukit Panjang Light Rail Vehicles to Commence Passenger Service from 1 August – LTA

Images: LTA, LTA.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.