The Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT) network will resume Sunday operations from July 1, rail operator SMRT announced yesterday.

But the network will open at 8am instead of the usual 5.30am to enable maintenance works to continue. This late opening on Sundays will continue until Oct 28.

The problematic BPLRT has been closed on Sundays since April 15, as part of maintenance works aimed at improving the reliability of its system.

"The full-Sunday closure of BPLRT stations from April to June has enabled maintenance and engineering teams to accelerate replacement of power rails and track switch components along critical sectors of the network," said SMRT. "Even as LRT services resume on Sundays from July, later opening hours will continue to provide the teams with the necessary time to carry out essential work on the rest of the network."

A bridging shuttle bus service will continue to transport passengers between stations in both directions during the late opening on Sundays, and staff will be deployed to assist passengers, SMRT added.

Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, speaking in Parliament in March, gave details of the BPLRT's $344 million renewal project and said that commuters can expect smoother rides from 2022 once the majority of works is completed.

Toh Ting Wei