The operation of the Bukit Panjang LRT was not without teething problems. Software glitches during initial running means that there were constant delays in service, sometimes severe. There were two serious accidents since its opening :
In 2000, two LRT trains crashed head-to-back at Phoenix Station causing minor injuries. The operator was fined S$10,000.
In 2002, a dislodged train wheel caused the entire shutdown of the system for a few days, as it crippled the power system and the rail at the incident was damaged and had to be repaired.
The Bukit Panjang LRT has been operating at a loss for the past five years. Like the North East MRT Line, critics say that the system is a white elephant.
It was also reported that residents were unhappy with the withdrawal of feeder bus services operating in the area since the opening of the Bukit Panjang LRT, and were further aggravated by the unreliability of the service. After lobbying to Members of the Parliament, some services were partially restored.
BukitPanjang Light Rapid Transit is a 7.8 km light rail line opened in 1999.
The poor operation was partly why the operation of the Sengkang LRT Line and Punggol LRT Line were awarded to rival company SBS Transit and rival manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
It was also reported that residents were unhappy with the withdrawal of feeder bus services operating in the area since the opening of the BukitPanjangLRT, and were further aggravated by the unreliability of the service.
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