Residents of Bukit Panjang reacted in horror as news emerged that SMRT was considering getting rid of their troubled LRT system.
That's not to say that the Bukit Panjang LRT system (BPLRT) is beloved by all during its tenure in the district. Since launching in 1999, operations haven't exactly been described as smooth — faulty air-conditioning, repeated breakdowns, forgoing station stops, uncomfortably jerky rides and more have marred the reputation of Singapore's first light rail system. Just last Wednesday, the system went down for eight whole hours.
Despite its many faults, the 14-station LRT network remains a crucial mode of transport for the folks who live deep inside Bukit Panjang. For many, it's a preferred option over buses, and a convenient connection to Chua Chu Kang MRT station.