Bombardier Innovia APM 300 C801B


Bombardier Innovia APM 300R C801B is the third generation of an automated people mover train built by Bombardier Transportation for the Bukit Panjang LRT line, to replace the existing C801 trains built in 1999. The C801B trains are also the first of its kind to reuse the retro AC third rail shoes compared to the newer Light Rail lines around the world that utilises the APM 300 system that have been built with DC third rail instead of AC.

Overview

As the aging first generation trains drew near to its deadline service of 20 years, the LTA has decided that the first generation trains are due for replacement instead of a refurbishment. This is in part of their renewal programme for the next 10 years for the BPLRT, including rail replacement and signalling upgrades. The LTA then awarded the project to Bombardier Transportation, the manufacturer of the BPLRT train cars, to procure 19 replacement train cars for the BPLRT. However, instead of using back the same technology for the train line, the LTA opted for Bombardier's latest technology on the INNOVIA system - INNOVIA APM 300. It is said to be much more reliable in many ways, including a much more robust braking and propulsion system, a higher reliability air conditioning system and many more. But with the BPLRT line utilising the same third rail technology as the APM 100, modification works on the APM 300 cars were done to work with AC third rail power supply. Hence, APM 300R was created, specifically for such conditions. The new trains were revealed on 3 December 2019, spotting a sleeker design and enhanced features.