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Battlestar Galactica ride reopens

SINGAPORE — After keeping it shut for 22 months for a “an extensive attraction review of the ride and all its components and systems”, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) today (May 27) re-opened the Battlestar Galactica roller-coaster ride, with the only change a downsizing to two-seater vehicles.

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SINGAPORE — After keeping it shut for 22 months for a “an extensive attraction review of the ride and all its components and systems”, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) today (May 27) re-opened the Battlestar Galactica roller-coaster ride, with the only change a downsizing to two-seater vehicles.

Despite every other aspect of the star ride at Universal Studios Singapore remaining the same, the integrated resort gave little away on what went on behind the scenes during the closure or why it took so long to re-open.

The latest closure was the second extended one for the roller coaster ride.

The first came just a week after its March 2010 opening, when a seat became detached during routine tests, resulting in a nine-month closure.

Speaking to the media after the ride was re-opened, RWS’ Senior Vice-President of Attractions John Hallenbeck would only say Battlestar Galactica’s closure was for “enhancement purposes”, and not because of safety issues.

Commenting on the change to two-seater vehicles, he said it was designed to give riders a better “window seat” view. “With the vehicles we had previously, the middle (seats) felt a bit sheltered ... (Now), the action comes to you. It’s a new system where it has a bit of a smooth feel, and it really feels like you’re in control of driving the vehicle, so all these things went into play (with the new design),” said Mr Hallenbeck.

Video: Raj Nadarajan/TODAY

The Battlestar Galactica’s course remains unchanged. The duelling roller coasters run simultaneously on separate but intertwined 1km-long tracks that go up to 14 storeys high.

“Any ride that we have goes through tests for many reasons — for safety, and guest satisfaction as well. We do cycle testing, satisfaction testing, and technical and operational testing, just the normal things we do at any attraction,” he added. “There are obviously approvals and things that need to happen along the way through various agencies and authorities so all that took some time; maybe not as quickly as we would’ve liked and everybody else.”

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) did not address TODAY’s queries on the reasons behind the Battlestar Galactica’s closure.

It would only say the new ride vehicles have gone through the necessary design requirements and testing, and that the rides have been inspected.

“The Commissioner of Amusement Rides Safety is satisfied with the tests done on the rides and the safety measures that have been put in place,” a spokesperson said, adding that the operating permits for the Battlestar Galactica was issued last Monday.

Some of the first few riders on Battlestar Galactica today said that while the ride was thrilling, it was disappointing that the track was not refreshed.

Undergraduate Melissa Teo, 20, said: “Overall, it was not that bad. It’s just not something you want to wait two years for.”

Mr Avan Kwek, 22, who took the ride for the first time, said the harness felt “quite secure”. “Even though you turn 360 degrees a few times, it was still fine,” the undergraduate added.

Correction: In an earlier version of this story we misspelt Mr John Hallenbeck's name. We have corrected it and are sorry for the error. 

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