Singapore is embarking on an ambitious journey to enhance its public bus network with an investment of up to $900 million over the next eight years. This significant allocation under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP) is designed to improve bus services, particularly in new and expanding housing estates, and to adapt to changing travel patterns across the island.
Key Enhancements
The BCEP outlines several key enhancements aimed at improving the public bus network:
Speeding Up New Bus Services in New Estates
The introduction of bus services in new towns will be expedited to ensure early residents have immediate access to public transport. For instance, a new bus service in Yishun East will connect residents of upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) developments to Khatib MRT station by September 2024.
Introduction of Express Feeder Buses
New express feeder bus services will be launched to provide more direct routes with fewer stops, reducing travel time for residents in areas farther from major transport nodes. The first such service will be introduced in Tampines North in December 2024, offering a direct link to Tampines MRT station.
More Peak-Hour Express Services
To complement busier MRT lines, additional peak-hour express bus services will be introduced. For example, a new City Direct Service will start in Punggol by October 2024, providing a direct route to the Central Business District.
Adjustments to Existing Routes
In response to changing travel patterns, more bus trips will be added to certain routes, new services will be rolled out, and some routes will be adjusted. An example is the extension of a bus service in Toa Payoh East to connect residents to the Thomson-East Coast and Circle lines at Caldecott MRT station by the end of 2024.
Addressing Growing Demand
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized the importance of developing the public transport system in tandem with new housing projects. "We want to make sure that our public transport system is able to develop in tandem with these new housing projects," he said. The investment will be used to purchase more buses, hire additional bus drivers and maintenance staff, and build new infrastructure such as bus stops.
Community-Centric Approach
The BCEP is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of different communities. "We don’t have a template that is the same across different parts of Singapore. It depends on the needs of the commuters in that location," Mr. Chee noted. This approach includes consultations with grassroots advisers to ensure that the improvements reflect the specific needs of local residents.
Impact on Residents
Residents in areas like Yishun East, Punggol, and Toa Payoh East are among the first to benefit from the new initiative. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Saktiandi Supaat highlighted the importance of the first and last mile connectivity, while Punggol West MP Sun Xueling expressed her residents' anticipation for the new City Direct Service to the Central Business District.
The $900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme marks a significant step towards improving Singapore's public bus network. By introducing new services, optimizing existing routes, and focusing on community needs, the initiative aims to make public transport a more attractive and efficient option for residents across the island.
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