The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced the launch of the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Program (BCEP), aimed at improving Singapore’s public bus network to better address evolving commuter needs. The initiative focuses on enhancing accessibility in both new and existing housing estates, with an emphasis on areas farther from MRT stations and town centers. Planned improvements include adding more trips, adjusting routes, and introducing new bus services, ensuring that the public transport system continues to meet the demands of Singapore’s growing population and changing travel patterns.
One of the key aspects of the BCEP is the introduction of faster and more direct bus services to serve new housing developments. For example, in Yishun East, a new bus service is expected to be launched by September 2024 to connect residents to the Khatib MRT station. Express feeder services are also planned for areas like Tampines North, allowing for quicker access to major transport hubs. These efforts aim to streamline commuter journeys and provide faster travel times for the first and last legs of daily commutes.
The expansion of the bus network will require an additional investment of approximately SGD 900 million (USD 697 mn) over the next eight years. This will cover the costs of new buses, infrastructural improvements, and operational expenses for the enhanced services. The program also complements Singapore’s broader public transport plans, which include upcoming rail lines like the Jurong Region Line and the Cross Island Line, scheduled to open in stages starting from 2027. These rail lines will increase Singapore’s MRT capacity and improve connectivity for residents across Singapore as it strives towards its target of having 8 in 10 households within a 10-minute walk of a train station.
(Source: LTA)
