On 25 January 2008 and 30 January 2008, Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport delivered his speeches on land transport policy including the rail system and improvement of public transport in the endeavour to make public transport a choice mode of travel.

Let’s take a look at these rail initiatives.

From 04 February 08, a total of 83 train trips will be added per week to the North-South Line, East-West Line and 10 train trips for the North-East Line during the morning and evening peak periods. Commuters will also enjoy a more comfortable ride and a shorter wait by 10 to 15 per cent during peak periods.

From March 2008, a six-month trial to allow cyclists to carry their foldable bicycles on board trains and buses will be allowed. LTA will also work with NParks and other agencies to leverage on the park connectors to enable cyclists to get to public transport interchanges more easily. Bicycle parking facilities at the MRT stations and bus interchanges in housing estates will be improved.

From June 2008, new bus services will be allowed to ply along the mature North-South and East West lines where there is persistent heavy passenger loading during peak hours. For example, it will be possible to have a more direct bus that runs parallel to the North-South Line, from Ang Mo Kio to Orchard Road, compared to existing services which have more indirect routes.

Last Updated on 21/06/2008