Less Crowding, Shorter Waiting Times for Commuters from Third Quarter 2014
1. From third quarter 2014, residents in Ang Mo Kio, Clementi, Yishun, West Coast, Woodlands and Marsiling can expect more frequent bus connections to nearby MRT stations and bus interchanges during peak hours when six Peak Period Short Services (PPSS) operated by private bus operators (PBOs) are introduced in these areas. These services, which overlay existing feeder bus services by SBS Transit (Services 265 and 285) and SMRT (Services 811, 812, 903 and 913) will provide commuters with additional five or more bus trips per hour during the weekday morning and evening peak periods, reducing waiting times, alleviate crowding and improve bus reliability.
2. The Land Transport Authority has called for a tender today to invite PBOs to submit their proposals to operate these six PPSS as part of the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP). This will be the third tranche of PPSS tendered, bringing the number of PPSS to be implemented to 15, of which four have been awarded. This initiative is in line with the Ministry of Transport’s announcement at the Committee of Supply 2013 to tap on the resources of PBOs to run short bus services to augment the resources of the public transport operators (PTOs). Successful bidders will have to apply for bus service licences from the Public Transport Council (PTC) which regulates bus services.
Annex A: Route maps of the six new Peak Period Short Services