We thank Ng Cheng Hoon for his feedback on the design of new electric buses (Design of new buses can be more elder-friendly, Sept 25).

Our newer electric buses are designed with low-floor boarding to make it easier for commuters to board and alight. In such designs, some seats are mounted on raised platforms to accommodate wheel arches and equipment such as electric motors and battery packs. The step height to these seats on certain bus models is higher than desired and some seniors or commuters with mobility difficulties may find them harder to access. We have therefore been working with bus manufacturers to make modifications to the bus design, lowering the step height to most seats to no more than 23cm. Close to 80% of the 420 electric buses have been modified, and we expect to complete modifications to the remaining buses by end-2026.

We introduced three-door buses to facilitate more convenient boarding and alighting, especially on busier services where commuters at the rear of the bus may find it difficult to reach the exit door of traditional two-door buses. Although these buses have slightly fewer seats because of the extra door, they are equipped with foldable seats in the wheelchair bays. These foldable seats provide greater flexibility and seating capacity when the bays are not occupied.

We understand it is more challenging for elderly passengers to board the bus when it stops too far from the kerb. Bus captains are trained to stop as close to the kerb as practicable to facilitate safe and comfortable boarding and alighting. Operators are required to ensure that this is adhered to.

We will continue to work with bus manufacturers and bus operators to make our buses more accessible and inclusive for all commuters.


Yeo Teck Guan
Senior Group Director, Public Transport
Land Transport Authority