The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is studying the feasibility of introducing a new mode of public transport, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), in Tuas South to provide workers there with faster and more reliable connections from their workplaces to existing and future MRT stations. Tuas South has been selected for this study as it is home to major developments such as Tuas Port, and is expected to see further growth in the coming years. As the area continues to develop and attract more businesses and jobs, the commuting workforce and travel demand are expected to grow.
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and How Does it Fit into the Existing Public Transport Network
2 Singapore's public transport network is anchored by the MRT, which provides high-capacity, high-frequency service connecting major towns and destinations across the island. Buses complement the MRT by offering first-and-last-mile connectivity, and bridge the gap in areas less well served by rail.
3 BRT could further complement both the MRT and conventional buses. BRT is a medium-capacity transport mode that offers higher passenger capacity between that of conventional bus services and that of the MRT. BRT systems typically operate on dedicated road lanes or corridors with traffic signal priority, enabling BRT vehicles to travel faster and more reliably than conventional buses. This also results in higher capacity, especially at peak periods, while requiring less dedicated infrastructure and greater flexibility in route adjustments compared to MRT or LRT systems. This makes BRT a potentially cost-effective and scalable solution for suitable medium-density corridors like in Tuas South.
BRT Systems in Other Cities
4 BRT systems around the world vary considerably in design and technology, depending on the needs of each city. Two types of BRT systems are commonly adopted: conventional BRT, and tram-like BRT.
a. The conventional BRT utilises buses of varying lengths – ranging from single buses to longer articulated (two-section) and bi-articulated (three-section) buses. Examples include BRT systems in Shanghai (China), Seoul (South Korea), Curitiba (Brazil), Istanbul (Türkiye), and Brisbane (Australia).
b. The tram-like BRT system uses longer vehicles and/or have driver’s cabins at both ends. These vehicles may also come with virtual guidance and automation systems for navigation. Examples of such systems can be found in Zhuzhou (China) and Yibin (China). Please refer to the Annex for examples of BRT types adopted by various cities.
5 Across both types, BRT systems typically operate on dedicated lanes with traffic signal priority. It may incorporate fare payment at stations (instead of onboard the vehicle) and platforms flushed with the vehicle ground level, to enhance boarding efficiency, reduce dwell time and provide a smoother commuting experience.
6 LTA will evaluate the range of BRT options for Tuas South. It will study benefits and costs, and assess whether the BRT would be suitable for long-term implementation. More details will be shared when available.
ANNEX – Examples of BRT types and features adopted by various cities
