Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Plans to Study Feasibility of Introducing Sub-Spoke Bus Services

Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA will study the feasibility of introducing sub-spoke bus services that can ply along different routes as compared to the main bus service to better meet the needs of different resident groups connecting to key amenities, such as polyclinics and markets, in the adjacent towns, especially in new estates such as Brickland, without compromising operators' commercial viability.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     LTA regularly reviews the provision of public bus services to ensure that they are within 400 metres of developments, subject to a minimum level of ridership. This approach strikes a balance between providing connectivity while maintaining prudent use of public funds.

2.     The developments in Brickland are currently within 400 metres of public bus services and residents are served by Services 172, 983 and 991 to amenities such as the mosque, polyclinic and Teck Whye market. Besides the option of walking about 250 metres to the polyclinic and Teck Whye market, residents can also transfer to Service 307 along Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1.

3.     LTA will continue to monitor travel patterns and adjust the provision of bus services where necessary. This can come in the form of additional trips for existing bus services to cater to increased demand in new estates such as Brickland. We are also open to considering sub-spoke services, but these will have to be evaluated carefully as they could lead to increased waiting times, longer travel times and higher fares for some commuters.