Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Average Headways and Crowding Levels on Bus Services Plying Bukit Batok Road and Steps to Reduce Congestion

Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what are the average observed headways and crowding levels on Bus Services 180, 992 and 993 plying Bukit Batok Road during the weekday peak hours; 

b.     what are the congestion levels on Bukit Batok Road during the weekday peak hours affecting the buses; and 

c.     whether there is any need for additional steps to relieve congestion on Bus Services 180, 992 and 993 plying Bukit Batok Road.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     Under Bus Contracting Model (BCM) standards, bus services operate at scheduled headways of no more than 15 minutes during peak periods, with at least half of the bus services having shorter scheduled headways of no more than 10 minutes. The average observed headways for Services 180, 992 and 993 are 8 minutes, 5 minutes and 14 minutes respectively. 

2.     With residents progressively moving into the new Tengah town, ridership on Services 180 and 992 has increased to over 50% of capacity. In June and July 2024, more buses, including double-deckers, were added to these two services to reduce waiting times and increase capacity. For Service 993, loading remains relatively low. LTA and the bus operators will continue to monitor ridership and make necessary adjustments.

3.     There are ongoing improvement works being carried out along Bukit Batok Road to improve traffic flow. Based on LTA’s assessment, traffic flow along Bukit Batok Road is acceptable today. Vehicles, including buses, are generally able to clear most junctions along Bukit Batok Road in one or two traffic light cycles during peak hours.