$900 Million Investment to Expand Singapore’s Public Bus Network with New Routes and More Buses

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on July 30 a substantial $900 million investment over the next eight years to expand Singapore’s bus network. This initiative, part of the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP), aims to better serve both established and newer residential areas.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat emphasized that the expansion is designed to support community needs, particularly in emerging towns and estates. The funds will be allocated toward purchasing additional buses, hiring more bus captains and staff, and developing necessary infrastructure to accommodate new routes.

Part of the costs will be offset by commuter fares. The BCEP also aims to expedite bus services in new developments, including the introduction of routes from Yishun East BTO estates to Khatib MRT by September 2024.

To ease peak-hour congestion, more express services will be introduced, starting with a City Direct Service (CDS) from Punggol this October. Additional “express feeder” routes will launch in Tampines North in December, offering more direct connections with fewer stops to nearby MRT stations.

Highlighting the importance of these investments, Minister Chee noted that bus services are a critical part of Singapore’s public transport network and that allocations will be tailored to each area’s unique needs.