Average Headways and Crowding Levels on Bus Services Plying Bukit Batok Road and Steps to Reduce Congestion
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns inquiries by Mr Leong Mun Wai regarding average headways and crowding for bus services 180, 992, and 993, and traffic congestion levels along Bukit Batok Road. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat stated that average observed headways for these services range from five to 14 minutes, meeting peak period standards under the Bus Contracting Model. He noted that additional capacity, including double-decker buses, was added to services 180 and 992 in mid-2024 to manage rising demand from residents moving into Tengah town. Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat assessed traffic flow as acceptable, noting that vehicles generally clear junctions within two cycles despite ongoing road improvement works. The Land Transport Authority will continue to monitor ridership and make necessary adjustments to services, as loading for service 993 currently remains relatively low.
Transcript
33 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.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: 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 eight minutes, five minutes and 14 minutes, respectively.
With residents moving into the new Tengah town progressively, 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. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the bus operators will continue to monitor ridership and make necessary adjustments.
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.