Measures to Alleviate Overcrowding at Yishun and Khatib MRT Stations

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport in view of overcrowding faced by commuters in the Yishun area during peak hours (a) whether bendy buses will be deployed; and (b) what measures are in place to alleviate the overcrowded Yishun and Khatib MRT stations.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: In Yishun, there have been several improvements made under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme. These include injecting more buses to Services 857 and 965, as well as starting two new bus routes – Service 860 and the parallel bus Service 850E, both of which have been well received. Where possible and necessary, LTA will discuss with the two operators to deploy high capacity buses such as bendy buses or double decker buses.

LTA has also been working with SMRT to relieve train crowding. For instance, when possible, SMRT turns around two north-bound trains at Yishun in the morning peak period to provide additional south-bound train trips.

In addition, the overall capacity of the North-South Line will be improved in the next few years. More trains will be added, with the first tranche of 13 more trains entering service by 2014. The signalling system for the North-South Line will be upgraded by 2016, which will reduce waiting times between trains during peak periods to 100 seconds from 120 seconds today. The completion of the Thomson Line, starting from 2019, will also significantly increase rail capacity along the north-south corridor.