KALLANG BASIN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE (Bus services)

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim asked the Minister for Communications whether there are any plans to provide bus services within the Kallang Basin Industrial Estate; and if he realises that such services will be appreciated by workers, especially the female workers, employed in the factories in the Estate.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Yong Nyuk Lin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Traction Company now runs seven services serving the area bordering Kallang Basin Industrial Estate. The Omnibus Services Licensing Authority will request the S.T.C, to run services through the Estate itself. At present, the bridge over Kallang River and a stretch of Bendemeer Road are under construction. It is understood that the bridge should be completed by January next year. By then, the Kallang Basin Industrial Estate will be better served by buses.

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim (Kallang): Sir, is it possible to divert buses now serving Serangoon and Boon Keng Roads into the Estate within this year?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: Sir, the Omnibus Services Licensing Authority will look into the matter.

Inche Abdul Aziz Karim: Sir, does the Minister for Communications support my proposal that the S.T.C, buses should run into the Estate during the course of this year?

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: I think it is a jolly good idea.