WOODLANDS NEW TOWN (Extension of bus services)

Mr Lee Yiok Seng asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether it is possible to extend the bus services into Woodlands New Town. such as routing the buses from New Admiralty Road into Marsiling Drive. Marsiling Road and Marsiling Lane instead of routing them direct to the bus bay at New Admiralty Road as at present.

The Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, Woodlands New Town is presently served by four SBS services which terminate at the bus terminal along Admiralty Road, between Marsiling Lane and Marsiling Drive. The flats which are now occupied are situated within a quarter mile or 400-metre radius from the bus terminal and are within walking distance from two pairs of bus stops from Admiralty Road. In view of the close proximity of the existing terminal and bus stops to the flats, it is unnecessary for the SBS to re-route its buses from New Admiralty Road into Marsiling Drive. Marsiling Road and Marsiling Lane for the time being.

When the New Town is nearing completion, the SBS will introduce internal bus services. Under this system, a comprehensive network of internal services will bring residents from various neighbourhoods to the proposed town centre terminal where external services will originate. This will not only provide commuters a better level of service but it will also save considerable journey time and operating costs. The SBS is presently working closely with the HDB on the design of the proposed town centre terminal which is expected to be operational in about 24 months' time.