ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (Public transport)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Communications and Acting Minister for Culture (a) whether there are plans to improve the public transport in Ang Mo Kio New Town; and (b) whether he is aware of the inadequate facilities at the present Interchange resulting in much inconvenience to the commuters; what measures he proposes to take to improve the situation, and when they will be put into effect.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, Ang Mo Kio New Town is now served by 12 trunk services and three feeder services. The town is still growing. Regular surveys are conducted by the Singapore BUs Service at six-weekly intervals to monitor the demand for bus services there. More services and buses will be added when necessary.

I am aware that the facilities at the present interchange are inadequate; hence SBS is now using it only as a bus terminal. SBS proposes to expand it, and is now finalising the plan with the Housing and Development Board. Once agreement is reached, the expansion can be completed in about a year's time. The enlarged interchange will have a proper passenger concourse with ample waiting space for commuters.

Dr Lau Teik Soon (Serangoon Gardens): Sir, in view of the fact that no bus interchange exists at the moment and in view of the numerous complaints of my constituents about the very unsatisfactory state of the temporary bus terminal, and also in view of the congestion caused by the buses along that stretch of road in Avenue 3, will the Minister consider resiting the temporary bus terminal and, if so, to expedite the changeover as soon as possible?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Sir, the level of bus service in Serangoon Gardens has improved tremendously since 1974. The number of complaints has been reduced since steps were taken to improve the level of service there. With regard to the temporary bus terminal, is the Member referring to the one at Serangoon Gardens?

Dr Lau Teik Soon: Sir, I refer to the stretch along Avenue 3 which comes within Serangoon Gardens constituency. I think the Minister is referring to the bus terminal raised by the Member for Ang Mo Kio.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: I have just given the answer regarding that particular terminal.

Dr Lau Teik Soon: The question that I am raising is this. In view of the complaints of my constituents and in view of the congestion caused by the long queue of buses along that stretch of Avenue 3, would the Minister consider resiting the present bus terminal? And if he does consider resiting it, could he do so as soon as possible?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Sir, if the hon. Member can suggest a better site for the relocation of the bus terminal, I think my Ministry will be too happy to examine it.