CHANGI AIRPORT/CHANGI VILLAGE (Direct bus service)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Trade and Industry if he will request the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board to consider arranging with some bus companies or tour agencies to operate direct bus services between the Changi Airport Passenger Terminal Building and Changi Village for tourists to visit Changi Village during their short stop-over at Singapore.

The Minister for Trade and Industry (Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board has tried to interest some tour agencies to start direct bus services between Changi Airport Passenger Terminal Building and Changi Village so that tourists can visit Changi Village during their stop-over at Changi Airport. These tour agencies have shown a marked lack of enthusiasm as they do not think that such a service will be viable economically. However, the Department of Civil Aviation intends to arrange for a limited bus service from the Changi Airport Passenger Terminal Building to the Cargo Complex, so that passengers can take the SBS service to Changi Village. This service will be run on a trial basis to gauge the demand.