ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (Changes in bus service)

Mr S. Chandra Das asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (a) if he is aware of the inconveniences caused as a result of changes in feeder service 261 in Ang Mo Kio, particularly in Chong Boon Constituency; and (b) if he will give an assurance that, for future changes, there would be sufficient consultation between the authorities and relevant civic organisations.

The Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am aware of the changes made to Service 261 in Ang Mo Kio New Town but did not know they had resulted in as much inconvenience as the hon. Member for Chong Boon has made out to be. However, before elaborating on the reasons for the changes, I wish to assure the hon. Member that the changes made were done in good faith. SBS had no intention of making things any more difficult for his constituents than they already are.

The first change, that of skipping the bus stops along Avenue 3, was done to reduce congestion along the already congested Avenue 3 by some 23 buses an hour. In addition, SBS would have saved two buses which could then have been redeployed elsewhere. However, since this meant a walk of some 180 to 400 metres for those wishing to make trunk transfers, the move was not well received. Consequently, the connection to Avenue 3 was restored.

The second change, that of splitting Service 261 into two, was done to segregate the rather large catchment of Service 261 in order to make operations more manageable as well as to improve service levels. But, unfortunately this too, I am afraid, was unacceptable to commuters affected. So finally, following consultations with the hon. Members for Cheng San and Chong Boon, SBS agreed to undo the change and restore Service 261 to its original route. This has since been done.

Once again, may I assure hon. Members that it is the usual practice for SBS and ROV to consult Members and their respective CCCs of any intended changes. However, in this case, this was inadvertently overlooked as it coincided with the relocation of the bus terminal.