COMPREHENSIVE BUS STUDY GROUP (Recommendations and introduction of two-way loop service in Bedok North Estate)

Encik Saidi Haji Shariff asked the Acting Minister for Communications if he will report on the recommendations from the Comprehensive Bus Study Group and when Kaki Bukit residents living at Neighbourhood 7 Bedok North HDB Estate can expect the introduction of a two-way loop service of Service 228.

The Acting Minister for Communications (Dr Yeo Ning Hong): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Comprehensive Bus Study was undertaken by SBS in 1982. The recommendations covered a wide area and would result in the introduction of 31 new routes, the changing of 62 and the withdrawal of 73 bus routes. They also covered fare structure, traffic management and other bus service issues, such as the type and number of buses required. These recommendations obviously have wide ramifications and must be studied carefully for many commuters would be affected.

My Ministry has also to take into consideration the future operations of the MRT and its effects on bus routes. Obviously it would be to everybody's advantage if disruptive changes can be kept to the minimum. Hence, the need for very careful study.

Coming to the second part of the question, Sir, the Kaki Bukit residents at Neighbourhood 7 of Bedok North are now provided with a one-way loop feeder service, that is, Service No. 228. Neighbourhood 7 is presently still partially developed. Many of the blocks are still under construction or unoccupied. The service will be upgraded to a two-way service when the Neighbourhood is completed.

Encik Saidi Haji Shariff (Kaki Bukit): When will the two-way loop service be implemented, Sir?

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Sir, I would advise the Member for Kaki Bukit to direct the question at the Minister for National Development because it depends on how fast the Neighbourhood is completed.

Encik Saidi Haji Shariff: In fact, many of the flats have been completed. So I hope this can be implemented as early as possible.

Mr Speaker: Where is your supplementary question, Encik Saidi?

Encik Saidi Haji Shariff resumed his seat