BUS SERVICE (Improvement)

Mr Chew Heng Ching asked the Minister for Communications and Information and Second Minister for Defence, since the introduction of the new taxi fares, (a) whether there has been a significant increase in the number of bus commuters and, if so, by how many; and (b) whether the Ministry of Communications and Information in view of this increase has further plans to expand and improve the bus transportation system.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, since the introduction of the new taxi fares, some commuters have switched to taking buses as expected. Bus ridership in April rose by about 4% over that in March. This increase, spread throughout the island and throughout the whole day, has no significant impact on the quality of bus service. Notwithstanding this, my Ministry will ensure that the quality of bus service continues to improve.