FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Communications whether he will allow Scheme B buses, school buses and other groups to operate feeder bus services in both public and private housing estates.

Mr Hawazi Daipi (Sembawang): Question No. 6, Sir.

The Minister of State for Communications (Dr John Chen Seow Phun) (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, as Questions 6 and 7 are related, can I have your permission to take them together?

Mr Speaker: Yes.

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, currently, private bus operators are already operating 27 Scheme B routes. In addition, there are numerous private bus shuttle services operating from private condominiums, factories in Jurong and Tuas, etc, linking commuters and workers to specific destinations like MRT stations, bus interchanges and workplaces. Such services play an important role in supplementing the regular services provided by SBS and TIBS.

I am pleased to inform Members that LTA has identified six more Scheme B services for implementation within the next few months. They will complement the services provided by SBS and TIBS. LTA will continue to look for areas where such services are viable, and encourage private operators to apply to PTC for approval.

Dr Vasoo asked whether other operators are allowed to run feeder bus services. As mentioned earlier, we have allowed private bus operators to operate some bus services to supplement and complement SBS and TIBS services. We can consider allowing private bus operators to operate some feeder bus service to supplement and complement SBS services. Private bus operators who are interested in operating feeder bus services can apply to PTC for approval.

However, I should point out that at current fares, most feeder services are not profitable and are cross subsidised by the main trunk services. There may be limited scope or incentive for other private companies or cooperatives to fully run or even supplement these services.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tanjong Pagar): Sir, may I ask the Minister of State whether in the new towns where there is a shortage or inefficient feeder services to some extent, he would consider allowing private operators to operate in such new towns?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, as I mentioned, we will definitely consider allowing such private operators to operate. The existing operators have to fulfil certain basic standards set by PTC. But to supplement these feeder services, we would allow private operators maybe to go into areas where there are problems, especially during peak hours. As I say, if there are private operators who are keen to provide these services, we will consider their applications.

Mr Choo Wee Khiang: Will the Minister of State enlighten the House as to which six services under Scheme B that he was talking about?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, some of these services are identified through feedback from MPs. If the Member is interested, I would just briefly mention them. First, a new link between Simei interchange and Changi Airport via Upper Changi Road. Our former colleague, Mr Teo Chong Tee, had been asking us to introduce this. Second, a new link between Choa Chu Kang interchange and Kent Ridge NUS via Teck Whye Avenue, Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Road and Clementi Road. Third, a new link between Airport Road and Orchard Boulevard via MacPherson Road, Bendemeer Road, Jalan Besar, Bukit Timah Road and Scotts Road. Fourth, a new link between Hillview Avenue and Marina Centre via Upper Bukit Timah Road, Bukit Timah Road, Dunearn Road, Stevens Road and Orchard Road. And also two main existing operators' routes - SBS service 147 and TIBS service 176. The Scheme B buses will also duplicate these routes during peak hours.

Mr Choo Wee Khiang: Sir, I am more interested in Whampora. May I know why is Whampoa not included?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Sir, there is a Question on Whampoa Estate later on. Do you want me to answer it now?

Mr Speaker: We will wait for it later.

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: All right.

Mr Chiam See Tong: Sir, the Minister of State mentioned that feeder bus services can apply to run shuttle services. They have to comply with certain criteria. As regards fares/charges, is it one of the criteria? How much more than the existing fare are they allowed to charge? What is the percentage?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: It should not be more than what is charged for the current services provided by TIBS and SBS.