BUS LANE ENFORCEMENT CAMERA SYSTEM (Implementation)

The following Question stood in the name of Mr Ong Ah Heng -

Mr Ong Ah Heng: To ask the Minister for Communications since the implementation of the Bus Lane Enforcement Camera System (Buscam) for 9 route services in February 1999, (a) how many motorists have been booked as at 31st March 1999; and (b) whether the Buscam has been effective in assisting the public buses to provide a smooth and punctual service during peak hours and, if so, whether his Ministry will consider implementing it to all services.

Mr Goh Choon Kang (Marine Parade): Question No. 15, Sir.

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Bus Lane Enforcement Camera System (Buscam) was first introduced on two bus services (Service Nos. 51 and 97) in April 1997 to discourage motorists from encroaching into dedicated bus lanes during the peak hours. In February 1999, Buscam was extended to cover 10 bus services (eight SBS services Nos. 7, 8, 51, 67, 81, 93, 97 and 147, and two TIBS services Nos. 854 and 855). Currently, LTA processes about 950 violations each month, or about 4 violations per service per day.

Buscam has been effective in assisting scheduled buses to travel more smoothly in the bus lanes during peak hours. According to the bus operators, buses have been able to improve on their schedule adherence and bus journey time. LTA, however, will continue to monitor the effectiveness of Buscam with the bus operators and extend the system to more bus services as and when necessary. mammograms)