PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN SENGKANG

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Minister for Communications and Information Technology whether there are plans to enable residents of Sengkang to enjoy a better level of public transport services before the North-East MRT Line and Sengkang Light Rapid Transit system commence operations in the year 2002.

Dr John Chen Seow Phun (for the Minister for Communications and Information Technology): Mr Speaker, Sir, the residents of Sengkang town are now served by 10 bus services (nine trunk and one feeder). This number is higher than the standard set by the Public Transport Council given its current state of development.

In addition, SBS, which is responsible for the provision of bus services in Sengkang, plans to introduce two, and possibly three more trunk bus services and one additional feeder service this year when the roads leading to and within Sengkang town are completed. It will work closely with all relevant authorities to monitor and improve the service levels in tandem with the development of the town.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang (Cheng San): Sir, in terms of the frequency and capacity of the bus services that are provided in Sengkang, are they at a satisfactory level?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: Yes, Sir. According to British standards which have different headways and different periods of the day, it will be more frequent during peak hours and it will be less frequent during off-peak hours.