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SINGAPORE – The frequency of almost all train services will be reduced, while selected bus services will be suspended from Wednesday (April 15) in light of the ongoing partial blockade of Singapore and a drop in passenger numbers. in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement from the Land Transportation Authority (LTA) on Tuesday, it was revealed that daily bus and rail passengers have decreased by more than 71 percent and 75 percent respectively, compared to the period prior to COVID-19.
Therefore, LTA will adjust the operations of bus and train services, starting Wednesday for buses and Friday for trains.
“These adjustments will help mitigate the significant financial impact caused by the reduction in passengers and will help keep public transport operations financially sustainable,” the agency said, adding that the measures would also help travelers maintain a safe distance from each other. .
The adjustments will last for the period of so-called breaker measures, ending May 4, and will be reviewed later.
The measures, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on April 3, include the closure of schools and most workplaces. Only essential services such as food establishments, markets and supermarkets, transportation and key banking services will remain open for the month-end.
Bus services
Selected bus services serving the Central Business District or recreational locations will be discontinued as travel to these destinations has decreased further.
LTA said it will work closely with bus operators to adjust the frequency of the remaining services to match passenger demand.
Train services
Almost all SMRT and SBS lines will have their frequencies reduced and / or their hours of operation shortened.
The current frequency of the North-South, East-West, Northeast, Circle and Downtown lines is no more than three minutes during peak periods and around five minutes during periods of less activity. These will decrease to no more than five minutes during peak periods and around 10 minutes during periods of less activity.
In addition, the hours of operation of these lines will end about 30 minutes earlier.
The Thomson-East Coast (TEL) line will continue to operate at frequencies of around seven minutes during peak periods and 12 minutes during periods of least activity.
TEL currently operates shorter hours to facilitate system integration work for TEL Phase 2, and you will see that its hours will be further shortened to operate between 6.30 am and 8.00 pm.
Meanwhile, Sengkang-Punggol LRT will operate a single-circuit service during off-peak periods and will terminate train service around 30 minutes early, given the reduction in passengers.
