ANALYSIS OF THE BUS NETWORK AND BUS RATIONALISATION IN SELECTED HOUSING ESTATES

Abstract

Singapore’s public transport system has transformed rapidly in the last few decades, forming a vital part of the urban fabric. The continuous expansion of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network begs the question of the relevance of buses in a rail-dominated environment. Bus rationalisation including the amendment of bus services occur after the opening of new MRT lines to avoid duplication. This is controversial as the travel patterns of commuters are disrupted. This dissertation seeks to investigate the bus network and bus rationalisation in selected planning areas from a commuter’s perspective. Qualitative research methodologies were used to uncover the trends of the bus network and preferences of commuters, including a spatial analysis, an online survey and interviews with stakeholders. The study found that certain housing estates are served by a higher density of buses than others. Despite the prevalence of the MRT, certain commuters prefer to take the bus as it is less crowded and more comfortable than the MRT. While the hub-and-spoke model forms the foundation of the bus network, point-to-point services prove to be more advantageous in minimising transfers. Despite trying to balance the needs of commuters and prudent usage of public funds, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) does not always achieve the best outcome for all parties when conducting a bus rationalisation. Demand-responsive Transport (DRT) can bridge the gap between public and private transport, enhancing first and last-mile connectivity. The findings and recommendations will enable transport planners and policymakers to safeguard the robustness and resilience of the public transport system.