SINGAPORE: Residents living in Marine Parade GRC, MacPherson SMC and Mountbatten SMC will soon be able to enjoy a new free shuttle bus service that will ply seven routes within these areas and bring them to amenities like polyclinics, hawker centres and MRT stations.
Touted as “Singapore’s first cluster-wide community shuttle bus service”, the initiative was jointly announced on Sunday (Jun 30) by the South East Community Development Council (CDC) and the People’s Association (PA).
Registration for the shuttle bus service – the pilot initiative is for one year – starts on Sunday and operations will begin on Jul 8. The service will be available from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
The seven routes were developed following inputs from residents from various engagements, including the recent Forward Singapore exercise.
“Given the strong demand and potential benefits for the residents, it is expected that over half a million rides will be taken on this community-driven initiative over the one-year pilot,” said South East CDC and PA.
On the shuttle bus service, which is meant to “greatly enhance last-mile connections”, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said on Sunday: “The Marine Parade cluster, like the rest of Singapore, has an ageing population.
“While the overall connectivity to the island is efficient, some residents have shared that they are finding it harder to close the distance to these key amenities.
“Hence, we planned the routes with convenience for these residents in mind, while balancing the efficient use of resources and the needs of other road users in the area.”
He also mentioned in a Facebook video post the shuttle bus service will have six stops around Joo Chiat, noting that famous eateries like Beach Road Prawn Noodle House, which is located on East Coast Road, are along the way.
Mr Tong has been MP for Marine Parade GRC since 2015.
“This seamless connectivity between frequented locations in the cluster also makes local businesses more accessible,” Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng added.
“We have designed the seven routes to allow residents to easily transfer between shuttle buses for routes with overlapping stops, enabling them to access different divisions within the cluster.”