LTA to roll out six month on demand public bus trial

Commuters can be picked up and dropped off at any bus stop in Joo Koon and Marina-Downtown.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will launch its six month on-demand public buc (ODPB) trial on 17 December in a bid to evaluate the possibility of operating public bus services based on real-time commuter demand along dynamic routes as opposed to following fixed routes and predetermined timetables.

Commuters will be able to book an ODPB ride through a mobile app where they can request to be picked up and dropped off at any bus stop within defined areas during designated hours even if the bus stops are currently not served by the same bus service, LTA said in its announcement.

“These defined areas in Joo Koon, Marina-Downtown and from the Central Business District (CBD) to Bedok and Tampines via the Geyland Corridor,” LTA highlighted.

SBS Transit will commence its weekday ODPB services at Joo Koon and Marina-Downtown which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.

On the other hand, SMRT Buses will commence the night ODPB service from 4 January 2019 in one direction from the CBD to Bedok and Tampines via the Geyland corridor from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

To use the Joo Koon ODPB service, commuters will need to download the BusGo app, whilst for the Marina-Downtown and CBD to Bedok and Tampines routes, commuters will need the BusNow mobile app.

According to LTA, the mobile app will provide users with a seamless customer experience as it will provide an e-boarding ticket once the booking has been made which must be shown to the bus captain prior to fare payment, as well as an alert on when the bus is approaching the pick-up and drop off point.

The app will also allow group bookings of up to five passengers so long as they are travelling between the same pick-up and drop off points. Wheelchair space requirements onboard can also be requested via the mobile apps.

Meanwhile, regular bus services will continue at lower frequencies during the ODPB trial. During the operating hours, services 253, 255 and 257 in Joo Koon will operate at schedule intervals of 30 minutes whilst services 400 and 402 in Marina-Downtown will operate at intervals of 40 minutes.

NightRider NR7 will be suspended during the trial period from 4 January to 15 June 2019, LTA highlighted.

“Commuters who prefer the fixed route services can take Nite Owl 2N and 4N to travel to Bedok, Tampines or Pasir Ris,” the agency said.

LTA will also be offering a promotional fare based on a fixed distance of 3.2 km regardless of the actual distance travelled for commuters taking the weekday ODPB services. Commuters taking the night ODPB service will pay a promotional fare of $4.50. Commuters can pay their fares using their CEPAS cards, supported bank cards or cash like any other public transport ride.