LTA unveils two new conversion projects to expand public transport

Public transport must be a way of life, LTA says.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority hopes to make good on its aspiration to make walking, cycling, and riding public transport a way of life for Singaporeans as it unveils two signature conversion projects.

According to a statement by the LTA, it plans to redesign the 21.5km North-South Expressway (NSE) to serve public bus commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians.

“The new design will incorporate dedicated bus lanes for express bus services serving the North-South Corridor. There will be dedicated cycling and wide walking paths along the surface corridor, with ample greenery for shade. A cycling trunk route into the city that spans the entire North-South Corridor to the city will be built,” the LTA said.

Additionally, the LTA said it plans to breathe new life into the partially closed Bencoolen St to to feature footpaths lined with trees and benches.

“There will also be a dedicated cycling path connecting Rochor Canal and Bukit Timah to the Central Business District. More bicycle parking facilities will also be provided in the area. A dedicated bus lane will be incorporated into the design of Bencoolen Street,” the LTA said.

Works are scheduled to start in the middle of this year, and will be completed together with the Downtown Line 3 station in 2017, the LTA said.

“Aside from these two examples, we are working on other plans to make walking, cycling and riding public transport the way of life for Singaporeans,” they assured.