Go-Ahead Singapore improves bus service reliability in Tampines

SINGAPORE – Steps are being taken to address complaints from commuters in Tampines who faced longer waiting times for buses during the last two months, said bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore (GAS).

The operator’s move comes after residents approached Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng when their daily bus journeys became less predictable, with longer waiting times and buses arriving together, since GAS took over.

Baey is Minister of State for Transport, as well as Culture, Community and Youth.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times on Sept 15, a GAS spokeswoman said the operator has been strengthening operations to ensure service reliability for commuters.

This includes providing additional support to new bus captains who are familiarising themselves with new routes and operating conditions, in the form of more guidance and on-the-ground support to help them gain confidence in operating these routes.

She added that experienced bus captains are mentoring and guiding new colleagues.

GAS is also deploying more operations staff at bus interchanges and key bus stops to monitor service conditions and support bus captains if needed.

The spokeswoman said this will help GAS better manage service intervals and keep buses running on time.

“We are encouraged that service performance has been improving since the transition, and we will continue to monitor operations closely and make adjustments where necessary,” she said.

GAS started operating all 29 bus services in the Tampines area on July 19, taking over routes run by SBS Transit (SBST).

In a Facebook post on Sept 13, Baey said that he conveyed residents’ concerns to the top management of GAS, who acknowledged the transition issues.

He added that about 40 per cent of bus captains operating these services are new, so they need time to familiarise themselves with the routes and operations.

Also, services now run from the new East Coast Integrated Depot in Changi, where the buses are parked, cleaned and maintained. Drivers also start their journeys there before going to bus interchanges.

The buses previously operated from the SBST Bedok North bus depot.

Baey said drivers who were used to working out of the previous depot will need to adjust to the new one, and that could affect their work attendance or performance and, in turn, indirectly affect services.

The adjustments include making different “off-service” routes to and from the new depot, accounting for varied travelling times from home and getting used to new meal or coffee break venues and schedules.

Most of these issues have been resolved by GAS, said Baey.

GAS also assured him that it is strengthening training and support for its bus captains, he added.

Baey said: “What matters now is that commuters see real improvements.

“We proposed targeted monitoring at key bus stops to establish actual waiting times, identify recurring delays and bus bunching, and guide the necessary corrective actions.”

Bus bunching occurs when two or more buses on the same service route arrive at a bus stop together, and it often leads to longer waiting times between bus arrivals.

Baey said: “We will follow up closely with the Land Transport Authority and GAS and continue tracking the affected services. Residents should be able to enjoy more reliable and consistent bus journeys.”