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The Big Story
LTA EXTENDS BUS LANE SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE FOR BUS COMMUTERS
Launched in 1974, the bus lane scheme gives buses priority on the roads, enabling the buses to enter and exit stops more smoothly and providing faster rides for commuters. To further improve bus speeds and promote the use of public transport, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) launched the full-day bus lane scheme along Orchard Road in October 2005.
Surveys conducted showed that the most important aspects of the bus journey for commuters are waiting time and travelling time. As buses are more efficient carriers of commuters, with a higher number of passengers per unit road space as compared to other vehicles such as cars, it is necessary to give priority to buses so that more commuters reach their destinations on time. For instance, a single-deck bus can carry 130 people versus an average of 88 cars required to carry the same number of people.
Surveys conducted showed that the most important aspects of the bus journey for commuters are waiting time and travelling time. As buses are more efficient carriers of commuters, with a higher number of passengers per unit road space as compared to other vehicles such as cars, it is necessary to give priority to buses so that more commuters reach their destinations on time. For instance, a single-deck bus can carry 130 people versus an average of 88 cars required to carry the same number of people.
Extension of Full-Day Bus Lane Scheme
Since the implementation of the full-day bus lane scheme in Orchard Road, average bus speeds have improved, with non-peak bus speeds increasing by 10% on weekdays, and 23% on Saturdays. Following its success, LTA is implementing the full-day bus lane scheme at more areas.
As of 22 December 2008, there are a total of 23km of full-day bus lanes and 155km of normal bus lanes. Both with the aim of ensuring that buses will be able to give commuters a faster and smoother journey with less interruption on the road.
The full-day bus lane scheme operates from 7.30am to 8pm on all weekdays and Saturdays, except public holidays.
As of 22 December 2008, there are a total of 23km of full-day bus lanes and 155km of normal bus lanes. Both with the aim of ensuring that buses will be able to give commuters a faster and smoother journey with less interruption on the road.
The full-day bus lane scheme operates from 7.30am to 8pm on all weekdays and Saturdays, except public holidays.
Faster Bus Journeys with Bus Lanes
Since the expansion of the bus lane scheme to several areas, such as along the stretch of North Bridge Road, bus journey speeds along these lanes have increased by an average of 7%. In March 2013, Ministry of Transport has announced plans for an additional 30 kilometres of bus lanes to be added over the next two years.
Feedback received from bus commuters and bus captains also show that they have experienced faster bus journeys on stretches with dedicated bus lanes.
The improved bus travelling speeds help make the bus commute a more attractive and pleasant option and encourages more commuters to take public transport.
Feedback received from bus commuters and bus captains also show that they have experienced faster bus journeys on stretches with dedicated bus lanes.
The improved bus travelling speeds help make the bus commute a more attractive and pleasant option and encourages more commuters to take public transport.
Normal and Full-Day Bus Lanes
Operation Hours for Normal and Full-Day Bus Lanes
| Days | Operation Hours for Normal Bus Lanes | Operation Hours for Full-Day Bus Lanes |
| Mondays to Fridays | 7.30am to 9.30am 5.00pm to 8.00pm |
7.30am to 8.00pm |
| Saturdays | Not applicable | 7.30am to 8.00pm |
| Sundays and public Holidays | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Vehicles Allowed in Bus Lanes
Besides scheduled buses, bicycles, emergency service vehicles, police vehicles and non-scheduled buses are allowed to use the bus lanes during bus lane operation hours. Emergency Vehicles and Police Vehicles will need to be on urgent duty call (make known by some distinctive siren) in order to enter bus lanes. Non-scheduled buses, such as school buses and factory buses may also use the bus lane. However, they are not allowed to stop, pick up or let their passengers alight along bus lanes.
Do's and Don'ts in Bus Lanes during Restricted Hours
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Bus Lane Enforcement
To ensure that the bus lane scheme remain effective in improving travel time for buses, LTA introduced traffic wardens and the use of on-board bus lane enforcement cameras.
The traffic wardens are deployed at various hotspot areas islandwide to record the vehicle licence plate number of motorists who infringe bus lanes. These locations are usually the ones where most of the scheduled buses were obstructed.
The traffic wardens are deployed at various hotspot areas islandwide to record the vehicle licence plate number of motorists who infringe bus lanes. These locations are usually the ones where most of the scheduled buses were obstructed.
Since 2 June 2008, ninety buses across 12 SBS Transit bus services that ply along routes with bus lanes were fitted with video cameras to record bus lane infringements. The cameras work in tandem with the current warden scheme and ensure that bus lanes remain clear during operating hours.
This system requires little intervention by the driver as the video is set to continuously monitor the road in front of the bus. The video camera also allows LTA officers to assess the circumstances more accurately if motorists are caught on video infringing bus lanes.
This system requires little intervention by the driver as the video is set to continuously monitor the road in front of the bus. The video camera also allows LTA officers to assess the circumstances more accurately if motorists are caught on video infringing bus lanes.
Penalty
Rule 8 of the Road Traffic (Traffic Signs) Rules - Driving or leaving vehicle in bus lane during restricted hours:
- Composition fine of $130
- Up to a maximum Court fine of $1,000 or 3 months of imprisonment (if the offence is not compounded and offender is convicted in Court for the first time)
List of All Roads with Normal and Full-day Bus Lanes
Last Updated: 2 April 2013
