Rationalisation of bus services are carried out by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to optimize service levels offered by Singapore’s public transport network. These efforts include the reduction of operating frequency or operating hours of certain bus services, or the merger and withdrawal of certain bus services that suffer from low demand.
Under the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), the LTA assumes the role of a central planning agency, and decides on bus services to be provided, and the service standards which operators have to meet. As part of this responsibility, public transport connections that are duplicitous or underutilized are rationalised to optimise the usage of resources and cut down on financially unsustainable services.
Historically, large-scale rationalisation of bus services were conducted following the opening of new rail lines to avoid duplication. In modern times, rationalisation of bus services are more restrained and targeted at the most underutilized bus routes.
This article summarises these changes to bus services since the start of 2019, and will be updated with instances of upcoming announced bus service rationalisations where implemented.
Reduction in Operating Hours for Express Bus Services (Apr 2023)
Operating hours for Express 12e, 851e & 960e were further reduced in April 2023. This is the 4th instance of trip reduction since their introduction in 2018.
Withdrawal of selected Supplementary Bus Services (Dec 2022)
In December 2022, Bus Services 131M & 139M were withdrawn.
Withdrawal of Suspended Bus Services (Jun 2022)
Remaining bus services that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 and has yet to resume as of end-June 2022 were formally withdrawn on 30 June 2022.
These are:
- Chinatown Direct: CT8, CT18
- NightRider services: NR1, NR2, NR3, NR5, NR6, NR8
- Nite Owl services: 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N
- Resorts World Sentosa services: 188R, 963R
- Weekend: Bus Service 926
Changes to Express Bus Services (Jan 2022)
In January 2022, changes to several express bus services were made.
Service Withdrawals – Express 74e & 151e
Express Bus Services 74e & 151e will be withdrawn on 17 January 2022.
Reinstatement of Express 12e & 43e
Previously suspended from 16 September 2021 due to the COVID-19 impact on Manpower, Go-Ahead Express Bus Services 12e & 43e will be reinstated from 16 January & 17 January 2022 respectively.
However, the service timetable was adjusted for lesser trips on Express 12e with up to 1 hour frequency during selected hours. Operating hours for Express 43e were reduced with the last two morning peak & first two evening peak trips cut.
Change in Timetable – Express 851e & 960e
The timetable for Express 851e & 960e will be adjusted for lesser trips with up to 1 hour frequency during selected hours from 16 January 2022.
At Page 2:
- Downtown Line 3 Bus Service Rationalisations
- Reduction in Trips for Express Bus Services – Express 12e, 851e & 960e
- Express 167e
- Downtown Line 2 Bus Service Rationalisations
- Bus Service 128
- Short Trip Service 117B
- Rationalisation of Full-Day Express services
- Service BPS1
- Post On-Demand Public Bus Trial Rationalisation
- Service 163M
- City Direct Services
Actually when I board these services, the demand quite low already unlike previously when DTL was not yet constructed.
I would prefer Svc 22 terminate at Bedok Interchange instead of Eunos Interchange. Coz in this case, there’s Svc 61 & Svc 63 serving Eunos to Ubi area.
As for Service 506, I hope it would be providing a quicker access rather than Svc 105 to Serangoon.
IMO, Bedok Reservoir bus services has many duplication and with the DTL, it does help where many commuters are taking the train. My observation also feels that the DTL really do cut down on travel time. Would hope that there would be like a underground linkway connection between Jalan Besar Stn & Rochor Stn. It would be like CItylink Mall where it is connected City Hall Stn & Esplanade Stn or even Marina Bay Link Mall where it is a connected to Raffles Place Stn & Downtown Stn
Extend Bus 506’s route to Boon Lay
Please introduce a service to ply from Woodlands TI , going thru Woodlands Ave 9, Ave 4, Ave 1 to Admiralty mrt
LTA introdued many useless service
Problem is LTA doesn’t want long distance winding service but again don’t want more direct long distance service too..114 another rubbish service!