Exciting New Bus Services Coming to Toa Payoh, Tampines, and Whampoa by June!

SINGAPORE – Get ready for an upgrade in public transportation! Three brand-new bus services are set to launch in the bustling neighborhoods of Tampines, Whampoa, and Toa Payoh by June, as part of a comprehensive bus service enhancement program designed to better connect residents with vital transport hubs and key amenities.

This initiative is part of a staggering $900 million investment in public bus connectivity, which was initiated in July 2024. It's a significant move towards making commuting smoother for everyone!

Service 299 Launch

Kicking off the new services is Service 299, which will commence operations on April 27. This bus route will run daily between Tampines North Interchange and Tampines Street 96, providing residents with a direct line to prominent amenities such as Our Tampines Hub. Key stops on this route include Tampines MRT Station, St Hilda’s Secondary School, and Temasek Polytechnic.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced on social media that this new service will greatly benefit residents of the burgeoning housing developments in Tampines South, making it easier for them to access the bus interchange and MRT station in the heart of the town.

Service 21X Launch

Next up, Service 21X will be operational from April 28, providing a swift connection between Whampoa and Novena. This efficient loop service will run from St Michael’s Bus Terminal and will conveniently stop at significant locations like Jalan Bahagia, Kim Keat Road, Thomson Road, and, of course, Novena MRT Station. Designed for speed, it will operate on weekdays during peak hours, excluding public holidays, thus ensuring quick commutes for local residents.

Service 230M Launch

Lastly, we have Service 230M, aimed specifically at residents of Kim Keat Avenue. This route will facilitate travel to Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and MRT station, enhancing accessibility for those living in the area. Mr. Chee confirmed that the inception of Service 230M was driven by community feedback and collaboration with fellow Bishan-Toa Payoh MP Saktiandi Supaat.

Additional Enhancements

In addition to these new routes, there will also be increased trips on City Direct service 671, linking Sengkang with the Central Business District. Moreover, existing service 292 will be adjusted to travel along Tampines Street 11 in both directions, further enhancing the area's connectivity.

All these enhancements are expected to be implemented around the same time as Service 230M in June, with more details anticipated closer to the launch date. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is committed to transforming the public transport landscape while ensuring resources are managed wisely.

Looking Ahead

Since July 2024, a total of 11 new services have been introduced under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, along with enhancements to 43 existing services, which have seen increased trip frequencies and expanded coverage.

This is just the beginning as LTA promises to continue seeking community input and adjusting services to fit the evolving travel patterns of Singapore's residents. Buckle up, as commuting just became a whole lot easier!

Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments!