REACH (Telegram) 8 - What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
(SK)
02 Aug 2024 (10am - 7pm)
REACH (Telegram)
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 9:45 AM]
Dear contributors,
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Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 10:02 AM]
📢 Topic 📢
On July 30, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) introduced the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, a new initiative that will invest up to S$900 million (US$670 million) over the next eight years to enhance Singapore's bus service network. The funding will be used to purchase additional buses, hire more bus captains and service staff to maintain the fleet, and develop new infrastructure.
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that the initiative is designed to ensure the public transport system keeps pace with new housing developments across various parts of Singapore. Areas like Yishun East, Punggol, Toa Payoh, and Tampines North will be among the first to benefit from this initiative.
💬 What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
📌 Faster bus rollout and express feeder services in newer estates
The pace of introducing bus services in new towns will be accelerated to better serve early batches of residents who have moved into new estates, in anticipation of growing demand.
For estates with areas located farther away from major transport nodes and town centres, we will introduce “express feeder” bus services to enhance connectivity for residents. Compared to existing feeder services, these services will take more direct routes with fewer intermediate stops, reducing residents’ travel time for the first and last mile of their journeys from major transport nodes.
📌 Enhanced bus services in both newer and older estates
Improvements to bus services in both newer and older estates will be stepped up, including the addition of more trips, adjustments to routes, and the introduction of new services in response to changing travel patterns. More of such adjustments will be made by LTA based on regular reviews of the bus network.
Additionally, more peak-hour express bus services will be introduced as alternatives to busier MRT lines.
📌 Rationalisation of bus services for efficient resource allocation
According to Minister Chee, currently longer bus services running parallel to new MRT lines are often adjusted or removed, but does not reduce overall bus coverage. He stated that there is a need to rationalize and streamline some of the existing bus services, and reallocate those resources to support the new bus services.
He also acknowledged that newer estates are being developed, and that the new programme aims to build on the previous effort of reallocating resources by adding additional support to these estates as well.
👉 https://str.sg/fStM
👉 https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/new-bus-services-public-transport-lta-4513631
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Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:34 AM]
Good initiative but do also focus on rural areas too
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:37 AM]
I could not keep emphasis lim chu kang area where all the farms are there's lack of bus connectivity
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:39 AM]
And bus fare is cheaper than mrt fare
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:39 AM]
Which is good
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:40 AM]
For bus infrastructure please plan the design before construction. The recent bus stop in marine parade is a face palm
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:41 AM]
Like what the designers is doing
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:43 AM]
Parallel bus service should continue as sometimes the station between mrt is quite far
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:43 AM]
Maybe at a reduced frequency but should not completely stopped
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 10:45 AM]
Not to mention break downs might happen so to take in excess people flow from clogging the system
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 11:01 AM]
[ Poll : 1. Are you pleased with the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? ]
- Yes
- No
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 11:06 AM]
[ Poll : 2. What are some of the concerns that you may have about the new initiative? ]
- Inadequate Bus Service Coverage
- Lack of integration with other public transport services (e.g. MRT and LRT trains)
- Reliability of the Bus Services
- Nil, as I am confident in the rollout of the new initiative.
- Others (please share your views in the chats below)
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 11:32 AM]
1. My areas is quite well established and well served by feeder buses and longer route buses.
2. MRT to my area doorstep will be ready by 2030.
3. Feeder bus to the nearest MRT appear quite frequently, often less than 15 minutes.
4. So no complains.
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 12:30 PM]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Thank you.
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 12:30 PM]
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 1:01 PM]
[ Poll : 1. Are you pleased with the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? ]
- Yes
- No
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 1:01 PM]
[ Poll : 2. What are some of the concerns that you may have about the new initiative? ]
- Inadequate Bus Service Coverage
- Lack of integration with other public transport services (e.g. MRT and LRT trains)
- Reliability of the Bus Services
- Nil, as I am confident in the rollout of the new initiative.
- Others (please share your views in the chats below)
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 1:21 PM]
This polling feedback is a good mechanism to elicit feedback from quiet participants - who may not be comfortable in writing comments or feedback in this forum. 👍
G, [2/8/2024 1:27 PM]
*PAP 万岁万岁万万岁
G, [2/8/2024 1:28 PM]
Hopefully ISD will get off my back for awhile
G, [2/8/2024 1:29 PM]
Quite refreshing not to have AI generated lectures on a Friday morning 👍
John Yong, [2/8/2024 1:34 PM]
What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme?
Good initiative, and much needed as new towns get built. IMHO, buses are always the more flexible option compared to trains, in terms of frequency, routes, timing, responding to customer needs, etc. Fully demonstrated by the deployment of bus services when there are MRT disruptions.
What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
I guess to me the questions which come to mind are what are not mentioned in the article, and which I hope LTA is already looking into:
1. $900m over the next 8 years on buying more buses, hiring more bus captains and service staff to maintain the buses, and building new infrastructure - How many of the buses will be fully electrified/ hybrid/ ICE? And wouldn't this be a great opportunity to move towards electrification/ hybrid buses, and at the same time to build up the bus re-charging infrastructure?
2. Let's kill some sacred cows? Let's look into trying out a system similar to Hong Kong where passengers are signal to alight at many more locations along the route? While I am not advocating to let passengers alight anywhere, which will lead to traffic congestion, I am thinking (say) for last mile connectivity to different condos along the route, we can consider the possibility to allow more drop-off points?
3. Portable bus stops? These can be placed and moved as needed to cater to different needs as travel patterns change.
4. Self-driving buses? Are these in trial, and can we learn from the other cities (eg Wuhan) which are already trialling these?
Buses and other public transport benefit the majority of Singaporeans and glad to see that this is getting the focus it deserves!
Hanny, [2/8/2024 1:35 PM]
I would like to see a better app to allow me to plan my trip easily.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 1:46 PM]
my transport app is misleading say 30min ridw from bukit batok to toa payoh is 30 min but actual fact took me an hour
Nicholas, [2/8/2024 1:47 PM]
One concern is would it lead to higher fares, since the article mentioned Express service a few times, and that amount invested will be recovered via fares collected.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 1:57 PM]
I don't take express service too ex
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 1:57 PM]
Time taken does not significantly go down
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 1:58 PM]
174 and 174e got not much difference
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 2:03 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 3:01 PM]
[ Poll : 1. Are you pleased with the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? ]
- Yes
- No
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 3:01 PM]
[ Poll : 2. What are some of the concerns that you may have about the new initiative? ]
- Inadequate Bus Service Coverage
- Lack of integration with other public transport services (e.g. MRT and LRT trains)
- Reliability of the Bus Services
- Nil, as I am confident in the rollout of the new initiative.
- Others (please share your views in the chats below)
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 3:03 PM]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you!
Megan 😊
Hanny, [2/8/2024 3:05 PM]
How do we know what has changed? Transparency on the changes makes it easier for people to digest the change and provide feedback.
G, [2/8/2024 3:07 PM]
How will the S$900 mil be funded? Bonds, taxes, fares in what proportion?
"The funding will be used to ... hire more bus captains and service staff to maintain the fleet..."
https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/who_we_are/our_work/public_transport_system/bus/bus_contracting_model.html
In 2016, the public transport model was overhauled to outsourcing operations (opex) to contractors including hiring employees to both operate routes and maintain the fleet, while govt jaga infrastructure and fleet purchase (capex). How come now LTA is hiring the employees instead of the contractors, isn't that the contractors' jobs?
So is LTA paying contractors to do a job, then ownself help the contractors perform the job that it outsourced in the first place??!
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 3:51 PM]
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 3:51 PM]
Dear Contributors,
We want to HEAR MORE from you!
💬 What are your thoughts on the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? What are some suggestions you may have to enhance transportation connectivity in your area to better meet the needs of commuters?
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Do also share your opinion by participating in our polls! The poll questions are pinned for easy reference, and your vote is anonymous.
Thank you!
Megan 😊
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 4:03 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:06 PM]
I also want to hear more
Caleb, [2/8/2024 4:07 PM]
+1
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:38 PM]
Today's topic is non controversial.
Transport connectivity very well developed in most parts of Singapore.
Probably only outskirts towns like Tengah, Lim Chu Kang, Tuas may be less convenient.
Not much to comment about.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:42 PM]
Except taxis very hard to flag down on the street if needed and wanting to save on call cabs.
This is the only complain concerning public transport.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:44 PM]
Another thing, driving lessons for beginners also very difficult to book on the web.
Always crowded out by bots.
Response from traffic police, try again until succeed.
After 3 months, still cannot succeed.
"Is Singapore’s Driving School System Stalling?"
News complaining about unable to book driving lessons.
https://www.ricemedia.co/singapore-driving-school-stalling/#:~:text=Is%20Singapore%E2%80%99s%20Driving%20School%20System%20Stalling%3F
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:48 PM]
But the provisional driving licence expiring soon after months of failure to book driving lessons on the website.
Any solutions?
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:51 PM]
Book in advance don't cut queue
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:51 PM]
Simple
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:51 PM]
Wonder is this under MHA-traffic police purview or MOT-LTA purview?
Strangely traffic police respond to this problem.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:52 PM]
Can only book on the 15th every month 10pm.
Less than 5 minutes, all taken up.
Mainly by bots.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:52 PM]
Then choose another school lor
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:52 PM]
Like bbdc was ok
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:52 PM]
I book in advance for a month
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:53 PM]
This is a widespread problem reported by many people.
And now the news reports reported it.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:53 PM]
I think it's the school system
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:53 PM]
Choose another school the same.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:53 PM]
Must complain about school
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:53 PM]
3 schools are like that.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:54 PM]
But last time there's no such issue for me leh
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:54 PM]
When was your last?
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:54 PM]
2018-2020
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 4:54 PM]
Eat into early part of covid
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:54 PM]
This a long time back.
Now practically no chance.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:55 PM]
Else news won't report.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:55 PM]
Anyway this is not my problem.
Is all my younger folks problem.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:57 PM]
Currently, there is high demand for the practical test. While we are reallocating resources to address the shortage of test slots, we regret to inform that all learners may experience longer waiting times.
In the meantime, we recommend that XXX could continue to monitor the platform for available slots.
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:57 PM]
This is the traffic police reply.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:58 PM]
Longer waiting time is now towards the 4th month.
Still no luck.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 4:59 PM]
Meanwhile the Provisional driving licence is expiring.
Need to fork out additional money to extend the licence - through no fault of the learners.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:01 PM]
Also how come bots can mass book the website slot in less than 5 minutes.
And all slots mass book - leaving no chance for legitimate users from booking?
Something is very wrong.
But no solutions.
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 5:02 PM]
[ Poll : 2. What are some of the concerns that you may have about the new initiative? ]
- Inadequate Bus Service Coverage
- Lack of integration with other public transport services (e.g. MRT and LRT trains)
- Reliability of the Bus Services
- Nil, as I am confident in the rollout of the new initiative.
- Others (please share your views in the chats below)
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 5:02 PM]
[ Poll : 1. Are you pleased with the new Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme? ]
- Yes
- No
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:04 PM]
With traffic police reply, now I don't know who else to approach to resolve this problem.
Short of telling my younger folks, don't learn driving.
Take MRT.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:10 PM]
Wonder how come last time when I learn driving lessons I don't encounter such problem?
That time no circuit driving test.
But my safety record until now 100%.
But younger folks need to take circuit driving lessons and tests - and yet for months cannot book?
But provisional driving licence expiring.
I don't know how to convince my younger folks - a good job is done.
Because I also got no solutions - as this is a structural problem.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:29 PM]
1. Now wondering if the driving circuit a necessity as a test criteria to pass the driving test?
2. My experience without the driving circuit, still very safe on the road.
3. I also cannot remember any other countries need to pass the driving circuit to be deem a safe driver.
I could be wrong.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:32 PM]
I check Google no results.
I check Meta AI, here is the response from my prompts:-
Yes, most countries require individuals to pass a driving test, which typically includes a circuit test or a road test, to obtain a driver's license. Here are a few examples:
1. *United States*: In the US, all states require a road test to obtain a driver's license.
2. *United Kingdom*: In the UK, learners must pass a practical driving test, which includes a series of maneuvers and driving on various road types.
3. *Australia*: In Australia, drivers must pass a practical driving test, which includes a driving circuit test and on-road driving.
4. *Canada*: In Canada, drivers must pass a road test, which includes a driving circuit test and on-road driving.
5. *India*: In India, drivers must pass a driving test, which includes a circuit test and on-road driving.
6. *Germany*: In Germany, drivers must pass a practical driving test, which includes a driving circuit test and on-road driving on the autobahn.
These tests are designed to assess a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle and follow traffic laws. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country or region.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 5:36 PM]
Well with all the recent accidents it is better to have stricter test
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 5:37 PM]
And driving test is tested by those retired tp
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:37 PM]
I don't mind.
But the structure must allow for at least book the driving lessons and the tests.
Now the current scenario is younger folks are hitting the wall with no way out.
Honestly I have not encounter such a helpless and hopeless situation in public service.
This is my 1st encounter.
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 5:37 PM]
Limited tester and too many candidates
John Yong, [2/8/2024 5:37 PM]
Actually if the issue is really bots the website administrator can put in some sort of checks to make sure it is human. Easily available...
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 5:38 PM]
True. Click to verify you are a human
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:39 PM]
I think the bots get through all the current websites.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:55 PM]
The current AI technology can overcome the bot check.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 5:55 PM]
Info. From Meta AI:-
AI can potentially bypass bot verification on websites, depending on the type of verification and the sophistication of the AI. Here are some ways AI can get through bot verification:
1. _CAPTCHA solving_: Advanced AI models can solve CAPTCHAs (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) by recognizing patterns and characters.
2. _Machine learning-based attacks_: AI-powered scripts can learn from experience and adapt to bypass verification measures.
3. _Behavioral analysis evasion_: AI can mimic human-like behavior, making it difficult for systems to detect bot activity.
4. _Exploiting vulnerabilities_: AI can identify and exploit weaknesses in verification systems.
However, many websites use advanced bot verification methods, such as:
1. _Google reCAPTCHA_: Uses advanced risk analysis and machine learning to detect bots.
2. _Behavioral analysis_: Monitors user behavior to detect non-human activity.
3. _Device fingerprinting_: Collects information about devices to identify bots.
To stay ahead, websites must continually update and improve their bot verification measures.
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 6:00 PM]
Hence the driving centre lessons issues are multi-prong.
1. Cyber security issue.
2. Structural problem - limited driving teachers, testers vs learners.
3. Limited circuit.
4. Provisional driving licence validity too short - 1 year.
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 6:02 PM]
📢 Topic 📢
CK Lee, [2/8/2024 6:35 PM]
This initiative aims to improve public transportation in Singapore. It’s always beneficial to regularly engage with local communities to gather feedback and ideas to improve bus services in their specific areas. One area of improvement is to ensure all new buses and infrastructure are fully accessible to people with disabilities, elderly with walking aids, and those with young children. Our bus fleet should prioritize low-emission or electric buses to minimize environmental impact. On the other hand continually optimizing routes, schedules, and resource allocation based on actual usage patterns is a must. The key is to create an efficient & reliable system that is also flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of a growing and evolving city.
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 6:45 PM]
Dear Contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
G, [2/8/2024 6:48 PM]
Why reach never ask this for discussion
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/st-explains-what-is-the-ethnic-integration-policy-and-how-does-it-work
G, [2/8/2024 6:53 PM]
In today's trend of mixed marriages, how had EIP been updated to reflect the trend?
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 6:55 PM]
Tbh electric is not sustainable in the long run
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 6:55 PM]
H2 fuel is
Jun Ming, [2/8/2024 6:56 PM]
I heard that china retire some electric bus as it is not economy and environmental viable
G, [2/8/2024 6:57 PM]
Maintenance costs are a lot higher for electric buses. Would prefer to stick to regular ICE, albeit lower emission, buses to lower maintenance costs and hence transport fares
LCL (Danny 心), [2/8/2024 6:59 PM]
I support h2 as green.
REACH Singapore, [2/8/2024 6:59 PM]
Dear Contributors
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our Telegram chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
====
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