The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is cutting down the frequency and operating hours of public buses and trains during the circuit breaker period.
"There has been a significant drop in public bus and train ridership, especially in the past week as Singaporeans are staying home and avoiding discretionary travel during the ongoing Covid-19 circuit breaker period," LTA said in a media release.
The agency added that daily bus and rail ridership has fallen by more than 71 per cent and 75 per cent respectively.
Adjusting public transport's frequency and operating hours will help to "mitigate the significant financial impact caused by the reduced ridership, and help keep public transport operations financially sustainable", said LTA.
LTA and operators will continue to ensure that there is sufficient space for commuters to maintain safe distancing while commuting.
Less frequent trains
Train services will be adjusted with effect from Apr. 17.
The frequency of trains on the North-South, East-West, North East, Circle and Downtown Lines will be reduced to:
- No more than five minutes during peak periods
- Around 10 minutes during off-peak periods
Currently, trains are operating at frequencies of not more than three minutes during peak hours and around five minutes during off peak periods.
Operating hours for these lines will also end 30 minutes earlier.
Details of the last train timings are here:
The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will continue to operate at frequencies of around seven minutes during peak periods, and 12 minutes during off-peak periods.
TEL currently operates on shorter hours to facilitate system integration works for TEL Phase 2, and will see its hours further shortened to operate between 6.30am and 8.00pm.
The Sengkang-Punggol LRT will operate a single loop service during off-peak periods and end train service around 30 minutes earlier
There are no changes to the Bukit Panjang LRT service, which is already operating a single loop service during off-peak periods.
Selected bus services suspended
Bus services will be adjusted with effect from Apr. 15.
These bus services listed below which ply The Central Business District or recreational places will be suspended.
Trips to these destinations have decreased the most, said LTA.
Top image by Joshua Lee.