Bus stalled outside Boon Lay Bus Interchange causes traffic standstill, 45-min waiting times for buses

A bus seen stalled outside Boon Lay Bus Interchange on Mar. 7 at around 8am was likely the reason for the traffic standstill in and around the area, Lianhe Zaobao reported.

Waiting times for some buses were as long as 45 minutes.

Bus drivers were seen allowing passengers to get off the bus before the drop-off point to enter the interchange on foot.

A member of the public tipped Zaobao off and provided a photo, which showed a bus with its bonnet apparently damaged.

The bus was seen parked near a zebra crossing at the slip road leading to the bus interchange.

It was believed to have been blocking the path of vehicles and causing the traffic gridlock around the bus interchange.

The person who tipped Zaobao off said: "There are also many maintenance projects in the Boon Lay area. Many roads are one-way traffic. Today's congestion has slowed down traffic. The taxi waiting area is also crowded."

A social media post showed the interchange crowded with long lines at around 7:30am.

Other posts, Zaobao reported, showed the intersection to be congested before 7am, making it difficult for buses to enter and exit the interchange.

Some buses apparently had to let passengers get off two or three stops in advance.

SMRT response

In response to media queries, Vincent Gay, deputy managing rirector of SMRT Buses said its bus service 187 broke down along the slip road Jurong Central 3 to Jurong West Street 64 at around 6:15am, which impacted the flow of traffic near Boon Lay Bus Interchange.

In response, temporary bus diversion plans were implemented for Services 172, 178, 179, 180, 187, 240, 241, 251, and 252, SMRT added.

Additional staff were also deployed on-site to manage bus movements and assist affected passengers at the interchange.

The stalled bus was towed and normal traffic flow resumed by approximately 8:50am.

SMRT added: "We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected passengers.”

Top photos via Lianhe Zaobao