The Land Transport Authority (LTA) released its Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP) 2040” report which sums up all its lifelong visions for making the existing land transport system more “convenient, well-connected, inclusive and fast” over the next 20 years.
Among the plans, is the opening of two MRT stations on the North South Line (NSL) by the mid-2030s, namely Brickland Station located between Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Gombak stations as well as Sungei Kadut interchange station that connects the NSL to the Downtown Line (DTL).
The former will specifically cater to residents in Keat Hong, Bukit Batok West, Pavilion Park and the Brickland district in Tengah town while the latter would enhance accessibility to Yew Tee, Choa Chu Kang and the Sungei Kadut industrial area.
Upon completion of the rail developments, residents living in the north-western region would be able to save up to 30 minutes of travelling time to the downtown area.
On the other hand, the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) would be extended by around 2040 for direct rail connection from Changi Airport to the city. The airport would also be linked to stations along the TEL up to Woodlands North.
Commuters can also look forward to a new rail line of which the feasibility of implementation is still being appraised, the LTA said.
In addition, the proposed rail line would be positioned to serve developments in Singapore’s north and north-east regions which may not have direct access to the existing rail network, at the same time, relieve congestion along the north-east corridor.
“More than 400,000 households could potentially benefit from this new line, with commuters saving up to 40 minutes when travelling to the city centre. LTA’s feasibility study will examine the demand, alignment, station locations and determine its implementation timeline,” said the LTA.
Another prominent theme in the report was the aim to create what LTA dubs as a “45-minute city with 20-minute towns”, where door-to-door journeys in the city and between neighbourhood centres can be completed in 45 and 20 minutes respectively.
To achieve that, the LTA would improve island-wide rail connectivity through the expansion of the current rail network, including new stations and rail lines in the works over the next two decades.
Enhancements to speed and connectivity
The plans also aim to enhance bus speeds through the progressive introduction of more Transit Priority Corridors (TPCs) that come with new features. These features will mean smarter traffic light control systems, bus-only roads and dedicated cycling paths alongside bus lanes to reduce travelling times for public transport and active mobility users alike.
The LTA said the North-South Corridor – Singapore’s longest Transit Priority Corridor – will be completed by 2026, saving bus passengers up to 15 minutes of travel time.
New integrated transport hubs where bus interchanges integrate with shopping malls are planned for construction in areas such as Beauty World, Bedok South, Hougang, Jurong East and Marina South. These hubs, according to the LTA, would grant commuters convenient access to amenities while providing seamless connections between bus and train networks. Such hubs are currently being built in Bidadari, Buangkok and Punggol North, said the authority.
Inclusive transport
Another highlight is the importance the plans are giving to achieve inclusive transport for commuters of various types through the gradual implementation of priority queues at all MRT stations, bus interchanges and integrated transport hubs as well as the expansion of the Public Transport Council’s Heart Zone initiative to all MRT stations and bus interchanges.
Likewise, priority cabins on trains for seniors, expectant mothers, wheelchair users, and parents travelling with young children and other passengers who need a seat, have also been proposed.
It also included its intention to collaborate with government agencies so that journeys to public housing estates and public sector infrastructure are “barrier-free. For instance, 29 additional pedestrian overhead bridges – including those within proximity of hospitals and polyclinics – are being planned for installation by 2022.
LTA added it would also be installing “next-generation” passenger information displays on all buses by 2040 that show riding commuters the next four stops along a bus route, the bus’ location relative to the stops as well as MRT and Light Rail Transit (LRT) transfer information. -/TISG