Free shuttle bus service for Marine Parade residents will start on July 8

SINGAPORE: Residents living in Marine Parade GRC, Macpherson SMC and Mountbatten SMC will soon be able to enjoy a new free shuttle bus service that will run seven routes in these areas, taking them to amenities such as polyclinics, hawker centres and MRT stations.

Touted as “Singapore’s first cluster-wide neighbourhood shuttle service”, the initiative was jointly announced by the Southeast Community Development Council (CDC) and the People’s Association (PA) on Sunday (June 30).

Registration for the one-year pilot shuttle service opened on Sunday and will begin operating on July 8. The service will be available from 10am to 4pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.

The seven routes were developed based on input from residents at various events, including the recent Go Singapore exercise.

“Given the strong demand and potential benefit from residents, this community-driven initiative is expected to generate more than 500,000 rides during the one-year pilot period,” the Southeastern CDC and PA said.

Speaking about the shuttle bus service which aims to “significantly enhance last-mile connectivity”, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said on Sunday: “Like other parts of Singapore, the Marine Parade area is also facing the problem of an ageing population.

“While overall connectivity to the island is efficient, some residents have expressed that they are finding it increasingly difficult to shorten the distance to these key facilities.

“We have therefore planned the route with the convenience of these residents in mind, while balancing the efficient use of resources and the needs of other road users in the area.”

He also mentioned in the Facebook video that the shuttle service will have six stops around Joo Chiat, noting that Beach Road Prawn Noodle HouseLocated along East Coast Road.

Mr Tong was a member of the Marine Parade GRC Since 2015.

Manpower Minister Tan See Ling added: “Such seamless connectivity between frequently visited locations within the cluster also makes it easier for local businesses to access.”

“We have designed seven routes so that residents can easily transfer between shuttles with overlapping stops to reach different areas within the cluster.”