Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) is assessing the feasibility of introducing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Tuas South to improve public transport links for workers travelling to and from the industrial district.
The study will examine whether a BRT network could provide faster and more reliable connections between workplaces in Tuas South and existing and future MRT stations as the area continues to expand.
Tuas South has been selected for the study due to ongoing developments, including Tuas Port, and expected growth in employment and travel demand in the coming years.
A BRT system could complement Singapore’s existing public transport network, which is centred on the MRT rail service, with conventional bus services providing first- and last-mile connectivity.
A BRT network would provide a medium-capacity transport option between conventional buses and the MRT. Such systems typically operate on dedicated lanes or corridors with traffic signal priority, allowing services to avoid general traffic congestion and improve journey reliability.
BRT systems require less dedicated infrastructure than MRT or Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks while offering greater flexibility to adjust routes, making them a potential option for medium-density transport corridors such as Tuas South.
As part of the study, LTA will evaluate a range of BRT technologies, including conventional systems using standard, articulated or bi-articulated buses, as well as tram-like vehicles equipped with features such as driver’s cabs at both ends, virtual guidance and automated navigation systems.
The authority noted that BRT systems in cities including Shanghai, Seoul, Curitiba, Istanbul and Brisbane use conventional bus-based operations, while tram-like BRT systems have been introduced in Zhuzhou and Yibin in China.
Typical BRT systems also incorporate features such as off-board fare payment, level boarding platforms and traffic signal priority to improve boarding efficiency and reduce journey times.
LTA said the study will assess the costs and benefits of different BRT options and determine whether the technology would be suitable for long-term implementation in Tuas South. Further details will be announced once the assessment has been completed.
