Video screens showing approaching buses may be installed at problematic stop opposite Parkway Parade
Commuters have criticised the design of the bus stop at Marine Parade Station's exit 2, complaining that pillars block their view of approaching buses. (Photo: TODAY/Lim Li Ting)
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SINGAPORE: A new bus stop that has caused consternation among commuters due to poor visibility may be fitted with screens that display footage of approaching buses.
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat acknowledged that the bus stop opposite Parkway Parade mall had its "downside" but on Saturday (Jul 6) explained the reasons for its design and location.
In a Facebook post, Mr Chee also said he had directed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to consider solutions that would alleviate the problem.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
The bus stop, located outside Marine Parade MRT Station's exit 2, has pillars lined up at the front of the bus stop, as opposed to the back, as it is typically done.
LTA, speaking to TODAY on Friday, attributed this to site constraints like underground drainage and space limitations. Mr Chee elaborated on this in his Facebook post, explaining that constructing pillars on top of the underground drains at the back of the bus stop would impede future maintenance work.
Addressing commuters' concerns that the pillars in front blocked approaching buses, he mooted the possibility of installing cameras pointing towards oncoming traffic and displaying the footage on screens inside the bus stop.
"In this way, commuters who are seated inside the bus stop can see the oncoming buses and have more time to get ready for their boarding," he wrote.
"I have directed LTA to consider this suggestion and other solutions to make the bus stop more user-friendly for commuters."
If this worked, Mr Chee said, the same could be applied to other bus stops that face the same issue.
TWO BUS BAYS
The bus stop along Marine Parade Road - which began operations shortly before the fourth stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line officially opened on Jun 23 - also has two bus bays. Buses stop only at their assigned bays.
Mr Chee said this was done to speed up boarding due to the many bus services calling at this particular stop. More than a dozen services use this stop.
"If the buses are not separated, commuters may have to walk longer distances to board their bus," he said, adding that he understood the rationale for having two bus bays.
LTA will improve signage to help commuters know which bus bay they should use, said Mr Chee.
The agency will provide an update on the improvements to be made after its review, he added.
