THE report, 'Next bus will arrive in 3... 2... 1 minute' (ST, July 31), suggested that the real-time bus-arrival information system is meant to address the problem of long waits for buses during peak hours and improve travel times. We would like to clarify that this is not so.
The real-time bus-arrival information system is meant to enhance the overall travelling experience of commuters by enabling them to better manage their waiting time and make more informed travel decisions quickly and efficiently.
This initiative is one of the measures that we have taken to promote public transport as a choice mode. However, it is not intended, nor able, to shorten travel or waiting time for buses during peak hours.
Other measures are being taken to deal with the issue of waiting time, such as increasing the frequency of buses during peak hours, having more bus lanes and extending bus-lane operating hours.
The purpose of the real-time bus-arrival information system was highlighted in the press release issued to the media, in which the Transport Minister had said that 'We are focusing on improving the travel experience of commuters. The provision of real-time bus-arrival information and key bus services maps will help commuters to better plan their journeys and manage their waiting time. These form part of the broader slew of initiatives to improve public transport for the benefit of commuters'.
However, the report misquoted the minister as saying that this new system was focused on 'improving the travel time of commuters'.
Cindy Lim (Ms) Press Secretary to Minister for Transport
