SINGAPORE: The new Tampines Concourse Bus Interchange began operating on Sunday (Dec 18), increasing capacity and providing more bus services to commuters.
The new interchange complements the existing Tampines Bus Interchange, linking through a 250-metre sheltered walkway.
There are 12 bus parking lots on site and two berths for passengers to board buses. For now, the interchange is served by three bus services – the new number, 129, and existing services, 18 and 39, which have moved from the current interchange.
There are also facilities like a dedicated boarding point for those in wheelchairs and priority queues with seats for seniors and the disabled.
For the first few days, 40 additional SBS Transit staff are on hand to assist.
The new Tampines Concourse Bus Interchange is linked to the existing Tampines Interchange via a 250-metre sheltered walkway. (Photo: Olivia Siong)
“Very nice, it feels comfortable to come here. The old interchange is a bit cramped,” said 62-year-old Jenny Song who has been living in Tampines for more than 30 years.
Most commuters agreed that operations were smooth, though there were some who encountered some hiccups.
Mdm Yong Siow Lin and her husband had been travelling on new bus service 129, when the driver made a wrong turn.
“Instead of turning to the right, (the driver) went straight, so there was a bit of commotion there,” said Mdm Yong. “Everybody was so worried and my husband had to go down and tell the driver, “Uncle, you went the wrong way you know?” He then led him and reversed back to the right route.”
However, Mdm Yong said she was not upset by the small detour, noting it is the first day of operations and the driver perhaps being unfamiliar with the route.
Other commuters also raised some concerns about the distance between the new interchange and the existing Tampines Bus Interchange.
“I thought the distance is quite far because it is about 250m relative to another interchange – the new extension at Sengkang is just opposite the road,” said 16-year-old Melvin Cheng. “So I thought perhaps SBS Transit could implement a free shuttle service to shuttle commuters in between these two interchanges in the near future.”
