Move Out of The Bus Lanes

Posted by: Norazreen binti Abd Haris

Priority for Buses: Bus lanes are specially implemented to ensure that buses are able to have a smooth journey.  Photo credit: cms.ukintpress.com 

Bus Lanes Allow Smoother Ride

Unless we are drivers ourselves, we may not realise that there are lanes specially allocated for buses in Singapore.  This means drivers and cyclist are not allowed to utilize this lane during restricted hours. Drivers who fail to follow this rule may be fined up to S$1000 or serve a 3 months of imprisonment.

There are a total of two different types of bus lanes. One will be able to single out a bus lane through the continuous yellow or red lines along the road. The different coloured lines indicate whether the bus lanes are Normal or Full-Day Bus Lane. Find out more about their differences by visiting the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) website.

Better Commuter Experience through Implementation of Bus Lane

While these bus lanes restrict the freedom of other traffic users, it is a crucial and useful regulation. It allows bus drivers to drive conveniently and commuters could also gain a smoother travelling experience. This also means that passengers will be able to travel in comfort and reach their destinations faster.  Today, there are more than 300 bus lanes available islandwide.  As mentioned in The Straits Times previously, LTA stated that these bus lanes are meant to improve overall reliability and bus speeds, so that buses run more regularly and enhance the overall bus network. 

Yellow and Red Lines: These lines indicate that the lane on the road is the bus lane. Depending on the stripes, the operating hours may be different. Photo credit: lta.gov.sg

Possible Congestion Due to Implementation of Bus Lanes

However, there may be traffic users who may disagree with the rationale of having bus lanes. Some may argue that bus lanes slows down the traffic for other users as well as creating unnecessary inconvenience since drivers and cyclists will have to stay off the bus lanes even when there is no bus in sight. As reported by the New Paper earlier in June, there may be a need for the authorities to check if the bus lanes serve it purpose since there were instances where traffic got congested since other vehicles were required to make way for the buses.

Improved Transportation Speed and Quality

On the other hand, according to LTA, bus speeds have improved by 7 per cent over the past five years. This shows that bus lanes play a huge part in providing smoother rides as the efficiency of bus has improved with the added number of bus lanes throughout the years. Not only that, a smoother ride would also mean more people are able to get to their destination faster by bus.

Although it may be frustrating to have bus lanes around, it is only fair that the buses are given priority as they are moving more people.  Compared to a car, a bus moves around 60 people at one go. Therefore, it would be nicer if we could tolerate the restrictions that have been introduced by LTA so that commuters are able to travel peacefully.

Attitude Matters on Road

Traffic users should do their part by obeying the rules: avoid bus lanes during its operating hours. It will allow buses to travel smoothly and create a gracious society in Singapore.

Patience and fairness among road users is crucial for a smooth ride. After all, it is only fair to let buses go faster since they carry more passengers.