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Come 3 September 2011, commuters in the North-East sector will enjoy better connectivity and more convenient transfers with the opening of a new bus interchange at Serangoon.
The fully air-conditioned bus interchange, costing about $18.8 million, is directly linked to the Circle Line (CCL) and North East Line (NEL) Serangoon MRT stations via nex. Known as an Integrated Transport Hub (ITH), the new 7,000 square meters facility is the fifth such facility where bus interchanges and MRT stations are seamlessly linked with adjoining commercial developments.
The opening of the new bus interchange will provide air-conditioned access for commuters transferring between bus and MRT, and cut walking time down to 2 to 2.5 minutes. It currently takes 3.5 to 4.5 minutes to walk from the existing open-air bus interchange to the MRT station. Commuters will also have more direct access to the retail and commercial outlets within nex.
Mr Chan Kwok Cheong, LTA’s Director for Public Transport Promotion and Services said, “The new bus interchange will give commuters easy and direct access to the MRT station and nex. This makes it easier for them to run errands or grab a bite before continuing with their journey.”
Designed with barrier-free accessibility features, the new bus interchange is fitted with lower counters, provides dedicated boarding points for the convenience of passengers-in-wheelchair. It also comes with graduated kerb edges to facilitate easier boarding. (please see Annex A for details of barrier-free access facilities).
To make it more convenient for commuters, the new Serangoon bus interchange has multiple access points. Commuters near Serangoon Avenue 2 can use the pedestrian crossing or the fully sheltered pedestrian overhead bridge to get to the interchange. From the MRT station or along Upper Serangoon Road or Serangoon Central, commuters can use escalators near the station’s access points to get to the interchange. Shoppers can also access the interchange directly from nex at level B2. Commuters are advised to look out for directional signs to the bus interchange. (please see Annex B for access points to the interchange).
Residents and Businesses Welcome New Interchange’s Opening
Mr Teo Cheng Peow, a Serangoon resident welcomes the opening of the new bus interchange, “It will now be more convenient for me to switch between train and bus in comfort. No more long walks and waiting in the heat as the new bus interchange will be air-conditioned. Furthermore, I can do some quick shopping at nex now before I begin my bus journey.”
Mr Ringo Leung, General Manager of nex, “The opening of the Serangoon Bus Interchange is definitely welcome by our tenants and shoppers. It makes commuting at this hub more convenient, safer and hassle-free. It also provides direct and easier access to nex. We envisage more shoppers to visit the mall due to the added convenience.”
Measures in place to keep traffic smooth flowing
To keep traffic and bus operations smooth despite the increased bus traffic anticipated in the vicinity, LTA has implemented a slew of traffic improvement measures ahead of the opening of the bus interchange.
A signalised traffic light junction at the access point into the interchange along Serangoon Avenue 2 will also come into operation when the interchange opens. This will gives buses exclusive right-of-way in and out of the interchange. In addition, a yellow box junction at the entrance of the interchange will deter motorists from stopping in the junction and obstructing bus movements. (please see Annex C for the details of traffic improvement measures).
LTA will continue to monitor the traffic situation closely when the new interchange opens to review whether adjustments are necessary to further enhance traffic flow.
More Integrated Transport Hubs in the future
Moving forward, more Integrated Transport Hubs will be constructed to integrate bus interchanges more seamlessly with the rail network to achieve more convenient and efficient travel for commuters.
Integrated Transport Hubs have been planned for Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Hougang Central, Joo Koon, Jurong East, Marina South and Yishun. This is in addition to the existing integrated transport hubs located in Ang Mo Kio, Boon Lay, Sengkang and Toa Payoh.
Annex A: Barrier free-access facilities
Annex B: Multiple entrances to new bus interchange
Annex C: Traffic Improvement measures
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