THE number of commuters who take the bus every day - or bus ridership - has risen by 6 per cent in the first six months compared to a year ago.

This is in tandem with the increase in bus capacity with newer buses set to hit the roads next year and more premium buses plying the roads now.

SBS Transit, for example, is rolling out 400 new Euro V-compliant buses - or more environmentally friendly buses - from next year at a cost of $147 million.

Besides basic bus services, the number of premium bus services has also expanded to 74, surpassing the Transport Ministry's initial target of 72 service by June.

Premium bus services cost more than regular bus services but guarantee passengers a seat and take a faster and more direct route.

Overall, higher ridership for public transport use is in line with the Transport Ministry's push towards public transport.

Senior Minister of State (Transport) Lim Hwee Hua said this in Parliament on Monday in response to MP Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) who had asked for an update on the 'upgrading exercise' of the public transport system.

Mrs Lim also reiterated that trunk bus services since June were now at 12 minute frequencies during peak hour, compared to 15 minutes previously.

By next August, this will be cut to 10 minutes or less.

Also, since last month, bus operators had to operate at least 85 per cent of their feeder buses at 10 minute frequencies or less during peak hours.

This standard will be tightened to 90 per cent of feeder bus services by next August..