THE Land Transport Authority (LTA) has launched a new website that will let commuters do everything from survey bus schedules to navigate the island's streets with an interactive map.

The portal, www.publictransport.sg, is especially geared towards new arrivals to Singapore and infrequent public transport users.

Visitors can get travel information and navigate with the help of an interactive map that features bus and train stations.

Or they can simply key in their destination and let a journey planner make suggestions.

The LTA said tourists will find the website useful, as they can 'access reliable and up-to-date public transport-related information'.

Resident users can locate Park & Ride carparks, access information on premium bus services and compare fares.

The site offers news on public transport promotions and initiatives as well.

Meanwhile, commuters can also tap into a new SMS alert featuring bus arrival times. Unlike previous SMS alerts, this one cuts across both public transport operators.

It is, however, still a pilot project, and will be on trial for six months. It will be available for 166 bus stops along the Western academic belt. The area covers the National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic; post-secondary institutions such as Clementi ITE and Jurong Junior College; as well as secondary and primary schools.

Commuters may retrieve real-time bus arrival information by sending an SMS to 77722 with the five-digit bus stop code located on the bus stop pole.

For the next and subsequent bus arrival time of a specific bus service, send an SMS to 77722 with the five digit bus stop code located on the bus stop pole and the bus service number.

Normal charges apply for the SMS request. The information sent to the user will be free for the trial period.