SINGAPORE - A government-backed effort to let users suggest direct bus routes to private bus operators has expanded to allow users to also book the rides they suggested - via an app.
Dubbed Beeline, the service was jointly-developed by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Beeline was initially available in April as a website to crowdsource data of popular routes. Since then, more than 3,400 routes have been collected from the public. With the launch of the Beeline app today, commuters can now book their rides.
Four experimental bus routes have already started since August 3. They run from Marine Parade, Pasir Ris, Punggol and Tampines and all end in the Central Business District (CBD). These routes run on weekdays during the morning peak period, and have no more than five pick-up stops before heading to the CBD.
There is also one route from the CBD back to Marine Parade during the evening peak period. At least 10 more routes are expected in the coming months, IDA and LTA said in a statement.
Available on both iOS and Android platforms, Beeline lets users book trips for between $4 and $6 each. Users who buy five trips only need to pay only for four under a promotion.
Operators for the service include Bus-Plus, Aedge Holdings and Commute Solutions Group.
