Last week's illegal strike should not have any significant impact on the roll out of a $1.1 billion bus service enhancement plan, but the authorities will have to monitor whether it has any lingering effects on the recruitment and retention of bus drivers, said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew.

Mr Lui was making his first comments on last week's illegal strike after visiting Tampines bus interchange on Thursday afternoon.

While there, he also announced new bus routes that will be launched under the Government's $1.1 billion Bus Service Enhancement Programme.

From Dec 16, service 50 will allow commuters to travel between Bishan and Punggol. From Dec 17, commuters travelling between Tampines West and the Central Business District will be served by a new express service 513.

Another four new bus services will be introduced in the first quarter of next year. Three come under the $1.1 billion bus plan and the other will be introduced by SBS Transit at its own cost.

The new routes will serve areas such as Changi North, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines, Yishun, Simei and Changi Business Park. Details are still being worked out.