SINGAPORE - From free electric buggy services for those who need help getting around to cameras informing staff of how long queues are so as to deploy more buses, Woodlands' temporary bus interchange launched on Saturday (12 March) comes with a host of features.
There will also be Braille guidance on handrails for the visually impaired to locate waiting areas and wheelchair ramps which link the interchange to the MRT station.
A SMART bus guidance system also displays information on large digital boards so that bus captains returning to the interchange can see which alighting berths and parking bays are available. This reduces the waiting time for available lots.
The temporary bus interchange will be in service until 2019, as Woodlands Regional Interchange undergoes upgrading and construction of an underpass.
Woodlands bus services make about 400,000 passenger trips daily.
Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan, who is also an MP for Sembawang GRC, joined residents on Saturday for the interchange's first day of operations.
Vice President of SMRT buses Tan Kian Heong said the efforts were taken to ensure a smooth transition for commuters from the permanent interchange to the temporary one.
"Although the relocation is temporary, we aim to provide our commuters and staff with the service standards found in a fully operational, permanent bus interchange."
