How Singapore’s first express feeder bus will benefit residents at route’s extreme ends

RESIDENTS REACT

Residents at Tampines West and North told CNA they were generally appreciative of the new service. But some expressed hope for better connectivity to nearby amenities instead, including during non-peak hours.

One Tampines West Resident at The Santorini condo, who only wanted to be known as Madam Kua, said she has waited as long as 15 minutes for bus 298. 

“For such short trips, we shouldn’t have to wait so long,” said the 74-year-old retiree. “We should be waiting only seven to 10 minutes.” 

Even after getting on the bus, it can take about 20 minutes to reach Tampines central, as the bus winds through several estates en route, she added.  

“When I first heard of this new service, I was so happy, because I don’t have to wait so long anymore.” 

Tampines North resident Ain Fong, who lives at the Tampines GreenVines HDB project, likewise was looking forward to potentially shorter waiting times and direct trips to the MRT station, during peak hours.

The 34-year-old administrator pointed out, however, that 298x would not connect her area to supermarkets nearby.

For instance, she prefers to shop at Prime Supermarket to get supplies for her child – and outside of peak hours.

But to get there using public transport, she has to first take bus 298 and then change buses at Tampines North interchange.

The entire journey can take up to an hour, for a supermarket that’s a 2km walk from her home, according to Google Maps.

“It’s quite ridiculous,” she said.