Jurong East bus interchange to relocate until 2027 for construction of MRT line, transport hub
SINGAPORE — The Jurong East bus interchange will be relocated opposite its current location from 6 December, to facilitate the construction of the Jurong Region Line and the Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a media release on Wednesday (11 November) that the new interchange will be in operation until the completion of the integrated transport hub around 2027.
To ensure that commuters can continue to transfer conveniently between their bus and rail journeys, it has constructed a sheltered pedestrian overhead bridge, equipped with lifts and escalators, across Jurong Gateway Road passage between the bus interchange and Jurong East MRT station.
There will be a new bus stop opposite JEM Mall to provide commuters with an additional stopping point closer to Jurong East MRT Station.
Two bus stops outside Block 131 and before Jurong East MRT Station along Jurong Gateway Road have also been expanded to accommodate more commuters and buses.
To facilitate the operation of buses in these areas, full-day bus lanes will be implemented along Jurong Gateway Road.
Amendments to bus service routes
Most bus services will continue to operate directly from the relocated interchange. However, LTA said that adjustments have been made to their routing and stopping points to allow faster travel and minimise potential congestion in the vicinity of the bus interchange.
Specifically, Services 97/97e and 197 will be amended to enter the bus interchange via Jurong East Street 12 and Jurong Gateway Road, while Service 333 will be amended to enter via Boon Lay Way and Jurong Gateway Road.
In addition, four services will also now start and end their operations outside the interchange:
Service 78 will start at the bus stop outside Block 131 and end at the bus stop before Jurong East MRT station in the return direction without calling at the bus interchange.
Similarly, Service 79 will not call at the bus interchange but loop around Jurong East town centre via Jurong East Street 12, Jurong Gateway Road, Jurong East Central and Jurong Town Hall Road. Commuters can board this service at the bus stop outside Block 131 or outside Jurong Regional Library.
Cross Border 3 and Cross Border 4, which are currently not in operation, will have boarding and alighting at a bus pick up and drop off point at Venture Avenue instead of Jurong East Bus Interchange when services resume.
Information on these bus route changes will be available at locations such as the affected bus stops, existing and relocated bus interchanges, as well as on the online platforms of LTA, Tower Transit Singapore and SBS Transit.
Additional service ambassadors will also be deployed at the bus interchange to provide assistance and commuters may approach them for directions and information on the bus route changes.
Improvements at new bus interchange
The relocated bus interchange will feature several improvements that benefit both commuters and public transport workers.
These include more spacious boarding points at each of the seven berths and graduated kerb edges to facilitate boarding for passengers in wheelchairs. A bus berth availability system will also be installed near the bus park, signalling to bus captains when their berths are available.
In addition, high-volume low-speed fans have also been installed at the concourse area for better air circulation. There will also be more facilities that cater to the needs of the elderly, less mobile and families with young children, including four barrier-free alighting areas, priority queue zones with seats, a nursing room and barrier-free toilets.
There are also 64 bicycle parking lots available for those who cycle.
The interchange will also come with upgraded facilities for public transport workers such as an air-conditioned staff canteen, dedicated staff toilets and a staff lounge.
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