The persistent gap in bus connectivity for Compassvale Crescent residents requires our attention.
While the Government has repeatedly cited the 400-metre benchmark and the availability of 14 bus services in the vicinity, this technical standard does not fully capture the lived reality of our residents, particularly our elderly and persons with disabilities.
Singapore is rapidly ageing. By 2030, one in four citizens will be aged 65 and above. Simultaneously, we are building a more inclusive society that recognizes the needs of persons with physical disabilities. For these residents, even a 400-metre walk is not merely inconvenient, it can be a genuine barrier. Seniors with reduced mobility, persons using wheelchairs or walking aids, those recovering from medical procedures, and individuals managing chronic conditions may find this distance insurmountable, especially in our tropical heat.
The distinction between technical accessibility and practical accessibility matters profoundly. On paper, Compassvale Crescent is served. In practice, vulnerable residents face daily challenges that prevent them from accessing essential services, healthcare, and community activities.
I acknowledge the LTA's concern about trade-offs, extending Bus 371 would increase journey times for existing commuters. However, I urge the Authority to explore creative solutions: perhaps introducing a new short-loop feeder service that connects Compassvale Crescent directly to Sengkang MRT without affecting existing routes, or a community shuttle service piloted specifically for those with mobility challenges.
Our Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme should embody our national values of inclusivity and care for the vulnerable. Good bus connectivity is not a luxury, it enables independence, dignity, and full participation in society.
I therefore renew my call for LTA to reconsider this matter, focusing not on whether residents can technically access buses, but whether our transport network truly serves all Singaporeans.
