First service under new bus enhancement scheme kicks off

Service 861 meant to improve connections for residents of Yishun and Sembawang

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Yishun residents on Sept 15 welcomed the start of service 861, the first bus service under an initiative to improve public bus connectivity for those living in new developments and which is expected to cost up to $900 million.

Among those who tried out the new service on its first day were operations executive Ridzuan Danian and his wife, customer service executive Ashikin Chumino, who live in Yishun Street 42.

The couple, both 34, told The Straits Times that the new service lets them access the North-South MRT Line more easily. Previously, they were limited to Yishun MRT station, which is quite crowded during peak hours.

It also makes it easier to get to Ms Ashikin's parents' place, which is along the bus route, they added.

Service 861, which began operating at 5.30am on Sept 15, connects residents in Yishun East to Canberra and Khatib MRT stations.

Meant to improve last-mile connections for residents of Yishun and Sembawang, it also serves four schools as well as town amenities like Khatib Polyclinic.

The new service kicks off the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme, which the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced in July to meet greater demand for bus services stemming from the faster pace of housing development here in recent years.

The programme will see the authorities enhance the roll-out of bus services, so that earlier residents of new housing projects have access to public transport options without having to wait for more people to move in.