LTA beefing up bus safety with recommendations from task force

System that catches motorists straying into bus lanes among measures being trialled

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan

A system that can detect and identify vehicles that encroach into bus lanes is being trialled, with the aim of deterring motorists from flouting traffic laws along bus routes.

This is because motorists who stray into bus lanes can pose a safety risk, Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai said on Aug 23.

"Such incidents could force (bus drivers) to brake suddenly, which can cause passengers to fall," he said at the launch of a bus safety roadshow in Toa Payoh.

Mr Murali's remarks on Aug 23 are the first updates on the initiatives the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is implementing in response to recommendations released by a task force scrutinising the safety of public buses in March.

Other measures being adopted include the installation of collision warning systems, audio safety announcements targeted at elderly passengers and monetary incentives for bus drivers with good safety records.

Four public buses are part of the trial to catch motorists who stray into bus lanes during bus lane operating hours, LTA said. The trial started on Aug 4.

The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse bus camera footage.

At specific times of the day, such as during peak periods, only buses are allowed to use these lanes. This is to help buses operate efficiently and avoid congestion.