Crowding on buses and trains, irregular waiting times for buses, and spotty air-conditioning on the MRT are the main public transport issues identified in Singapore, according to recent findings from the Public Transport Council (PTC) and related agencies [1, 2, 3, 4].
Despite infrastructure improvements, including the $900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme launched in July 2024 and expanded Thomson-East Coast Line rail capacity, commuters report persistent problems with overcrowding and scheduling [1, 2, 3]. Peak-hour bus crowding presents particular challenges for passengers with young children or mobility aids such as wheelchairs [3, 4].
The Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme has introduced 35 new or extended bus services and improved 71 existing routes, with over 40% of buses now double-deckers to boost capacity [3]. However, service reliability still faces hurdles, notably difficulties in recruiting and retaining bus captains [4].
Courtesy among commuters also emerged as a concern, with reports of loud music and reluctance to offer seats to those in need [1, 2, 4]. The PTC noted that "while agencies and operators will continue to improve the hardware of our public transport network, every commuter also has a role to play through greater care, courtesy and consideration for one another," said Janet Ang, PTC chairperson [4].
Commuters expressed a strong desire for more accurate and timely bus and train arrival information to better plan their journeys [1, 2, 3, 4]. In response, the PTC plans to collaborate with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and transport operators on measures to improve boarding efficiency. Possible ideas include rear-door bus boarding, marshals guiding passengers, and digital screens indicating less crowded train carriages [1, 2].
The council will also work with LTA and operators to address uneven temperatures and weak airflow on MRT trains by upgrading air-conditioning systems and maintenance efforts [1, 2].
A Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted in 2025, with 5,505 commuter respondents, found 87% overall satisfaction with the public transport system. A separate survey of 1,700 commuters showed 96% satisfaction with Singapore’s point-to-point transport services [4].
Janet Ang said, "We understand that many of the proposed solutions require careful balancing of the interests of commuters, operators and the wider public" [4]. The Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme will continue through 2031, aiming to further enhance bus service coverage and reliability islandwide [3].
