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Bukit Panjang transport hub to boast some unique features

SINGAPORE — Commuters can soon borrow items such as an umbrella, a portable USB charger or even a shopping trolley when they travel through the Bukit Panjang integrated transport hub, which is set to open on Sept 4.

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SINGAPORE — Commuters can soon borrow items such as an umbrella, a portable USB charger or even a shopping trolley when they travel through the Bukit Panjang integrated transport hub, which is set to open on Sept 4.

This service is one the few features unique to the hub — which is the first to be operated by SMRT Buses, and is Singapore’s ninth integrated transport hub after those in Serangoon, Clementi, Bedok and Joo Koon, which opened in the last six years.

To borrow the items, commuters need to go to the WeCare Shop located near the bus interchange at the ground level of the connected Hillion Mall. 

They then have to get their identity cards scanned and provide their contact numbers. 

They may keep the items for up to three days, after which SMRT employees will contact them to return the things. A grace period of four days will then be given for them to do so. If the items are lost, commuters have to file a police report and submit it at the same counter. 

Commuters will not be penalised even if they lose the items. 

Speaking to reporters after giving a tour of the site, Mr Tan Kian Heong, managing director of SMRT Buses and Roads Services, said that the loan service is a “daring initiative”. “We don’t even want to charge them a single cent for it,” he said.

“The whole idea is to promote social graciousness ... People come here, they borrow the things, they use it, and return to us in good condition. We hope to encourage social graciousness through this process.”

The transport hub will also have a traffic management system in which multi-sensor lights will be used to assist drivers when parking the buses. For instance, the sensor will light up and start blinking to alert the drivers that there are vehicle movements behind them.

Mr Tan said that the goal is to improve workplace safety because the bus parking area is “very small” and can be congested during peak hours. 

The bus interchange provides eight bus services, with the bus parking area able to accommodate up to 22 buses.

To recreate the ambience found in nature reserves, the hub at Bukit Panjang will also be the first here to have background music, and to be scented by diffusers said to have extracts of white orchid and magnolia. 

Like the hubs at Bedok and Joo Koon, the Bukit Panjang one will be the third to have standalone nursing rooms with diaper-changing amenities and wash basins.

At the bus interchange, there are also lower kerbs to make it easier for the elderly and passengers in wheelchairs to board buses. Bus service numbers are also carved in Braille into the queue rails, to guide those who are blind. And to make it seamless for cyclists to transfer to buses or trains, there are 120 bicycle racks installed at the hub.

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