Encouraging results for first 2 weeks of free MRT travel trial: Lui Tuck Yew

SINGAPORE — Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said results in the first two weeks of the free pre-peak travel trial have been encouraging.

In a written response to Nominated MP R Dhinakaran in parliament, Mr Lui said there has been about 18-19 per cent increase in exits for the pre-peak period of between 7am and 8am. At the same time, there has been a 6-7 per cent drop in the number of people exiting the stations during the peak period of between 8am and 9am.

Mr Lui said there has been also some smoothening of travel during the morning peak period.

Before the trial, peak period exits at that time was about 2.7 times of the hour before — between 7am and 8am.

But this ratio has been reduced to about 2.1 times, in the first two weeks of the trial.

The free pre-peak travel scheme aims to ease congestion on trains during the peak period, and the free rides apply to those who exit at 16 selected stations within the city centre before 745am.

Those who exit between 745am and 8 am can get an early travel discount of up to S$0.50.

Mr Lui said more employers should adopt flexible work arrangements to enable staff to take advantage of the scheme. CHANNEL NEWSASIA