The free shuttle bus service currently running in Marine Parade will be discontinued when its contract expires at the end of December 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced. Instead, authorities will explore alternative solutions — possibly payment-based on-demand services or partnerships with e-hailing platforms — as part of efforts to improve local mobility in the area. (channelnewsasia.com)
What’s happening and when
- The Marine Parade free shuttle has served residents by ferrying them to nearby MRT stations, bus interchanges and amenities. The service is funded by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and provided by external operators under a government contract. (channelnewsasia.com)
- The current service will end when the contract term expires in December 2025. LTA, in consultation with other agencies, is already studying what form a replacement mobility solution could take. (channelnewsasia.com)
- In the interim, the free shuttle will continue to operate until contract expiry — residents are advised to track updates from LTA or the Marine Parade Town Council in case any service adjustments or notices occur.
- The review will include options like on-demand bus services, microtransit models, or tying up with ride-hail platforms to provide first/last mile links. Implementation plans and funding options will be assessed before a decision is made. (channelnewsasia.com)
Why the change is happening
Authorities say the aim is to ensure that local transport remains responsive and efficient, especially as resident mobility needs evolve with development and population growth. The review can help determine whether a free service remains justified or if smarter, more flexible models are better suited to future demand. (channelnewsasia.com)
Additionally, aligning Marine Parade’s mobility solutions with emerging transit technologies (e.g. dynamic shuttles, app-based routing) could improve cost efficiency, service coverage and user convenience.
What residents should prepare for
- Check statements and updates from LTA, Marine Parade Town Council, and local community newsletters.
- Once replacement options are announced, some services may require booking or fares — plan ahead for budget and scheduling changes.
- Use the remaining free shuttle smartly now, especially for travel to MRTs or key nodes, since last-mile options may change in the transition period.
- Provide feedback during public consultations or outreach exercises — authorities often use resident input to shape mobility solutions that fit on-ground needs.
