New express bus service promises faster and more convenient travel for residents.
SINGAPORE – Residents in Tampines will soon benefit from a new express feeder bus service, 298X, launching on 9 December 2024. Designed to minimize travel time, the service will offer quicker connections to the Tampines town center and Tampines MRT station by reducing intermediate stops.
Operated by SBS Transit (SBST), service 298X complements the existing feeder service 298, serving Tampines North, Central, and West. The new express option will operate during peak hours only—6:30 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays—excluding public holidays. Regular fares will apply.
Key Features of Service 298X
Route Efficiency: 298X will call at only 15 selected stops, compared to 36 on the original service.
Shorter Duration: Each round trip takes 56 minutes, saving commuters approximately 20 minutes.
Peak-Hour Focus: Seven buses will run every 10 to 12 minutes during high-demand periods.
The loop service starts and ends at Tampines North bus interchange. Key stops include Block 648A, Tampines MRT Exit E, and Tropica condominium, skipping less-frequented areas for faster travel.
Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, also an MP for Tampines GRC, praised the initiative, stating, “This service reduces travel time and enhances connectivity across our neighborhood.”
Resident Reactions and Suggestions
Tampines locals expressed enthusiasm for the new service, citing its potential to streamline their daily commutes. Valerie Koh, 34, noted, “With 298X, I’ll reduce my MRT travel from seven stops to two—this is a game-changer.” Similarly, Gina Foo, 33, highlighted the benefit of a non-stop route to Tampines Central.
However, some raised concerns and offered feedback. Wang Hengyue, 20, pointed out potential traffic bottlenecks in Tampines Concourse, while others hoped for weekend operations or additional express services in other areas.
Part of a Broader Transport Plan
The introduction of 298X is part of the $900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme aimed at improving Singapore’s public bus network. The Land Transport Authority plans to roll out additional express feeder services and enhancements in the coming months.
Residents look forward to these improvements, expecting faster and more efficient public transportation across Tampines and beyond.
