Largest integrated transport hub opens in Woodlands

Commuters in Woodlands can look forward to a smoother and more comfortable journey with the opening of the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) yesterday.

The ITH - a term for fully air-conditioned bus interchanges linked to MRT stations and nearby shopping malls - connects a new bus interchange below Causeway Point mall with Woodlands MRT station, which serves the North-South and Thomson-East Coast lines.

The bus interchange replaces the open-air Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange, which had been in operation since 2016.

Housewife Cheryl Sim, 42, said she appreciates the greater comfort from better shelter and air-conditioning.

Secondary school student Stephen Neo, 16, said the new interchange has a livelier and more modern atmosphere.

"I am pretty excited about the new interchange as it has air-conditioning and good lighting, so it feels more comfortable and vibrant. The old bus interchange was rather hot and dark," he added.

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While 25 of the 29 bus services operating in the temporary interchange have moved to the ITH, four bus services - 925/925M, 950, 961/961M and 965 - will continue to run in the temporary interchange, which is beside the ITH.

To help passengers in wheelchairs and parents with strollers, the new bus interchange has barrier-free boarding and alighting areas, as well as graduated kerb edges, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) last month.

To enhance safety, the bus interchange is also equipped with a reverse-warning system, with blinking lights to alert bus captains when other buses are reversing within a parking area.

LTA added that besides commuter facilities, the ITH also comes with upgraded amenities for transport workers, such as an air-conditioned staff canteen, dedicated staff toilets, a cleaners' room and a staff lounge.

CANTEEN

Mr Melvin Yong, MP for Radin Mas and executive secretary of the National Transport Workers' Union, said in a Facebook post yesterday that while the canteen is open to only on-duty public transport workers to dine in for now, it can accommodate up to 30 patrons when Covid-19 safe management measures are eased.

Operated by SMRT, Woodlands ITH is the 11th such hub in Singapore. At 41,500 sq m, it is also the largest so far.