Unlocking Enhanced Connectivity: Punggol Coast Bus Interchange Set to Revolutionize Travel, Says Chee Hong Tat

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Written by Tripti Singh

05/21/2025

Reading Time : 5 min

Summary: The Punggol Coast Bus Interchange, opening on June 29, promises enhanced public transport for Punggol residents by integrating with the Punggol Coast MRT station and Mall. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat confirmed the date, highlighting the extension of existing bus services and future plans for new routes, including a city direct service, to improve connectivity within Punggol and to other key destinations.

Highlights:

  • New Punggol Coast Bus Interchange to open on June 29, significantly boosting connectivity for Punggol residents.
  • Integrated with Punggol Coast MRT station and Punggol Coast Mall, it will be Singapore’s 15th integrated transport hub.
  • Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the opening, with plans for new bus services, including a city direct service, to further enhance accessibility.
chee hong tat
chee hong tat

Unlocking Enhanced Connectivity: Punggol Coast Bus Interchange Set to Revolutionize Travel, Says Chee Hong Tat

Punggol, Singapore – A significant leap forward in public transport accessibility for Punggol residents is on the horizon with the much-anticipated opening of the Punggol Coast Bus Interchange on June 29. This state-of-the-art facility, poised to become Singapore’s 15th Integrated Transport Hub (ITH), is set to redefine convenience and efficiency for thousands, a development that Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat underscored during his recent visit to the site.

The new interchange is strategically integrated with the Punggol Coast MRT station on the North East Line, which commenced operations in December 2024, and the Punggol Coast Mall, opened in March 2025. This seamless connectivity between bus, MRT, and retail promises a truly integrated urban experience for commuters.

For its initial phase, two crucial bus services – 34 and 117 – along with the variant service 117M, will transition from the existing Punggol Bus Interchange in Punggol Central to the new facility at Sentul Walk. This new interchange boasts an impressive capacity for up to 10 bus services, hinting at future expansion and greater reach.

Expanding Horizons: Bus Service Extensions for Greater Reach

A direct consequence of this relocation northward is the extension of Services 34 and 117, designed to serve a broader area and improve connectivity within Punggol.

  • Service 117, operated by SBS Transit, will now encompass four additional pairs of bus stops, notably those near Punggol View Primary School and the bustling One Punggol integrated lifestyle hub.
  • Service 34, under the operation of Go-Ahead Singapore, will extend its reach by serving seven more stops from Punggol Coast to Punggol Central on its outbound journey, and eight additional stops on the return.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) highlighted on May 20 that these service extensions are crucial for enhancing intra-Punggol connectivity. Furthermore, they will provide residents in areas like Sumang Walk and Sentul Crescent with direct bus links to major destinations such as Changi Airport, Tampines, and Yishun, significantly reducing travel time and effort.

Chee Hong Tat’s Vision: New Services and Future-Proofing Punggol’s Transport Network

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat personally announced the opening date of the Punggol Coast Bus Interchange after his thorough inspection of the site. Addressing reporters, Mr. Chee revealed the authorities’ proactive approach in identifying new bus services that will operate from the Punggol Coast interchange.

“We will also start a new city direct service to provide connectivity for Punggol residents to the city area during peak periods,” Mr. Chee stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to easing peak-hour commutes. This new service will complement the three existing city direct services already serving the Punggol area, offering residents even more options for convenient travel to the city. More comprehensive details regarding this new service are expected closer to its launch.

The LTA further added that residents can anticipate new bus routes and ongoing improvements to bus services in the north-east region. These enhancements, the LTA confirmed, will be progressively rolled out in tandem with the completion of new developments across Punggol, ensuring that the transport infrastructure evolves with the town’s growth.

A Hub of Integration and Inclusivity

Nestled within the heart of the Punggol Digital District, the Punggol Coast Bus Interchange embodies the concept of an Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) – a design philosophy that brings together air-conditioned bus interchanges, MRT stations, and adjacent shopping malls. This integrated approach aims to create a seamless and comfortable commuting experience for passengers.

The operation of the new interchange will be managed by Go-Ahead Singapore, a company with a proven track record, also responsible for the Punggol Bus Interchange and the recently opened Pasir Ris ITH.

Mr. Chee Hong Tat had earlier hinted at the Punggol Coast transport hub’s impending opening during his ministry’s budget debate in March, where he outlined the Government’s broader efforts to elevate public transport infrastructure nationwide. The LTA acknowledges that bus operators may require a brief period to acclimate to the new interchange, and with the authority’s support, they will closely monitor operations to make any necessary adjustments.

Go-Ahead Singapore’s managing director, Leonard Lee, confirmed that the company has proactively trained up to 200 bus drivers to familiarize them with the new interchange and the extended Service 34. This extensive training goes beyond immediate operational needs, providing the company with crucial flexibility.

Commuters seeking information on the extensions of Services 34 and 117 can find details at relevant bus stops, interchanges, and online. Mr. Lee also highlighted that interchange staff, including customer service officers, are undergoing training to effectively manage passengers at the new Punggol Coast ITH.

The design of the new interchange prioritizes passenger comfort and inclusivity. It features a range of inclusive amenities, including wheelchair-accessible toilets, a dedicated baby care room, and a commuter care room for those seeking a quiet and calming space. All entrances to the interchange are barrier-free, and dedicated priority queue zones with seating are provided at the four bus boarding berths.

Beyond passenger amenities, the LTA has also incorporated dedicated facilities for public transport staff, such as a canteen and a lounge. Environmentally conscious features are also integrated, including energy-saving LED lights, an energy-efficient air-conditioning system, water-saving taps, and motion sensor lights, underscoring a commitment to sustainability.

Two Interchanges, Enhanced Connectivity

With the opening of the Punggol Coast ITH, Punggol town will now boast two bus interchanges. While the existing Punggol Bus Interchange had previously been considered temporary, Minister Chee Hong Tat clarified that this is no longer the case. “We will continue to operate it (and) refurbish it, so that it can serve the residents well,” he affirmed, ensuring that both interchanges will play a vital role in Punggol’s transport network.

Accompanying Mr. Chee on his visit were three Punggol GRC MPs: Senior Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Janil Puthucheary, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Sun Xueling, and Ms. Yeo Wan Ling.

Dr. Janil Puthucheary, who oversees the Punggol Coast ward, emphasized the significance of having two well-connected bus interchanges, particularly with good links to the MRT and LRT systems. He noted that residents have long awaited improved connectivity to facilitate travel within the expansive town and beyond Punggol. The Teck Lee LRT station is also conveniently within walking distance of the new Punggol Coast interchange.

“This is something that has been looked forward to by our residents for some time,” Dr. Janil remarked, expressing optimism that the Punggol Coast Bus Interchange will create opportunities for even more bus services to serve the thriving Punggol community in the future.

Key Details at a Glance:

FeatureDetail
Opening DateJune 29
LocationSentul Walk, Punggol Coast
IntegrationPunggol Coast MRT Station (North East Line), Punggol Coast Mall
Type of FacilityIntegrated Transport Hub (ITH) – Singapore’s 15th
Initial Bus Services34, 117, 117M
OperatorGo-Ahead Singapore
CapacityUp to 10 bus services
Key Announcement ByTransport Minister Chee Hong Tat
Future PlansNew city direct service, more new bus routes and service improvements
Inclusive AmenitiesWheelchair-accessible toilets, baby care room, commuter care room
Staff FacilitiesCanteen, lounge
Energy-Saving FeaturesLED lights, energy-efficient air-conditioning, water-saving taps, motion sensors
Punggol Bus InterchangesPunggol Coast Bus Interchange (new), Punggol Bus Interchange (existing)

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