A night out in Singapore just got a little easier, thanks to the introduction of a free shuttle service at Clarke Quay. But here's where it gets controversial: the service has sparked mixed reactions from partygoers, leaving some eager for more.
The free shuttle, an initiative by CapitaLand, operates on Friday and Saturday nights with two distinct routes. One is a 23-seater shuttle that loops around the city, making stops at popular spots like Ion Orchard and Raffles City from 11 pm to 2:50 am. The other, dubbed the 'home shuttle', departs at 4 am and travels to two destinations: Westgate in Jurong East and Tampines Central 4.
While the looped shuttle saw minimal ridership, with only a handful of passengers boarding during its four-hour service, the home shuttles attracted a modest number of riders. In total, 24 people boarded the two buses on Sunday morning (Dec 14).
This new service comes after the government's year-long pilot program, which allowed liquor licensees in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Upper Circular Road to extend their hours to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. With these later closing times, the demand for late-night travel options has grown.
However, the looped city shuttle has faced criticism for its limited utility. One passenger, Glenda Khoo, aged 24, mistakenly boarded the shuttle thinking it would take her to Tampines. She expressed her disappointment, stating, "A bus that loops around town defeats the whole aim of a night shuttle."
Echoing this sentiment, another partygoer, Jay, questioned the purpose of the city loop, especially when it doesn't cater to their desired destination.
"If it's going to only be at 4 am, I don't think it's going to be effective. I want to be home at 3 am," said Jay, a 24-year-old data entry clerk.
The demand for more late-night travel options is not a new phenomenon. NightRider bus services were discontinued in June 2022 due to low ridership, leaving a gap in the market that the new shuttle service aims to fill.
Partygoers like Ms. Khoo suggest diverting resources to serve more heartland locations at different timings. She proposes, "Instead of just two areas at 4 am, maybe there could be a specific bus that goes to a certain area every half an hour."
Another passenger, Gabriel, a 20-year-old national serviceman, agrees that more locations should be added to the shuttle's route. He suggests, "Let's say you're going towards Tampines; stop by every other location like Bugis, Kallang. I'm sure everyone who lives between here and Tampines would appreciate it."
The home shuttles, while seeing modest ridership, offer a convenient and cost-effective solution for some. Daniel Chew, a 19-year-old polytechnic student, lives just a five-minute walk from the Tampines drop-off point, making the shuttle an attractive option.
For others like Spencer Soh, a 25-year-old university student, and Chloe Tan, a 20-year-old polytechnic student, the shuttle gets them closer to their homes, reducing the need for expensive private-hire cars.
Chloe Tan, who partied at nightclub Zouk, plans to take advantage of the shuttle service in the future, stating, "All my friends stay around the west side also, so I'm pretty sure they will use this service."
So, while the free Clarke Quay night shuttle has its critics, it also has its supporters. The question remains: will the service evolve to meet the diverse needs of Singapore's partygoers? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
