Loop routes (or circular routes) are a unique form of bus routing. As its name suggests, a loop route only has one terminus, unlike bidirectional routes or unidirectional routes with no return trips. Buses leave the terminus and complete their route by returning back to the same terminus. Loop routes provide continuous bus service along a longer stretch of road compared to an ordinary bidirectional route. Technically, passengers can pay a fare for the full route, ending up at the bus terminus. However, some exceptions do exist, and passengers may be required to alight at the looping point.
The point where a loop service turns back towards its starting point (and merges with its own forward route), is known as a looping point. After the looping point, buses resume their return route back to the bus terminus. Looping points can be named after street names (e.g. Changi North Crescent) or places of interest near the looping point (e.g. Singapore Zoo). However, not all loop routes have a defined looping point.
Some special cases do exist with loop routes. For example, some bidirectional trunk routes operate like loop routes, and drivers do not park their buses nor get a layover at the bus terminal. Some loop routes have multiple looping points, and some have looping points within restricted areas.
EDS Programming for Loop Services[]
Some loop services have their Electronic Display Systems (EDS) programmed with both directions of the loop route, and bus drivers will switch the directions on their EDS at the looping point.
However, most short distance looping trunk and feeder services have an EDS display of both the terminus and the looping point, hence eliminating the need to switch the EDS display.
Basic plus services operated by SBS Transit only have a single electronic destination display, including the service type and service number (i.e. EXPRESS 502). Looping short trip services also have the similar EDS displays as uni-directional short trip services (i.e. Ends at / Terminates at destination, with the exception of full-day 912A and 912B).
Most looping terminating trips of the parent services also adopt similar EDS displays as uni-directional short trips (i.e. Ends at / Terminates at destination) except service 291 and 293.
EDS Programming Type | Operator | Bus Services |
---|---|---|
Dual-direction EDS display (similar to bi-directional trunk services) | SBS Transit (> Looping Point / Destination) | 9, 19, 24, 27, 35, 35M, 53, 60, 63, 64, 69, 73, 89, 125, 138, 158, 160, |
SMRT Buses (Looping Point / Destination via) | 110, 180, 184, 925M, | |
Abellio (Looping Point / Destination) | 41, 49, 66, 78, 79, 98, 98M, 171, 173, 177, 183, 189, 857, 858, 859, 870, 883, 883M, 965, 966, 990, 992 | |
Tower Transit / Go-Ahead (Looping Point / Destination via) | 15, 34, 36, 43M, 62, 68, 82, 83, 119, 518 | |
Single Direction EDS Display (Origin-Looping Point) | SBS Transit (Origin - Looping Point) | 4, 11, 20, 23, 29, 37, 40, 42, 47, 70M, 71, 81, 90, 91, 92, 92M, 94, 95, 101, 102, 107M, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 120, 121, 122, 123M, 127, |
SMRT Buses (Destination via Looping Point) | 300, 301, 302, 307, 307A, 307T, | |
Single Direction EDS Display (Destination only) | SBS Transit (> Destination) | 225G, 225W, 228, 229, 231, 232, 235, 238, 240, 241, 242, 243G, 243W, 246, 249, 252, 261, 262, 269, 272, 273, |
Abellio (Destination) | 96, 143M, 282, 284, 285, 333, 334, 335, 859A, 859B, 882, 941, | |
Tower Transit / Go-Ahead (Destination via) | 6, 36B, 84, 354, 358, 359, 381, 382G, 382W, 384, 386, 403 | |
Single Direction EDS Display (Looping Point only) | SBS Transit (> Looping Point) | 291/291T, 293/293T, 325, 811, 812 |
Service Type EDS Display (Basic Plus Services only) | SBS Transit (Service Type, Service No.) | |
Short Trip / Terminating Trip Programming
(Ends at / Terminates at destination) |
SBS Transit (Terminates at destination) | 90A, 92T, 113A, 142A, 158A, 195A, 222B, 811T, 812T, 974A |
SMRT Buses (Ends at destination) | 302A, 911T, 913T, 962B | |
Abellio (Ends at destination) | 858B | |
Tower Transit / Go-Ahead (Destination) | 34B, 36T, 358T, 359T |
Some other services, e.g. 4 and 116, have an EDS display of both the terminus and the looping point, hence eliminating the need for switching the EDS. On older buses, drivers have to manually flip their side destos by removing them out of the desto holder and putting them back in. This was because both sides of the desto was printed with route details. This practice was phased out with the retirement of square destos. Rectangular destos were featured in Volvo B10M Mark IV and air-con double decker buses.
Workplace/Favourite Place Looping[]
Service | Workplace/Favourite Place | Notes |
---|---|---|
4 | Changi North | Grand Venture Technology Service |
15 | Marine Parade Road | |
20 | Changi South | Lionsbot Service |
23 | Rochor Canal Road | |
24 | Changi Airport | |
27 | Changi Airport | |
34 | Changi Airport | |
71 | Bishan Street 11 | Bishan Feeder Service |
84 | Punggol Road End | Punggol Feeder Service |
92 | Science Park | Trampolene Lunchtime Shuttle Service |
94 | Paya Lebar Airbase | Axiom Tab Shuttle Service |
96 | National University of Singapore | |
107M | Marina Centre | |
111 | Marina Centre | |
114 | Buangkok Crescent | Buangkok (Sengkang Block 272A) Feeder Service |
127 | Tampines Industrial Drive 2 | Enabling Services Hub Feeder Service |
189 | Clementi Avenue 1 | School Friendly Public Bus Service |
191 | Portsdown Road | Trampolene Lunchtime Shuttle Service |
222 | Chai Chee | Bizlink Feeder Service |
228 | Bedok Reservoir Road | Bedok Feeder Service |
241 | Jurong West Street 91 | Enabling Business Hub (Jurong West Street 91) Feeder Service |
251 | Shipyard Road | Markono Print Media Feeder Service |
291 | Tampines Street 81 / 32 | Tampines Feeder Service |
292 | Tampines Street 11 | Tampines Feeder Service |
293 | Tampines Street 45 / 71 | Tampines Feeder Service |
296 | Tampines North Drive 2 | Enabling Services Hub Feeder Service |
298 | Tampines Street 86 | Tampines Feeder Service |
317 | Serangoon Gardens | Medway Drive Feeder Service |
400 | Gardens by the Bay / Marina South Pier | Marina Bay Feeder Service |
403 | Pasir Ris Road | Pasir Ris Feeder Service |
518 | Marina Centre | Pasir Ris/Grand Venture Technology Express Service |
804 | Yishun Avenue 11 | Yishun Feeder Service |
825 | Lentor Estate | Yio Chu Kang/Lentor Estate/Nanyang Polytechnic Feeder Service |
857 | Marina Centre | LikeMeetWork Lunchtime Shuttle Service |
Feeder Services are as follows:
- Pasir Ris
- Tampines
- Changi
- Punggol
- Buangkok
- Serangoon
- Marina Bay
- Marina Centre
- one-north/Kent Ridge/Buona Vista
- Clementi
- Rochor
- Bishan
- Marine Parade
- Eunos
- Jurong West/Jurong Industrial
- Yishun
- Yio Chu Kang
1. Looping at bus interchange/terminals[]
Some loop routes loop at bus interchanges, without having any layover there. This is usually because they need to quickly return to their terminus without introducing unnecessary layovers, or to avoid the need for setting up a driver’s kiosk there when the bus company does not operate any other routes into that interchange.
Previous loop services[]
Service | Looping bus interchange/terminal | Mealbreak Area | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
17 | Bedok Interchange | Pasir Ris Interchange | From 2002. Reverted back to bi-directional service under Go-Ahead operations from 18 September 2016. |
17A | Bedok Interchange | Bedok North Depot | From 16 November 2014. Reverted back to one-directional service under Go-Ahead operations from 18 September 2016. |
18 | Bedok Interchange | Tampines Concourse Interchange | Since 29 November 1987. Extended to terminate at Tampines Concourse on 18 December 2016. Extended to Tampines North and Bedok North Bus Depot on 27 November 2022. |
28 | Bedok Interchange | Tampines Interchange | From 2 October 1994. Extended to terminate at Toa Payoh on 29 October 2000. |
95 | Kent Ridge Terminal | Buona Vista Terminal | Since 23 Jul 2001. Amended to start from Kent Ridge and loop at Holland Rd on 17 Dec 2006. |
189 | Kent Ridge Terminal | Bukit Batok Interchange | Since 15 Apr 2001. Amended to loop at Clementi Ave 1 on 23 Nov 2014. |
227 | Bedok North Depot | Bedok Interchange | From 1983, withdrawn on 26 January 2002. |
256 | Joo Koon Interchange | Boon Lay Interchange | From 28 November 2015. Withdrawn on 18 June 2017. |
258 | Boon Lay Interchange | Joo Koon Interchange | From 21 November 2015. Amended to loop at Jurong West Street 64 on 18 June 2017. |
323 | Hougang Depot | Hougang South Interchange | From 10 April 1988, withdrawn on 24 February 2002. |
2. Point loop routes[]
Let’s have a service from point A and looping at point B. Because of geographical limitations (e.g. no space for a bus terminus) or for various operational reasons when the bus should return to point A as quickly as possible, the service will be operated as a loop route. Point loop routes routes are characterized by a single looping point (e.g. a roundabout / three point turn) and heavy duplication of their forward and return journeys. Most loop routes in Singapore fall under this category.
Former point looping services[]
Service | Looping route | Mealbreak Area | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
20 | St Wilfred Road (Roundabout) | Lorong 1 Geylang Terminal | |
82 | Punggol Road End (3-point turn) | Punggol Interchange | |
83 | Punggol Field (3-point turn) | Punggol Interchange | |
84 | New Punggol Road (3-point turn) | Punggol Interchange | |
101 | Buangkok Link (3-point turn) | Serangoon Interchange | |
103M | West Camp Road (Roundabout) | Serangoon Interchange | |
131M | Bukit Purmei Avenue (Roundabout) | Bukit Merah Interchange | |
136 | Upper Serangoon Road End (3-point turn) | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | |
175 | Gombak Drive (3-point turn) | Lim Chu Kang Terminal | |
189 | West Coast Ferry Terminal (3-point turn) | Bukit Batok Interchange | |
189A | Harbour Drive (3-point turn) | Bukit Batok Interchange | |
251 | Refinery Road (3-point turn) | Boon Lay Interchange | |
268 | Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 (3-point turn) | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | |
274 | Depot Road (3-point turn) | Bukit Merah Interchange | |
275 | Bukit Purmei Avenue (Roundabout) | Bukit Merah Interchange | |
378 | Piccadilly (Roundabout) | Jalan Kayu Terminal | |
379 | West Camp Road (Roundabout) | Jalan Kayu Terminal | |
402 | Marina Bay Cruise Terminal | Shenton Way Terminal | |
408 | Port Road (3-point turn) | HarbourFront Interchange | |
804 | Yishun Avenue 1 (3-point turn) | Yishun Interchange | |
870 | Plantation Crescent (3-point turn) | Jurong East Interchange | Since introduction (26 Nov 2023). Extended to loop at Tengah Blvd from 24 Dec 2023. |
921 | Petir Road (3-point turn) | Bukit Panjang Interchange | |
926 | Mandai Lake Road (Roundabout) | Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub | |
983 | Keat Hong Close (Roundabout) | Choa Chu Kang Interchange | |
992 | Plantation Crescent (3-point turn) | Bukit Batok Interchange | |
CT28 | Clementi Avenue 4 (Roundabout) | New Bridge Road Terminal |
The examples are:
- Service 24 (Medway Drive)
3. Area loop routes[]
Let’s have a service from point A and looping at point B. Because of geographical limitations (e.g. no space for a bus terminus) or for various operational reasons when the bus should return to point A as quickly as possible, the service will be operated as a loop route. Area loop routes do not loop around a point, but over an small area instead, using multiple turns at various junctions. They are characterized by heavy duplication of their forward and return journeys. Most loop routes in Singapore fall under this category.
Previous loop services[]
Service | Looping route | Mealbreak Area | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
3 | Pasir Ris Dr 10, Pasir Ris Dr 1, Pasir Ris St 71 | Tampines Interchange | From 7 April 2002 to 19 October 2003, converted to bidirectional route after route extension to Pasir Ris on 19 October 2003. |
13 | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Yio Chu Kang Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 9 December 2001, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to Upper East Coast on 9 December 2001. |
16 | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Bukit Merah Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 19 August 2007, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to Bedok on 19 August 2007. |
34 | Changi Airport PTB1, Changi Airport PTB2 | Bedok Interchange | From 23 April 1995 before withdrawal on 15 September 2002. |
55 | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Bishan Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 9 April 2017, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to Upper East Coast on 9 April 2017. |
68 | Tampines St 92 | Tampines Interchange | From 16 June 2003, but withdrawn on 11 August 2008. |
76 | Marine Cres, Marine Terr, Marine Parade Rd | Yio Chu Kang Interchange | From 30 January 2011 to 20 March 2016, before shortening to Eunos Int. |
79 | Jurong Gateway Rd, Jurong East Ctrl, Jurong Town Hall Rd | Boon Lay Interchange | Since 6 Dec 2020. Amended to start from Jurong Town Hall Int from 26 May 2024. |
97 | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | Jurong East Interchange | From 27 July 2003 to 26 April 2010, converted to bidirectional route. |
99 | Jurong West St 91, Jurong West St 92 | Clementi Interchange | From 13 March 1988 to 21 November 2015, converted to bidirectional route after route extension to Joo Koon on 21 November 2015. |
107 | Shenton Way, Anson Rd, Robinson Rd | Serangoon Interchange | From 27 January 1978 to 30 November 2003, converted to bidirectional route after route amendment to Shenton Way on 30 November 2003. |
124 | Telok Blangah Heights, Telok Blangah St 32, Telok Blangah Dr | St Michael's Terminal | From 23 November 2003 to 21 April 2013, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to HarbourFront on 21 April 2013. |
133 | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | From 22 July 1997 to 26 April 2010, converted to bidirectional route after route extension to Shenton Way on 26 April 2010. |
133M | Raffles Ave, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Shenton Way Terminal | From 26 April 2010, withdrawn on 26 May 2012. |
135 | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 28 February 2021, converted to bidirectional route after route amendment to Jalan Kembangan on 28 February 2021. |
136 | Punggol Field, Punggol Pl, Punggol Ctrl, Punggol Rd | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | From 17 February 2002 to 30 November 2003, converted to bidirectional route after route amendment to Punggol. |
155 | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Toa Payoh Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 9 April 2017, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to Bedok on 9 April 2017. |
160M | Bt Batok West Ave 8, Bt Batok Rd, Bt Batok West Ave 6 | Jurong East Interchange | Since introduction (26 Jul 2020). Discontinued on 24 Sep 2023. |
162 | Shenton Way, Anson Rd, Robinson Rd | Yio Chu Kang Interchange | From 25 February 2001 to 16 December 2001, converted to bidirectional route after route amendment to Shenton Way. |
162M | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | Yio Chu Kang Interchange | Since introduction (25 Feb 2001, as Service 162X). Discontinued on 10 Dec 2023. |
163M | Sengkang West Ave, Fernvale Lane | Sengkang Interchange | From 28 January 2008, but withdrawn on 10 February 2019. |
180 | Upp Bt Timah Rd, Petir Rd (express), Jelebu Rd (express), Bt Panjang Rd | Boon Lay Interchange | From 16 December 2012 to 25 February 2018. |
185 | Jln Jurong Kechil, Upp Bt Timah Rd, Jln Anak Bt | Choa Chu Kang Interchange | From 3 January 1993 to 27 July 2003. |
220 | Bedok South Rd, Bedok South Ave 3, New Upp Changi Rd, Bedok South Ave 2 | Bedok Interchange | From 15 March 1976 to 7 April 2002, merged with service 290 to form service 38 on 7 April 2002. |
226 | Bedok Reservoir Rd | Bedok Interchange | From 22 February 1981 to 17 November 2002, merged with service 385 to form service 60 on 17 November 2002. |
235 | Lor 1 Toa Payoh, Lor 2 Toa Payoh, Lor 3 Toa Payoh | Toa Payoh Interchange | From 26 December 1983 to 11 March 2012, extended to loop at Toa Payoh Link. |
237 | Toa Payoh East, Lor 7 Toa Payoh, Lor 6 Toa Payoh | Toa Payoh Interchange | From 26 December 1983 to 19 May 2002, merged with service 232 on 19 May 2002. |
250 | International Rd, Sixth Lok Yang Rd, Lok Yang Way, Pioneer Rd North | Boon Lay Interchange | From 1 June 1978 to 11 February 2001, merged with service 192 on 11 February 2001. |
253 | Benoi Rd | Boon Lay Interchange | From 1 June 1978 to 11 February 2001, merged with service 251, 255 and 257 on 11 February 2001. |
266 | Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, Yio Chu Kang Rd, Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | From 7 December 1980 to 24 March 2002, merged with service 269 on 24 March 2002. |
267 | Ang Mo Kio Ind Pk 2, Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 | Ang Mo Kio Interchange | From 10 April 1983 to 24 March 2002. |
284M | Clementi Ave 3, Commonwealth Ave West | Clementi Interchange | From 29 June 2009 to 26 November 2011. |
290 | Simei St 1, Simei St 3, Simei St 4, Simei Rd | Tampines Interchange | From 17 January 1988 to 7 April 2002, merged with service 220 to form service 38. |
294 | Tampines Ave 2, Tampines St 23 | Tampines Interchange | From 12 August 1984 to 7 April 2002, merged with service 357 to form service 3. |
301 | Choa Chu Kang Ave 3, Choa Chu Kang Ave 5, Choa Chu Kang Ave 6, Choa Chu Kang Ave 1 | Choa Chu Kang Interchange | From 25 April 2015 to 3 January 2016, extended to loop at Keat Hong Close. |
308 | Choa Chu Kang Ave 7, Choa Chu Kang Gr, Keat Hong Lk | Choa Chu Kang Interchange | From 15 May 2016 to 30 September 2018, merged with service 991. |
321 | Hougang St 11, Upp Paya Lebar Rd | Hougang South Interchange | From 13 January 1985 to 15 February 2004, merged with service 326 to form service 113. |
322 | Hougang St 92, Hougang Ave 9 | Hougang South Interchange | From 1997 to 15 February 2004, merged with service 327 to form service 112. |
326 | Hougang Ave 10, Hougang Ave 8, Hougang Ave 6 | Hougang South Interchange | From 3 January 1993 to 15 February 2004, merged with service 321 to form service 113. |
327 | Hougang Ave 7, Upp Serangoon Rd, Hougang Ave 5 | Hougang South Interchange | From 1985 to 15 February 2004, merged with service 322 to form service 112. |
328 | Hougang St 51, Buangkok Green, Hougang Ave 4 | Hougang South Interchange | From 14 March 1999 to 15 February 2004, renumbered to service 101. |
331 | Teban Gdns Rd, West Coast Rd, Pandan Gdns | Jurong East Interchange | From 16 March 1980 to 12 May 2002, merged with service 143. |
357 | West Loop: Pasir Ris Dr 1, Pasir Ris St 71 | Pasir Ris Interchange | From 19 January 1997 to 7 April 2002, merged with service 294 to form service 3. |
East Loop: Pasir Ris Dr 1, Loyang Ave, Pasir Ris Dr 3 | |||
371 | Sengkang West Ave, Jln Kayu, Fernvale Lane (express) | Sengkang Interchange | From 9 March 2003 to 12 March 2005. |
382 | Ubi Ave 1, Ubi Rd 3 | Eunos Interchange | From 1 February 1986, before merging with service 63 on 24 November 2002. |
385 | Bedok Reservoir Rd | Eunos Interchange | From 22 March 1987, before merging with service 60 on 17 November 2002. |
409 | Telok Blangah Rd, Kg Bahru Rd, Mount Faber Rd | HarbourFront Interchange | From 14 November 2005 to 1 March 2013. |
501 | Outram Rd, Cantonment Rd, Anson Rd, Robinson Rd, Fullerton Rd, Esplanade Dr, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave, Stamford Rd, Orchard Rd, Penang Rd | Sengkang Interchange | From 22 December 1997, withdrawn on 27 July 2003. |
501# | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | ||
502A | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | Soon Lee Bus Depot | From 27 December 2005 to 26 April 2010. |
502B | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave, Raffles Ave | ||
505 | Jln Bt Merah, Alexandra Rd, Telok Blangah Rd | Pasir Ris Interchange | From 6 September 1999 to 3 September 2000. |
518A | Moulmein Rd, Newton Rd, Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Pasir Ris Interchange | From 27 December 2005 to 26 April 2010. |
518B | Moulmein Rd, Newton Rd, Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | ||
551 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 21 Jul 2008. | |
575 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 21 Jul 2008. | |
576 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 28 Oct 2008. | |
577 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 21 Jul 2008. | |
578 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 27 Jul 2009. | |
579 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 27 Jul 2009. | |
580 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 21 Jul 2008. | |
581 | Scotts Rd, Orchard Rd, Bras Basah Rd, Temasek Blvd | Since introduction (15 Dec 2007). Withdrawn on 27 Jul 2009. | |
602 | Holland Dr, Commonwealth Ave | Shenton Way Terminal | Since 1998. Withdrawn on 28 October 2001. |
603 | North Bridge Rd, South Bridge Rd, Upp Cross St, Eu Tong Sen St, Hill St | St Michael's Terminal | Since 12 June 1975 (as CSS 3). Withdrawn on 30 November 2003. |
607 | Neil Rd, Eu Tong Sen St | St Michael's Terminal | Since 12 June 1975 (as CSS 7). Withdrawn on 3 August 2003. |
700A | Temasek Blvd, Temasek Ave | Bukit Panjang Interchange | From 26 December 1999 to 30 August 2020, before withdrawal. |
853# | Siglap Rd, Marine Parade Rd | Yishun Interchange | From 16 September 2001 to 9 December 2001, reverted to bidirectional route after route extension to Upper East Coast on 9 December 2001. |
859 | Sembawang Dr, Admiralty Dr, Sembawang Cres | Yishun Interchange | From 9 January 2000 to 20 November 2005, converted to bidirectional route after route extension to Sembawang on 20 November 2005. |
860 | Yishun Ring Rd, Yishun Ave 3, Yishun Ave 2 | Yishun Interchange | From 21 October 2012 to 15 October 2017. |
870 | Tengah Lk, Plantation Cres, Tengah Blvd, Tengah Dr, Bt Batok Rd | Jurong Town Hall Interchange | Since 24 Dec 2023. Converted to bi-directional service after route extension to Tengah Int on 21 Jul 2024. |
900A | W’lands Dr 14, Champions Way, W’lands Dr 17, W’lands Ave 4 | Woodlands Interchange | Since introduction (26 Jun 2006). Merged with Service 900 on 17 Dec 2023. |
944 | Bt Batok West Ave 8, Bt Batok Rd, Bt Batok West Ave 6 | Bukit Batok Interchange | Since introduction (27 Aug 2017). Discontinued on 24 Sep 2023. |
979M | Choa Chu Kang North 6, Choa Chu Kang North 5 | Bukit Panjang Interchange | From 24 April 2016 to 22 July 2018. |
991 | Bt Batok West Ave 6, Bt Batok West Ave 5, Bt Batok West Ave 8 | Bukit Batok Interchange | From 8 July 2018 to 30 September 2018, converted to bidirectional route after route extension to Choa Chu Kang on 30 September 2018. |
992 | Plantation Cres, Tengah Blvd, Tengah Gdn Ave, Plantation Cres | Bukit Batok Interchange | Since 24 Dec 2023. Converted to bi-directional service after route extension to Tengah Int from 21 Jul 2024. |
4. En-route looping points[]
Some bus routes (including bi-directional routes) make a loop around selected stretches of roads to provide better accessibility to residential blocks, industrial developments and MRT stations. However, these looping points are not considered the official looping points for the loop routes, but are en-route looping points for selected bus services before proceeding towards their official looping points. As such, many of the bus services do use the red/white plates.
Former looping services[]
Service | En-route looping points | Remarks |
---|---|---|
300 | Choa Chu Kang Avenue 5 | En-route looping point since 31 October 2001. Skipped looping point from 25 April 2015 with the introduction of Services 301 and 983. |
409 | Maritime Square | En-route looping point since introduction (14 November 2005). Withdrawn on 1 March 2013. |
605 | Bukit Purmei Avenue | En-route looping point towards Bukit Merah/Sin Ming Road. Withdrawn on 5 September 2004. |
5. Clockwise/Anticlockwise loop routes[]
In some situations, a loop route will be required to connect points A, B and C. An ordinary loop route going through A, B and C in order may face some problems. For example, there may be high passenger demand from B to A, as well as from C to A. This creates overcrowding on the route, as well as unnecessary travel time for passengers at B. Also, although passengers at B will be able to alight at C, passengers at C will not have bus connections to B. This is when clockwise and anticlockwise loop routes are launched, one routed as A→B→C→A and the other routed as A→C→B→A, to cater to the needs of different commuters.
Former routes[]
Service | Looping points | Remarks |
---|---|---|
84 | Punggol East | Since introduction (15 Sep 2003), operates clockwise during morning peak hours and anti-clockwise during evening peak hours. Withdrawn on 12 Mar 2005. |
231G/231W | Lor 1 Toa Payoh | Since introduction (26 Dec 1983). Converted to single plate service on 11 Mar 2012. |
232G/232W | Lor 2 Toa Payoh | Since introduction (26 Dec 1983). Converted to single plate service on 19 May 2002. |
6. Two-part loop routes[]
Some loop routes are actually two loop routes combined into one, and the route stops at the original terminus midway through the route. Both the first and second leg serve different areas (A→B→A→C→A). This system allows passengers to travel between the areas served by both legs of the route. This is most commonly seen in the former Intratown/Townlink routes. To differentiate between the two legs of the route, SBS Transit used to implement a red/green plate system for the two legs.
Former two-part looping route[]
Service | Looping points | Remarks |
---|---|---|
357 | Pasir Ris St 71 & St 21 | Since introduction (19 Jan 1997). Merged with Service 294 to form Service 3 on 7 Apr 2002. |
Buses on dual loop feeder services will reflect the “T” suffix on the service number during the 2nd loop if the bus will terminate at the interchange. Otherwise, the bus will continue on its 2nd trip (i.e. 1st loop again) after finishing the 2nd leg. Drivers usually do 2 trips (i.e. 4 loops) of the service before going for their break.
7. “Infinite” loop routes[]
This variant of loop routes allow passengers to remain onboard the bus at the bus terminus. The passengers can wait onboard until the bus departs on its next trip. The distance fare will be accumulated for both stretches of route (return and forward trip) once the passenger taps out, or a passenger pays a cash fare equivalent to the distance he traveled. This form of loop route technically allows passenger to stay onboard for as long as they like, as the fare will only be charged upon alighting (A ↺ B ↺ A)
Service | Looping route | Mealbreak Area | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
36 | Changi Airport ↺ Tomlinson Road | Changi Airport Terminal | Since 6 September 1998 |
92 | Ghim Moh ↺ Science Park Dr/Mount Sinai Dr | Ghim Moh Terminal | Since 26 November 2007 |
213 | Jeremy Hub ↺ South Bay | Jeremy Hub | Prior to the route shortening in 2016. |
8. Looping point within restricted areas[]
Some routes loop within restricted areas where a pass is needed to enter. Such is the case for Changi Airfreight Terminal (Services 9, 19 and 89 in total), where only workers with a valid entry pass can enter the restricted area. For card-paying passengers, their ride will be suspended upon tapping out at the Police Pass Office, and resumed upon boarding the same service as they alighted (at another bus stop near the Police Pass Office after buses exit the restricted areas). For cash paying passengers, they will have to pay again upon boaring if their ticket expires within the restricted area. (A→B→C→B→A).
Service | Looping route | Mealbreak Area | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
9 | Bedok Int ↺ Airport Cargo Rd | Bedok Interchange | Since 25 June 1983 |
19 | Tampines Int ↺ Airport Cargo Rd | Tampines Interchange | Since 23 January 1994 |
89 | Hougang Central Int ↺ Airport Cargo Rd | Hougang Central Interchange | Since 5 December 1999 |
9. Loop routes not operating from bus terminals[]
These routes are implemented without bus terminals and originate / terminate from various enroute bus stops.
Service | Looping route | Layover | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
42 | Jln Kembangan ↺ Fidelio St | Since 5 November 1989, as M2 | |
53M | Hougang Ave 1 ↺ Serangoon Ctrl | Hougang Central Interchange | Since 16 August 2015 |
114 | Buangkok Stn ↺ Buangkok Cres | Compassvale Interchange | Since 25 October 2020 |
115 | Hougang St 21 ↺ Hougang Ave 3 | Hougang South Terminal | Since 30 October 2004 |
146 | Bartley Rd ↺ Bidadari Pk Dr | Hougang Bus Depot | Since 25 February 2024 |
240M | Lakeside Stn ↺ Jurong West St 64 | Boon Lay Interchange | Since 1 September 2016 |
Former loop routes operating from bus stops[]
Service | Looping route | Layover | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
78 | Jurong Gateway Rd ↺ Clementi Ave 3 | Ulu Pandan Bus Depot | Since 6 December 2020. Extended to Jurong Town Hall Int on 26 November 2023. |
502 | Pioneer Rd North ↺ Temasek Ave | Since 26 December 2005, extended to Soon Lee Bus Park on 23 February 2009. | |
502A |
10. Loop routes operating like trunk routes[]
Some routes are designated as loop routes but operate like trunk routes. They have a terminus at either end and have a short layover at the looping terminus, usually without any driver’s kiosk.
Service | Looping route | Remarks |
---|---|---|
63 | Eunos Int ↺ Jln Rumah Tinggi | Since 24 November 2002 |
975 | Bt Panjang Int ↺ Lim Chu Kang Rd | Since 27 February 2005 |
11. Bi-directional routes operating like loop routes[]
Some routes are designated as bi-directional routes but operate like loop routes. Drivers do not take a layover break at the looping terminus, they simply alight all passengers and proceed to pick up passengers for the return journey.
Service | Looping route | Mealbreak point |
---|---|---|
159 | Sengkang Int ↔ Toa Payoh Int | Sengkang Interchange |
163 | Sengkang Int ↔ Toa Payoh Int | Sengkang Interchange |
192 | Boon Lay Int ↔ Tuas Ter | Tuas Terminal |
193 | Boon Lay Int ↔ Tuas Ter | Tuas Terminal |