With the closure of Clifford Pier as a public landing point in April this year, all ferries to Kusu Island during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage season will be deployed from Marina South Pier (MSP). This year, the Kusu Pilgrimage season falls between 22 October and 20 November 2006.

During this period, some 100,000 devotees and visitors are expected to make their way to MSP to take part in the pilgrimage. Hence, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in co-operation with relevant agencies, will be implementing additional measures to ensure a smooth flow of vehicle and passenger traffic to and from MSP, throughout the pilgrimage season. These include:

Increased Frequency of SBS Transit Bus Service 402

The frequency of SBS Transit Bus Service 402, which plies between MSP and Apex Tower at Anson Road, will be increased during the Kusu Pilgrimage season to accommodate the enlarged passenger volume.

Free Shuttle Bus Service

The MPA will be engaging a private operator to provide a free shuttle bus service, plying between Car Park B at Marina South and MSP. The timing and frequency of the free service are as follows:

Weekdays:

At 15-minute intervals between 6.30am and 6.30 pm

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays:

At 10-minute intervals between 6.30am and 2.00pm; and

At 15-minute intervals between 2.00pm and 6.30pm

Road Closures

To facilitate traffic movement, Marina Coastal Drive, which leads right up to MSP, will be closed to traffic (except authorised vehicles) from 6am to 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays during the Kusu Pilgrimage season. The public is advised to park at Car Park B and transfer to the free shuttle service to MSP during these times.As a gentle reminder, the public is advised that the Traffic Police may take action against cars parked illegally along the access roads.

Public Information Leaflets

The MPA will be printing and distributing leaflets to keep the public informed of the various traffic and transport arrangements. The leaflets will also provide information on how to get to MSP. These will be distributed at MSP, all community centres and the following 22 NTUC Fairprice outlets where advance ferry tickets for the Kusu Pilgrimage can be purchased:

1. Ang Mo Kio (2803, Ave 8)
2. Bedok North (Blk 212)
3. Boon Lay Place (Blk 221)
4. Bukit Merah Central (Blk 166)
5. Bukit Panjang (No. 1 Jelebu Road)
6. Chua Chu Kang, Lot 1
7. Clementi Avenue 3 (Blk 451)
8. Geylang East Aljunied Avenue 2 (Blk 114)
9. Hougang Street 21 (Blk 202)
10. Jurong East Street 13 (Blk 135)
11. Jurong Point
12. Kallang Bahru (Blk 71)
13. Marine Parade Central (No. 6)
14. Queenstown Margaret Drive (Blk 34A)
15. Rivervale Mall
16. Rochor Road (Blk 1)
17. Tampines Mall
18. Tanjong Pagar Plaza (Blk 5)
19. Toa Payoh Lorong 4 (Blk 192)
20. Toa Payoh HDB Lorong 6 (Blk 500)
21. Sembawang Sun Plaza
22. Woodlands Centre Road (Blk 5A)

The MPA would like to seek the public's understanding and co-operation as we implement these additional measures to better control the heavy crowd and traffic volume expected. The public is strongly advised to use public transport to get to MSP during the Kusu Pilgrimage season and to make their trips to Kusu Island during the weekdays and off-peak times where possible. To avoid long queues and waiting time at MSP, the public is encouraged to purchase their ferry tickets in advance from the 22 NTUC outlets listed.

With these measures in place to ensure a smooth traffic flow and a pleasant experience for all visitors, Marina South Pier is set to welcome its first Kusu Pilgrimage season.

End of Media Release

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, as a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport. Over the past decade, its roles have expanded beyond the key functions of developing Singapore as a premier global hub port and safeguarding its strategic maritime interests. In 2003, the MPA was appointed the champion agency to spearhead Singapore's development as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). Please visit www.mpa.gov.sg for more information.

Attached:

Information Leaflet on Traffic andTransportationArrangements