The Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore, is a government statutory board under the Ministry of Transport responsible for planning, developing, and managing the country’s land transport system. LTA oversees an integrated transport network comprising over 270 km of rail lines, 6,000 buses, and extensive cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The authority is leading the expansion of the MRT network to 360 km by 2030 and is investing in sustainable mobility through the electrification of public transport and the development of active mobility infrastructure. LTA received government grants worth SGD6.59 billion in FY2023 and is projected to receive continued funding to support its long-term transport master plans.

Current Land Transport Overview
Singapore currently boasts a well-integrated and efficient land transport system. It includes over 260 bus and rail premises, 6,000 buses operating along 360 routes, and a 270 km-long rail network. The city-state is supported by more than 9,500 lane-km of roads, accounting for 12 per cent of its land area. Additionally, there are 13,300 taxis and 56,700 private hire cars serving point-to-point travel needs. Active mobility infrastructure includes 285 km of covered linkways and over 600 km of cycling paths. EV infrastructure is growing, with more than 6,100 charging points currently available across the island. Figure 1 depicts a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s Land Transport landscape.

Future Land Transport Developments
Looking ahead, Singapore aims to expand and future-proof its transport network. By the 2030s, the rail system will grow to 360 km, and cycling paths will more than double to approximately 1,300 km. Covered linkways are planned to stretch to 450 km by 2040. In support of green mobility, the number of EV charging points will surge to 60,000 by 2030. The land transport sector will continue to employ over 100,000 workers to maintain and operate this increasingly complex and sustainable system. These developments highlight Singapore’s commitment to smart, inclusive, and eco-friendly urban mobility.

LTA Financial Performance and Funding Overview (FY2019–FY2023)

This chart illustrates the financial evolution of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) over five fiscal years. From FY2019 to FY2023, total expenditure steadily rose from SGD4.34 billion to SGD5.13 billion, driven by increased investments in land transport infrastructure and public transport services. Government grants remained the primary revenue source, though their share declined from 64 per cent in FY2020 to 58 per cent in FY2023, reflecting efforts to diversify income. Revenue from fare collections and management fees showed moderate growth, while other operating income remained stable.

Notably, FY2023 recorded the highest net surplus of SGD186 million, reversing the deficits of earlier years, due to higher total revenues and continued support from government grants.

Future Plans for MRT expansion

Singapore is embarking on a decade-long transformation of its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network with a meticulously phased expansion plan spanning from 2025 to 2035. The timeline begins with the opening of Hume Station on the Downtown Line (DTL) in 2025, enhancing access for residents in Upper Bukit Timah.

In 2026, three major developments are expected: Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Stage 5 will extend services to Bedok South and Sungei Bedok; the Downtown Line 3 Extension will link to Xilin and Sungei Bedok; and the final three stations of Circle Line (CCL) Stage 6—Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road—will complete the full circle around Singapore.

The Jurong Region Line (JRL), a key project supporting the western corridor, will roll out in three stages from 2027 to 2029, providing critical links to NTU, Tengah, and Jurong Industrial Estate.

In 2030, Phase 1 of the Cross Island Line (CRL) will debut, connecting major hubs across the island, including Ang Mo Kio and Pasir Ris. By 2032, CRL Phase 2 and the Punggol Extension will enhance cross-island and northeast connectivity.

Finally, the decade closes in 2035 with the Downtown Line 2 Extension, which is expected to improve integration between the northwestern and central parts of Singapore.

This expansive plan not only strengthens last-mile connectivity but also supports future growth, easing congestion and providing faster, more direct journeys across the city-state. Figure 3 depicts the MRT expansion of LTA.

Green Initiatives of LTA 

  • Expansion of Singapore’s Friendly Streets Programme

Current Developments:
Singapore launched the “Friendly Streets” programme in December 2023 to enhance walkability, cycling, and public space access. The initiative began with five pilot locations—Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok West, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and West Coast. These areas aim to provide safer, greener, and more people-centric environments, with Ang Mo Kio expected to complete its pilot by July 2024. The programme is designed to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable mobility in neighbourhoods.

Future Plans:
Building on the initial pilots, ten additional towns will be incorporated under the Friendly Streets programme, including Bedok, Buangkok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East, Pek Kio, Punggol, Holland/Buona Vista, Sembawang, and Tiong Bahru/Havelock. These expansions are part of a broader national goal to implement Friendly Streets in all towns by 2030. This move aligns with Singapore’s long-term urban planning strategy focused on liveability, inclusivity, and active mobility. Figure 4 depicts Singapore’s Friendly Streets Programme.

  • Singapore’s EV and Electric Bus Transition Roadmap (2023–2030)

Singapore is progressing steadily towards a cleaner transport future with clear targets for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and fleet electrification. By 2023, over 2,400 EV charging points were set up at more than 700 HDB carparks, mainly featuring slow chargers. By March 2024, one-third of HDB carparks will have EV chargers, with more than 6,000 total charging points, including 1,000 in private residences co-funded via grants. Additionally, 360 electric buses will begin replacing diesel units.

By August 2024, nearly 1 in 3 new car registrations are projected to be electric, reaching a fleet size of 18,000 EVs (2.7 per cent of all cars). By 2025, 100 per cent of HDB towns will be EV charger-ready, and 120 fast chargers for high-mileage vehicles will be installed across 60 carparks.

Looking ahead to 2030, Singapore aims for 50 per cent of its public bus fleet to be electric, supported by new charging systems at depots like Sengkang West, East Coast, and Gali Batu—positioning the city-state as a leader in urban transport electrification.

Recent Developments

  • In April 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced the launch of 15 new bus services under the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP). Two new services—Route 299 (Tampines North–Tampines West) and Route 21X (Whampoa–Novena MRT)—will begin operations by end-April. Since July 2024, 11 services have been introduced and 43 existing routes enhanced. Additional changes include the launch of Bus 230M (Kim Keat Avenue–Toa Payoh MRT/Interchange), increased frequency on City Direct Route 671, and route modifications to Bus 292 in Tampines.
  • In March 2025, LTA invited bids to supply 660 electric buses—360 single-decker and 300 double-decker three-door models—to replace aging diesel buses. Bids are due by May 22, 2025. The procurement supports Singapore’s goal of a fully electric public bus fleet by 2040. As of December 2024, LTA’s bus fleet numbered about 5,800, including 360 electric buses (6%). The new procurement will increase the electric fleet to 1,140 buses.
  • In January 2025, LTA issued a Request for Proposals (RfP) for a pilot deployment of six autonomous electric buses on public routes. The RfP closes in Q2 2025, with contract award expected by end-2025. The pilot is scheduled to begin mid-2026 for three years. Up to 14 additional buses may be procured based on performance. Proposals must include vehicle models, remote operations systems, charging infrastructure, and maintenance support. Bids will be evaluated on technology maturity, deployment track record, and operational readiness. The selected bidder will work with SBS Transit on operational planning. Buses will initially operate with onboard safety operators, transitioning to remote supervision after six months of reliable service. LTA will monitor the pilot in real time, requiring all passengers to be seated with seatbelts fastened. Customer service officers may be deployed onboard.
  • In December 2023, LTA invited bids to operate 27 bus routes under the Tampines Bus Package. Bids are due by April 17, 2025. The new contract will begin in July 2026, replacing the current arrangement with SBS Transit under Negotiated Contract PT207, which began in 2016 and was extended in 2021.
  • As of August 2024:

-LTA awarded two contracts worth SGD600 million for the Cross Island Line (CRL), Singapore’s eighth MRT line. A Siemens Mobility–Concord Corporation consortium will deliver the line-wide 1500V DC traction power supply system (valued at SGD400 million). Siemens will also supply the overhead conductor rail. Siemens and Concord have previously worked on several other MRT lines. Sinohydro Corporation secured a SGD199 million contract for a 1.4-km underground section of CRL Phase 2, covering two stations. This completes all nine civil works contracts for Phase 2. Construction starts in Q4 2024. CRL is being built in three fully underground phases totalling over 50 km. Phase 2 spans 15 km and six stations, with operations expected in 2032.

-LTA will invest up to SGD800 million over eight years for BCEP, covering bus procurement, infrastructure upgrades, service operations, and network expansion. In 2023, average daily bus ridership exceeded 3.7 million. LTA also awarded a SGD590 million contract to KTC Civil Engineering & Construction to build Jurong Lake District station and tunnels for CRL Phase 2. Construction begins Q4 2024. Additionally, SMRT Trains has deployed two new Alstom-supplied trains on the Bukit Panjang LRT (BPLRT), with 17 more to follow by end-2025. Alstom is also retrofitting 13 trains and upgrading signalling with the Cityflo 650 CBTC system. The BPLRT upgrade, targeted for completion by 2026, includes power supply enhancement and OCC refurbishment.

  • In June 2024, LTA awarded a SGD242 million contract to a Nishimatsu–Okumura JV to construct 2.4 km of twin bored tunnels between West Coast and Jurong Lake District stations (CRL Phase 2), with work beginning in Q4 2024. SMRT Corporation commenced operations on Stage 4 of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) in 2024. Spanning 10.8 km and seven stations, Stage 4 brings TEL’s operational length to 40 km and 27 stations. TEL will be fully operational by 2026, covering 43 km.

Way Forward: Building a Resilient and Future-Ready Transport Ecosystem

As Singapore advances towards its 2035 mobility vision, the Land Transport Authority’s strategic focus will remain on creating a transport system that is inclusive, sustainable, and technologically future-proof. With ongoing investments in rail expansion, EV infrastructure, and walkable communities, Singapore is laying the foundation for seamless multimodal connectivity. Continued public-private partnerships, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship will be key to enhancing the commuter experience while supporting the nation’s net-zero goals. The next decade will not only see infrastructural growth but also a cultural shift toward greener, smarter, and more people-centric mobility solutions, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global leader in urban transport planning.