LTA to reset bus ETA systems from 8pm on 21 January to fix widespread timing inaccuracies
The Land Transport Authority will reset Singapore’s bus ETA system from 8pm on 21 January after technical issues caused widespread inaccurate arrival timings across commuter platforms.
- LTA will reset the bus Expected Time of Arrival system from 8pm on 21 January, temporarily removing arrival timings.
- Bus services will continue operating at normal frequencies despite ETA information being unavailable.
- The reset follows technical issues detected since 10 January, causing widespread inaccurate bus arrival information.
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced it will reset the Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) system for buses from 8pm on 21 January, following persistent inaccuracies in bus arrival information across multiple platforms.
In a Facebook update, LTA said commuters would temporarily be unable to view bus arrival timings at bus stops, interchanges, and on mobile applications during the reset period.
The authority emphasised that bus services would continue to operate at their usual frequencies, and that the reset would not affect actual bus operations.
Commuters seeking information on service frequency were advised to consult the websites of SimplyGo and the public transport operators, according to the update by LTA.
LTA apologised for the inconvenience caused, stating it was working to rectify the issue as soon as possible and would provide updates once the ETA system was restored.
Earlier on 21 January, the authority disclosed that the issue was first detected on 10 January 2026, with further inaccuracies identified progressively over the following week.
The bus ETA system relies on data transmitted from equipment installed on board buses to calculate estimated arrival times at individual bus stops.
These estimates are then disseminated through electronic passenger information displays at bus stops and interchanges, the MyTransport.SG application, and third-party transport applications via the LTA DataMall, the authority said.
As a result of the technical issues, commuters were shown inaccurate arrival timings and unusually long waiting times across several platforms, according to LTA.
Preliminary investigations indicated a fault within the on-board systems of some buses, which affected the transmission of bus arrival timing estimates.
LTA reiterated that the problem was limited to the accuracy of information provided to commuters and did not disrupt actual bus service operations or scheduled frequencies.
Commuters earlier took to social media to report widespread inaccuracies and outages in bus arrival information, with some apps showing long waits or no data at all.
On Reddit, users said they resorted to private-hire cars despite buses arriving unexpectedly, contradicting app estimates of 40-minute waits.
Others described missing services and gaps of over 40 minutes between listed arrivals.
