SINGAPORE – Unlike the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, there will be no designated lanes for vehicles ferrying athletes, officials and delegates during next month’s SEA Games. This includes 300 specially chartered buses to transport athletes to and from their hotels, competition and training venues.

At an announcement today (May 13) at the Sports Hub, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee (SINGSOC) said the gracious attitude displayed by many motorists during the Youth Olympics was a main factor behind the decision, and they are confident motorists here will be similarly gracious and give way to SEA Games vehicles.

“I think in this particular case, we did not think we need special lanes,” said Toh Boon Yi, SINGSOC’s chief of community and corporate outreach. “The reason is because the athletes are housed around the city area and for most of them, the distance to commute (to their respective competition and training venues) isn’t very long.”

An LTA spokesperson added: “We had a positive experience (during the 2010 Youth Olympics) and are doing something similar (this time). We have full faith and confidence that the public will do the same. If there are any incidents, we will react quickly to divert or change routes when necessary. We ... learnt from the Youth Olympics and believe we should do better (this time).” 

During the 2010 Youth Olympics, the second-leftmost lanes along seven expressways — except the Kallang-Paya Lebar and Tampines Expressways — and 15 arterial roads were marked in white with the five interlocking Olympic rings and the words “Give Way”. A S$130 fine was imposed on those who failed to give way.

However, this time, there will be no fines or sanctions unless motorists commit traffic violations.

Said Toh: “We ask Singaporeans to be gracious. We only host these Games once in (more than) 20 years, and it helps to make a pleasant experience for the athletes and locals.”

But restrictions and road closures during the SEA Games will still be enforced at several venues.

These are for football at the Jalan Besar and Bishan Stadiums from May 28 to June 14, the opening ceremony (National Stadium, June 5), equestrian (Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, June 6-10), triathlon (East Coast Park, June 6-7), marathon and Nila Run (Kallang, East Coast Park, Marina Bay, June 7), cycling (Marina South, June 9-14) and the closing ceremony (National Stadium, June 16).