Entry to Certain Areas Around Marina Bay to be Regulated During NYE to Prevent Overcrowding

Are you looking to spend New Year’s Eve (NYE) at Marina Bay?

While having fun at countdown events is important, it’s also important to stay safe.

Thus, entry to certain areas around Marina Bay will be regulated during NYE.

Entry to Certain Areas Around Marina Bay to be Regulated

In a statement on the Singapore Police Force’s (SPF) website, it was announced that police officers, auxiliary police officers, and security officers will be deployed around Marina Bay.

Not only will they be ensuring the safety and security of the public during the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024 (MBSC 2024), but they will also be managing crowds around the area to prevent overcrowding.

Last year, more than 700 police officers were deployed.

This year, the Police did not specify how many officers will be deployed for MBSC 2024.

MBSC 2024 will take place on 31 December 2023 and last till the early hours of 1 January 2024.

Areas that will be regulated include The Promontory, One Fullerton/Merlion Park, Esplanade Park, Esplanade Waterfront Promenade, Marina Bay Sands Waterfront Promenade, and more.

Notably, entry to these areas will be closed when their capacities reach the planned safety thresholds.

The police have encouraged the public to check the Crowd@MarinaBay map to view real-time crowd levels.

If you plan to attend MBSC 2024, you can view real-time crowd levels here.

In 2022, the authorities expected a crowd of up to 500,000.

With COVID-19 numbers falling for the first time in a few weeks, there’s no doubt that MBSC 2024 will be crowded.

Certain Entry Points of MRT Stations will be Closed

MRT stations such as City Hall, Raffles Place and Bayfront MRT are expected to be crowded.

Thus, some entrances and exits of such MRT stations will be closed so that the authorities can better regulate crowds.

If overcrowding occurs, trains may bypass affected areas to reduce crowd levels.

SPF added, “Members of the public are advised to be patient and to follow the instructions of security personnel on duty.”

In addition, the footways along the Esplanade Bridge and Bayfront Avenue are meant to be used for transit only.

The SPF has advised pedestrians to avoid congregating along these footways.

Road Closures

The SPF has advised the public to take public transport to Marina Bay.

After all, parking spaces around the area are limited.

They’re also expensive, so you can save money by using public transport.

During stipulated periods, several roads will be closed:

Looking at the list, taking public transport is probably more convenient.

Auxiliary police officers will be deployed at affected road junctions to assist motorists and regulate traffic.

If you’re too lazy to take public transport, tune into the radio for the latest traffic updates.

Notably, parking on peripheral roads is not allowed.

Stopping vehicles along East Coast Parkway (Benjamin Sheares Bridge) to watch the fireworks is also prohibited.

Motorists who are not compliant will face enforcement action.

Bus Route Diversions

Besides road closures, bus routes will also be facing diversions.

From 11:30 pm on 31 December to 12:30 am on 1 January 2024, five bus services operated by SBS Transit will be skipping bus stops along Marine Crescent, Marine Parade Road, Marine Terrace and Telok Kurau Road.

The bus services in question are 13, 16, 134, 150 and 196.

From 6 pm on 31 December till the stipulated end of bus operations, SBS Transit bus services 10, 14, 16, 56, 57, 70M, 100, 111, 130, 131, 133, 195, 196, 400 and 502 will be diverted to alternative routes and skip bus stops along Bayfront Avenue, Beach Road and those around the Civic District.

Some SMRT bus services like 960, 960e and 961M will also skip some bus stops in areas like Bras Basah Road and Raffles Avenue.

As for Tower Transit bus services like 77, 97, 106, 167 and 857, there will be some temporary route diversions on 31 December.

After the Event

The SPF noted that the dispersal of crowds is likely to be slow due to the expected large number of people.

Thus, there will be designated routes out of Marina Bay to facilitate safe and orderly dispersal.

For instance, signages will be put up to guide members of the public to dispersal routes.

Furthermore, crowd flow into MRT stations will be regulated.

The SPF added that people may be diverted to another MRT station nearby to avoid overcrowding.

Public transport operators have announced service extensions to accommodate the year-end festive activities.

What’s so Bad About Overcrowding?

On a day like NYE, it feels like having bigger crowds would make the spirit of the last day of the year come alive.

After all, the more the merrier, right?

Unfortunately, overcrowding is a legitimate concern that could result in fatalities.

In November 2022, it was reported that at least 153 people were killed in a crush on Halloween Night in the South Korean capital, Seoul.

The crowd had been celebrating Halloween.

However, things turned nasty when the crowd surged into an alley in a nightlife area.

Another 133 people were injured in the melee in Seoul’s Itaewon district.

The Korean Herald reported that around 100,000 people had visited the nightlife district to celebrate Halloween.

Thus, crowd control measures are crucial.

Have Fun, Stay Safe

The SPF said, “While the Police have put in place enhanced security measures, everyone has a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore.

“As we enjoy the festivities, we urge everyone to #StayAlert, #StayUnited and #StayStrong in our fight against crime and terrorism.”

The Police have also reminded the public to remain vigilant and adopt crime prevention measures like looking after their belongings and being wary of strangers who come too close to them.

Furthermore, people are reminded not to fly unmanned aircraft like drones in the Marina Bay Countdown area.

If you see any suspicious people or activities, please report them to the Internal Security Department at 1800-2626-473 or the police on 999 or SMS at 71999.

The SGSecure App can also be used to provide information to the authorities.