Bus stop cooling: Govt studies options, no solar fans

SINGAPORE – The Government has no plans to install solar-powered fans at bus stops, but it will study other options to improve commuter comfort, including the use of green roofs, which lower the ambient temperature.

Solar-powered fans have a limited impact on the ambient temperature in exposed environments such as bus stops, said Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng in Parliament on May 7, citing the results of a 2016 trial.

The Straits Times has asked the Ministry of Transport (MOT) for more details on the results.

Mr Baey also said that since the solar-powered fan trial was done 10 years ago, certain factors that affect the efficiency of solar panels, such as shade provided by surrounding buildings and trees, have become even more pronounced now.

He was responding to questions from Ms Lee Hui Ying (Nee Soon GRC) in relation to the impact on commuters at bus stops as a result of Singapore experiencing more frequent and intense heat stress.

Data from Meteorological Service Singapore showed that the annual average temperature in the country rose from 28.2 in 2015, to 28.4 deg C in 2024.

A warmer-than-usual dry season is also expected in the second half of 2026, with an impending El Nino hitting Singapore. Scientists have said 2026 may be one of the hottest on record.

Ms Lee also asked about the progress on installing green roofs – roofs with plants – on the shelters of bus stops.

In 2022, the Land Transport Authority said it was working with the National Parks Board to install this feature at 150 bus stops across Singapore over two years. Studies had shown that green roofs can reduce ambient heat by around 2 deg C.

As at September 2025, around 200 bus stops have green roofs, MOT said.

Mr Baey said structural modifications must be made to the roofs of bus stops to handle the additional weight of turf – which is why a green roof is normally installed when a bus stop is scheduled for refurbishment.

MOT had previously upgraded 360 bus stops in 2022, by removing steps, adjusting the kerb height to facilitate barrier-free access, and improving lighting. No further details on the refurbishment schedule of bus stops are publicly available.

Mr Baey also noted that bus stop designs have evolved over the years, so the authorities have to note practical considerations such as the exiting of buses from bus stops, maintenance of bus stops, and safety of commuters.

MOT is looking into options worldwide to cool bus stops, but such solutions need to be commercially valuable and available, he said.

For instance, the thermal-conditioned bus stop with water and solar panels in Spain suggested by Ms Lee may be “quite expensive” as it requires some underground water piping for misting, he added.

Mr Baey noted that this example is a university research project, which is “probably still at an early stage” of implementation.

“I’m not sure whether we’ll be able to do it, and deploy it across Singapore at bus stops,” he said.

Acknowledging that there are more climate challenges to come, Mr Baey said the authorities will look into these challenges to provide a more conducive environment for commuters at bus stops.