From what I observe, 167 and 980 runs almost parallel from
Novena all the way to Sembawang. Hence these 2 so called shares
their loadings which led to both not getting any high capacity
buses in the end.
Somehow I remembered 980 ever had a perm AP bendy
before that runs on weekdays as well, that was back in 2002.
That bendy was then removed out from 980 and replaced by a
Lance.
True but you also need to note both 167 and 980 don't have great
frequency. Their frequency is between 10-15 mins. Moreover if you
observe along Sembawang Rd and Upper Thomson until you hit AMK
side, there is only 167, 169, 980. There is no real luxury of many
services.
Most pax who board along Sembawang Rd start alighting only
around Thomson CC, Thomson Road and Novena. This part usually finds
packed buses in AM. Hence, would be good to start with 2 DDs but
need to time them appropriately.