but we have to acknowledge that 258 has higher loading than many
jurong industrial bus services like 253 and 256... if there were to
be BSEP new routes removed due to lack of demand, 258 is NOT likely
to be one of them. because 258 has the critical mass, like
secondary school need critical mass to function. nonetheless, 258
route has room for improvement.
while we are at Jurong West, let me comment on 49. after the
extension, 49 route is very long. 49 has its critical mass; it
enjoys high loading from 334 and 335's looping point, and Taman
Jurong. To be honest, I feel that the extension to Jurong East is
not necessary, especially when there is frequent jam on AYE
(towards City) in the morning which makes it less attractive for
Taman Jurong residents to use. They could have had a new BSEP from
Jurong East which loops at IBP area. Anyway, I personally feel that
49 route is too long. It takes around one hour fifteen minutes to
complete one run leh... what the fuck? Well, this is only my two
cents worth.
I agree the 49 extension is kind of a waste but I guess they
needed to remove the operating costs from Taman Jurong Terminal. It
would have been wise to extend 49 to Joo Koon instead and have it
loop at Lake district rather than go Jurong East.
On 256 agree one of the worst loading services.
On 253, bro you need to observe. The loading on 253 is per bus
in range of 60-90 pax during peak hours albeit operating at a 06-08
min frequency. 253 was launched with 5 DDs at 10min frequency, then
1 DD was added.
258 huge scope for improvement. Buses leave empty from Boon Lay
Interchange. Loading is in range of 30-50 pax, not bad but could
have been better with better routing. In fact 49 and 258 could have
been merged if LTA had planned well.
