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.
My take on 49:
Theoretically, a direct service from Jurong East to Taman Jurong
is necessary and ought to happen, given the developments at Jurong
East (shopping malls, hospitals etc) and more diverse
transport options (NSL, future CRL/JRL) rather than a single
Lakeside MRT.
But strangely, loading on 49 failed to pick up even during
weekends (when I expected more people to be shopping at Jurong East
before taking 49 back home). Possible reasons:
(1) Winding route at Boon Lay Way, and as a result it can take
10 minutes from interchange to Jurong Town Hall Rd
(2) Residents are still used to taking MRT to Lakeside, or
shopping at Boon Lay instead before taking 30/154 back
(3) Residents not familiar with the route