I would like to announce my official retirement from the
transport "industry", from Tuas West Extension onwards.
I have been following the transport related developments since
2006 when they announced the Boon Lay MRT Extension project – which
comprises of Pioneer and Joo Koon on the East West Line.
When Pioneer MRT station in 2009, it was a gamechanger to me, as
Pioneer is nearer to my house, and I am no longer restricted to
just Boon Lay MRT station.
2009 was also the year Boon Lay Bus Interchange returned to its
original location within Jurong Point, after three years at the
temporary location at Jurong West Street 64, as the original
facility was redeveloped into an integrated development –
comprising of a new shopping mall (JP2), some residential
apartments (Centris condominium) and a new air-conditioned bus
interchange.
Boon Lay Bus Interchange did not move back entirely in 2009.
179, 179A and 199 remained at the temporarily location until 2010.
Coincidentally, I was in a secondary school along one of the bus
routes, so there were occasions when I walked along the concourse
of the temporary facility, and reminisced the days when all the bus
services were at that location.
Then came the Youth Olympic games in 2010. 179 had a minor route
amendment inside NTU campus, while 199 was temporarily diverted to
Jurong West Avenue 3. It was this period when one could take a bus
that goes from Jurong West Avenue 3 to Boon Lay Bus Interchange via
Jalan Bahar and Jurong West Central 1. The authorities probably
took this opportunity to observe the demand on this diverted route,
as after all, it is obvious that this route is what a feeder to
that area would take if it was ever launched – but as we all know,
a change in plans for that area has made the feeder redundant,
that’s why there is only 181 that goes to Boon Lay Bus Interchange,
via Jurong West Street 75.
Anyway, it’s also obvious that the demand turned out to be low.
That’s why until now there’s still no bus service to Jurong West
Avenue 3 that is more direct than 181.
Throughout 2011, I was hoping to see the demolishment of the
temporary bus interchange, but the demolishment only came in 2012.
The entire facility was demolished around March that year, and
grass was patched on the site. Even so, the back gate of Boon Lay
Bus Interchange remained opened. I was waiting for them to close
the gate, so that everything could be reinstated back to how it was
like many years ago before all that relocation of bus interchange
and influx of foreign talent happened. But I guess it would never
happen.
In 2013, the government announced the Jurong Region Line. When I
first heard about it, I was surprised, as it was announced
previously that the line was shelved “indefinitely”. But when I saw
that the line would go to Choa Chu Kang and Jurong East, I knew
it’s going to be something else, and not the LRT line that I had
thought to be.
In 2014, I joined the forums. I got the chance to interact with
many transport enthusiasts, and immerse in the joyrides and bus
spotting that they recommend. In the beginning, I was speaking on
behalf of my fellow countrymen at Jurong West, to negotiate for
better bus services at Jurong West. At the same time, I was looking
forward to the opening of Joo Koon Bus Interchange, a new bus
interchange which would relieve the loading at Boon Lay Bus
Interchange. It was nice having the company of the people at the
forum, to accompany me on my quest to understand more about the
buses.
This went on to 2015, when SBS Transit brought in the hybrid bus
from Australia, to trial on bus service 185. I had a few encounters
with this bus. It was hot and stuffy, probably because the bus
lacked air ventilation, or the air-con was not strong. There was
once I alighted one stop after I board this bus, without tapping
out, and I took the next 185 that comes, which seemed to follow
that Australia bus from behind. When I board the bus, I was not
able to tap my card. I tapped and tapped, but I was just not able
to tap the card. The driver seemed to understand what happened. He
told me that it was okay, and after much contemplating, I retreated
into the bus feeling embarrassed. After all, I never tapped my card
for that bus, but I guess the driver knew why, and decided to close
one eye. Until now, I still feel embarrass about it.
2015 was also the year I had a six weeks’ internship with a
company at Jalan Bukit Merah. I had the opportunity to experience
the daily commute of those working at Jalan Bukit Merah, where we
take the bus from Commonwealth MRT Station in the morning, and
returned there in the evening. There was once I alighted at Red
Hill and walked to Jalan Bukit Merah, but I guess it was not
convenient, so I continued to take bus from Commonwealth
instead.
2016 was an adventure for me. It was the year I went over to
Johor Bahru several times, and visited the gym at Sengkang on many
occasions. Somehow, Sengkang is like the twin of Jurong West, as
both towns were created around the same time. I witnessed the daily
commute on the Sengkang LRT, and saw how the Sengkang residents
travel around. In fact, it was Sengkang that gave me the hope that
the grass is greener elsewhere. Well, it could be that Sengkang is
newer than Jurong West, that’s why I feel that it is better, or it
could be that Sengkang is a place I had never been to before,
that's why I like it so much. Anyway, it was a nice experience.
Right now, it is 2017. I have been following the transport
developments for 11 years, and I guess it is time I go.
Now that the Tuas West Extension is opening, I am presented with
the opportunity to withdraw from the forum community and pursue
other interests altogether.
As we approach the next wave of changes, the time has come for
me to leave, and allow for a new generation of forum participants
to take over from here on. Tuas West Extension is opening, bus
routes will change, and so will the forum, as we usher in a new
phase of transport developments.
To be honest, I do not know how I managed to maintain my
fascination about buses and trains for a very long time, and talked
to people I have never met, or would never meet at all. All this is
only about following the news, and writing on a website to get
response; never is it about physical interaction.
Nonetheless, I agree I have learnt a lot about the wonderful
public transport system that we have.
It has been my privilege to witness so many changes over the
past 11 years, from the announcement of Boon Lay MRT Extension in
2006 to the opening of the Tuas West Extension in 2017. The
developments have followed me through my teenage years, that as an
adult fare commuter now, I truly appreciate the money I spend on
public transport every day.
I am grateful to be able to live in a place with very good
public transport, and I look forward to the many changes to public
transport in the years to come.
Good bye, my friends.
This time, I am really leaving.
Thank you for accommodating me all these years.
All the best for your future endeavors.
