I wonder how strictly LTA enforces the no standing rule on
premium svcs, and what penalties are imposed on the operators, if
any...
Yes, the idea of premium bus svcs is supposed to be faster, more
comfortable ride to/from work (hence guaranteed seats, no
standing), but most ppl would rather stand on the bus than miss it
altogether. Perhaps instead of a strict no standing rule, there can
be a rule that premium buses cannot have standing pax at least 90%
of the time (out of all trips in a month), or something... So that
operators won't under-deploy buses but standing pax allowed if got
more pax, since loading not always stable.
Personally, I believe a lower cap should be set on Premium
fares, or really go all out and provide "Premium" service with more
comfy seats, newspaper etc. Ppl may be willing to pay $3 to $6
during peak hrs, but compared to cheaper Express or City Direct
svcs with similar routes, Premium svcs hardly justify the fare with
guaranteed seats.