Could try, but would certainly require a significant fleet boost
for 980 / 930E. Not sure if LTA would want to do it though, given
the relatively more convenient MRT option and the lack of demand
from the upcoming Canberra estate residents.
I'm thinking more along the lines of changing 167 though:
The benefits are, of course, a much faster route, almost
express, for Sembawang, Canberra and Yishun West residents. In
addition, Canberra estate / Yishun Ave 2, 5 residents and
industrial workers get a direct link to Canberra MRT station.
Shortfalls would be the loss of direct link between Sembawang
Shopping Ctr / Upper Chong Pang and MRT station (still provided by
858, 859, 980), and the skipping of Upp Thomson / Thomson Rd bus
stops. Much of 167's long route along Upp Thomson and Thomson Rds
still have alternative services 166 and 980, while lost links to
Orchard are still provided by 162. And of course, should all these
happen, 167 and all of these alternative services would need a HUGE
fleet boost.
A less radical option would be to allow 167 to continue along
Upp Thomson Rd instead of taking the express route (in orange), but I feel that would have
defeated the purpose of amending the route over to Canberra in the
first place. The opening of NSE / Thomson-East Coast Line may also
make such a route change obsolete.
Any comments on the route itself? Feasibility, potential demand,
possible impact by future TEL / NSE?
Also:
Feeder service 837: Sembawang Int -- Canberra View
(loop)
This route, along with modified 167, would be enough to serve
all the roads in Canberra estate. Unless another link to Yishun is
desired.