Recount the history of 970, this TIBS service was introduced in
the early 90s by Transitlink to replace a withdrawn SBS service 5
which then plied from Bt Panjang bus terminal to Geylang Lor 1. The
route of SBS Service 5 from Bt Panjang to Alexandra via Sixth Ave
is almost the same as 970 presently and back then Service 5
comprises predominantly of DD Merc 0305
Not just O305s. There were also Leyland Atlanteans too. I think
those were more numerous than their German cousins.
Route 970 was introduced in 2000 to provide cover for lost links
that resulted from the axing of Route 5 the previous year when the
BPLRT opened for business. Margaret Dr was left with just Route 32
until the return of Route 122 this year as part of BSEP.
The Lower Delta to Chinatown sector was partially restored with
the introduction of Route 120 in 2013. In the olden days, it was
plied by Route 189.