Hmm I dont believe LTA will cut short the long bus routes with
the opening of new MRT lines. Our population is too big and
continuously growing - MRT lines cannot sustain if everyone goes to
MRT. LTA knows there are people bound to take buses from point A to
point B even if MRT might offer a shorter travel time because
people prefer more comfortable rides and lesser crowds.
They cut all the routes in the north-east that duplicated the
NEL except 147 and the effect this move had on service 147 was
drastic. For eg. In the past Service 103 used to serve YCK and Jln
Kayu to Chinatown, Little India and Dhoby Ghaut. If they had not
cut this service, people in the newly developed Sengkang West/Jalan
Kayu/Buangkok flats would have chosen to take this service directly
without transferring to NEL. Given 103 route is direct, changing to
NEL wouldnt have made severe difference in travel times. If they
were already comfortably seated, why will they want to go and
squeeze in the train? Now without 103, people in those areas either
have to change to 147 or NEL. Obviously NEL would be the choice
because a transfer is required anyway and 147 is already pretty
packed before YCK sector. Why squeeze on 147 when they can squeeze
on the NEL and get to their destination fatser? It was a mistake
made in the past and the effects can be felt till date (not to
mention other services like former 82, 97, 111 that would also
considerably reduced loading on NEL).
LTA probably realised this error on their part but it is quite
paiseh to reverse their decision. Which is why I believe they didnt
touch the bus services when circle line opened. I was thinking with
Circle line, Service 70 might just become YCK-Serangoon Central
(Loop) but it did not happen. Definitely a wise choice. Though
loading on 70 is lesser than before circle line in the sectors
duplicating circle line, there still are people who will use the
service.
Hence I think, Long Haul routes will mostly remain unless in cases
where there are too many routes duplicating a train line. THe new
train lines I guess also all 3 carraige train and not 6 carraige
right?
If many bidders choose to operate bendys and DDs, I think LTA
will adopt both models no matter who wins. SBST also have to suck
thumb and except. After all SMRT is somewhat govt linked and so LTA
wont ask SMRT's A24s to go fly kite after they have approved the
purchase. But Bendys should remain to feeders and short haul for
sure and it would be good to explore Bendys on routes that are not
DD-friendly and also maybe redesign the airport PTBs to allow
Bendys (because confirm cant redesign to allow DDs)
