I personally think this move suggests that SMRT has no idea
where the bus industry is heading towards......either that or they
dont care. Or they think that the bus pax flow is too peakish to
handle with current pool of full-time drivers.
Personally, I can't imagine a part-timer bothering to learn
everything about how to use the complicated new systems like the
IBMS, the fare systems etc etc. Industry insiders might wish to
correct me at this point however if they disagree.
The first parcel tender is expected to be released shortly
covering Bukit Batok, Jurong East and Clementi. In light of
Wednesday's announcement from one foreign operator
with regards to competitive tendering, I think this event along
with the announcement of its new technologies, employment schemes
and community engagement initiatives beforehand is a masterstroke
from SMRT Buses.
Plans by SMRT Buses to install new passenger information systems
at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange make their
intentions as clear as day. The bus carnival is a warning shot to
those who desire to wrestle territory from SMRT Buses.
The timing of the public gazetted Volvo Diesel Hybrid Bus Trial
exemption order with a majority scope of Jurong East bus
services (four out of seven) may not look like a coincidence
either. It would be reasonable for one, looking at the exemption
order alone, to expect SBS Transit to make a major announcement
very soon.
SMRT Buses and SBS Transit are probably way, way ahead in terms
of their business intelligence and are clearly prepared to fight
tooth and nail to prevent ceding anything to their competitors,
especially to foreign competitors.
This is what I call real competition.
