293 is a strange case, as the bus is only added to the East
loop. I feel that the West loop needs it more, as frequencies can
go up to 15 mins at times. Most of the east loop is also
supplemented by 28 and 29, hence I don't see the need for an
additional BSEP.
There is a reason for it. If you see there are so many HDB units
along st 41, 42, 43, 44, 45. And how many services you have? 3 in
total with 28 having high capacity buses, 29 have none and 293 have
just got a few (3 to be precise). AM peak sv 28 already comes full
from st 45. There are times if there is delay in sv 28, people just
take 293 even though it will go via Tampines Ave 7, and when it
comes to st 42, 43, it is already full. There is absolute need of
more high capacity buses. 29 does not justify it because of its
route beyond ave 9 but 293 should definitely get 3 more DDs for the
whole route.
West loop - I don't see a big issue. Most stops where it plies
has alternatives. Around ave 3, people have the option of 291 and
many prefer 291 to get to Tampines. Around ave 8, 69 is infact
faster. Along ave 4, you have almost empty buses from sv 22 towards
Tampines during AM. Hence, I feel west loop loading is still
manageable compared to east loop.
