SINGAPORE: Public transport operator SMRT revealed on
Thursday it has begun trials on its buses using telematics
technology to monitor driving behaviour.
SMRT will use telematics to measure the speed of the
bus, the level of jerkiness, or how the bus is changing lanes, all
to ensure the safety and comfort of commuters.
It is also embarking on efforts to improve commuter
experience at bus interchanges by reducing bus waiting times,
enhancing information accuracy and accessibility, as well as
improving queue management.
Commuters can also look forward to better customer
service and more conducive environment at bus interchanges.
This includes improving the toilet facilities,
lighting, and overall cleanliness.
SMRT is also working with the Land Transport Authority
to look into the possibility of allowing prams onto buses.
These initiatives are expected to be completed within
one to one-and-a-half years. The plans were revealed to reporters
during an SMRT Learning Journey programme on Thursday.
SMRT revamped its Learning Journey programme in October
last year.
Alina Boey, director of media and marketing
communications at SMRT, said: “It really aims to give commuters a
behind-the-scene of the daily commute. So we hope that participants
will enjoy the opportunity to get an understanding of SMRT's
rigorous maintenance regime, our safety and security measures, as
well as enjoy a chance to tour our operations command centre
(OCC).
“The OCC that we have at Kim Chuan Depot is the largest
OCC in the world. So this we think is a wow factor that we hope
participants will enjoy."
During the programme, participants are briefed on SMRT
bus services as well as given a tour of its rail underground
workshop, where trains undergo heavy maintenance after every
600,000 kilometres.
SMRT conducts its Learning Journey fortnightly, mainly
for students and grassroots organisations.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/mobile/singapore/smrt-begins-telematics/1042892.html
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Mixed feelings about this...
On one hand we'll have less buses rushing across lanes like mad
cows and flipping over. On the other hand we have less flexible
operations, which is unfortunate as it is the ONLY thing SMRT has
relied on till today to keep its service standards CLOSE to the
passing mark. This means that with the launch of this thing SMRT
had better reorganise and monitor its schedules and operations VERY
CLOSELY. Otherwise I'll just be having more and more 20++ minutes
buses coming.
And yes. In order to even keep up to the ridiculous operation
module of SMRT drivers have to even reverse their buses at stops
while the SBST bus in front is happily picking up its pax, and cut
through and ZOOM to the next stop. So there. With this things
drivers can't do things like these to maintain schedule anymore,
causing us passengers to suffer. Not to say these "black boxes" are
bad, but if they are gonna use it SMRT had better give its bus
operating formations and schedules a good overhaul.
