SMRT should not rush the introduction of Double Decker buses
into its fleet, to avoid the buses breaking down and/or
malfunctioning when they are in service.
Actually, I feel that SMRT will continue to have Articulated
buses in its fleet, and there will be batches of new Articulated
buses added to its fleet in future. While the Double Deckers will
cover the primary role of Articulated buses - of being high
capacity buses - they will not eliminate Articulated buses from
SMRT's fleet.
Based on the news report mentioning SMRT's concern that Double
Decker buses may not be suitable for short bus routes, I guess the
Double Decker buses would be complementary to the Articulated
buses, instead of being substitutes.
Double Decker buses for roads more congested, which are usually
those in the city and industrial areas, where large volumes of
people go to work everyday. This would save road space, reducing
traffic congestion and possibly lower ERP rates and COE
prices.
Articulated buses for roads less congested, which are usually
those in the residential areas.
meanwhile, the 12-metre buses can fill in the gap, for service
during off-peak periods and/or at routes with relatively low
ridership - which do not require high capacity buses.
Fully agreed, and yes SBST should trial bendies once more.
Remember, the bendies left at a time the population barely hit 4
million. With all these new flats and new immigrants and citizens,
it's time to stop using all-rigid fleet for most of its feeders and
consider bendies which are more efficient in terms of short-haul,
compared to both DDs and rigids.
Coz trust me we don't need more of things like Townlink 222 at
Bedok Stn anymore.
