Saw the SBS Transit bus drivers wearing the new purple uniform
in person today. In comparison to the previous light blue colour,
purple looks more professional. The light-purple stripes make the
bus drivers look thin, somewhat making them look ‘better’. I notice
that on the collar, there are collar pin/badges. Not sure if this
is sign that SBS Transit is implementing some ranking system
(similar to in the military), nonetheless, this makes the bus
drivers look smart(er).
I believe the “more expensive” material is meant to make the bus
drivers feel more comfortable when they are driving the bus on the
roads. (Analogy: Polo tee vs normal Cotton tee) Indirectly, this
would also improve the quality of service – in driving the bus and
when speaking to the commuters (to ask them to move inwards to the
rear, answer their questions, chit-chat with them, etc.), when the
bus drivers feel more comfortable and are in a better mood.
Meanwhile, “more expensive” would also mean that it can last
longer; don’t need to replace so regularly. Thus, in the long run,
it may allow SBS Transit to save money, and re-channel the saved
money on other things, such as better buses, seats, etc.
I believe this change of uniform is meant to be in-line with the
opening of the Downtown Line – SBS Transit’s second MRT line. Not
sure if having separate colours of uniform for different modes of
transport(bus, MRT, LRT) would be better, I assume it would look
more ‘organised’/’professional’/’neat’/’uniform’ if this change to
Purple uniform is applied uniformly to all of SBS Transit’s
operations; to the NEL and Punggol and Sengkang LRT, besides
applying it to the bus operations.
I read from somewhere that there was also a change of uniform
for the NEL staff members. I have not seen the new NEL uniform yet
but I hope it is also the same purple uniform that the bus drivers
are wearing.
