First major
re-organisation of bus system by Government - Ten Chinese bus
companies were combined into three.
An effort to consolidate the numerous small bus companies that were
plagued with problems of poor management and labour
unrest.
With the re-organisation, the three bus companies each served a
different geographical sector.
Formation of NTUC Comfort co-operative and other taxi firms
launched from late 1970s
The three bus companies
were further merged to form Singapore Bus Service
(SBS).
SBS later evolved to become what we now know as SBS Transit
Ltd.
The new name, introduced in 2001, reflected SBS Transit's role as a
multi-modal operator of bus, MRT and LRT.
Bus lanes
introduced.
To improve travel time on buses, left-most lanes on major roads
were designated for exclusive use by buses during peak
hours.
Designated bus lanes have improved bus speeds by at least 15%. This
means commuters can get to their destination faster.
Over the years, we have extended the use of this cost-effective
measure. As at 2000, 120km of bus lanes were in operation.
Double-decker
buses began plying on our roads.
Trans-Island Bus
Services Limited (TIBS) became Singapore's 2nd public bus operator. TIBS
later underwent a re-branding exercise and is now known as SMRT
Buses Ltd.
The basic bus services run by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses Ltd formed
the backbone of Singapore's bus network.
The basic bus services are supplemented by express and rapid
services, premier services, night services and Scheme B services.
These services help to meet commuting demands during peak
hours.
Air-conditioned
buses introduced.
Bendy buses have an additional exit for faster and more convenient
alighting. Its carrying capacity is 144, highest among the fleet of
all public bus operators.
Bukit Panjang LRT system, Singapore's 1st feeder
rail system, started operations.
Toa Payoh bus interchange does more than just let commuters wait
for buses in air-conditioned comfort. It is also integrated with
the underground MRT station and nearby shops and offices.
This allows commuters to zip from different modes of transport to
and from home, office or shopping malls.
After its successful trial along Orchard Road, the full-day bus
lane scheme was launched in five more locations on 1 April 2007,
together with the revision of bus lane operation hours. These new
locations are Eu Tong Sen Street, Hill Street, Victoria Street,
Bras Basah Road and Somerset Road / Penang Road.
