Observation, SMRT has better frequencies.
SBST has not improved. Bus bunching problem during peak and even
off-peak periods can easily be observed eg Sv 66 and 174.
SBST buses observed to have longer running time than needed.
Most of them tend to drive slower than SMRT buses on the route. But
tend to speed up just before reaching interchange to meet
scheduled time.
For 66 & 174, they're very jam prone at these location.
Neither can it pre-empt w/ slightly 'loose schedule'
66: Woodsville (jam is erratic and kicks in 12pm - 3pm, 6pm -
7pm), Jln Besar, Bt Timah Rd (PM), Dunearn Rd (AM). Raining day
it's worst w/ RTA occuring even more frequent than striking TOTO
these days) & Jln Jurong Kechil (traffic light timing
geela).
174: Jln Jurong Kechil, Dunearn Rd, Bt Timah Rd, Holland Rd (Sat
at times also jam), Orchard Rd.
Not to say Bt Timah/ Dunearn Rd can be jam prone because of
Sixth Ave/ Eng Neo traffic junction. In the 1230 - 1330 timing, 66
can be affected as parents pick up their kids at SCGS creating
massive jam.
It's better to plan for a longer running time in general as
there would always be roadworks, adhoc events, raining days. Not to
mention some bus stops needs longer turnaround time or the bus
loading.
There's case tat SMRT buses can be 1 hr behind schedule if
there's rain.
