1993, i believe. It's 15 years old, compared to the more modern
looking 17-19 years old O405 SBST mercs.
If they get lifespan extension - > there may be a flame
war to SMRT erupting.
Well, as much as I hate these buses, there are times when I'm
cool about their deployment. I will absolutely hate them if they
are deployed regularly (especially on busy routes during peak
hours), but if thet are deployed on off-peak hours on less busy
routes, I won't mind the occasional ride on one of these buses.
These buses are truely unique on our roads, old and outdated as
they are.
Of course, for some people, any sort of deployment on any of
their favourite routes is a major no-no.
I heard from somewhere that the Land Transport Authority is
allowing bus companies to keep their old buses longer while they
expand and renew their fleet in order to meet the new headway
requirements; this with the fact that SMRT doesn't have enough
buses may mean that at least a few examples have their lifespan
extended. Didn't one go for some major air-conditioner work
recently?
