there is this article in the Sunday Times today regarding the
upcoming bus tenders. The article is isnt complete in the straits
time website. Can read through the sunday times for more details of
this article. (copy right of SPH)
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_350383.html
BUS TENDERS TO BENEFIT RIDERS
In about a year's time, the Government will take the first baby
step towards liberalising the duopolistic public transport market,
now controlled by SBS Transit and SMRT Corp.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA), which will assume the role
of central route planner, is expected to put up the first parcel of
bus routes for tender by the second half of next year. Previously,
the two incumbents planned their own routes.
The idea is to keep operators on their toes by introducing a
system that will make them compete for the market, so as to better
serve commuters.
Currently, the two incumbents do not compete directly. In fact,
one could say they do not compete at all as they ply different
routes. If there is any overlap, it is negligible.
They operate under the watch of the LTA and the Public Transport
Council. Even so, the Government feels standards could be improved
if competition is introduced.
Details of how the market will be opened up are still being
worked out, but the burning question being asked now is: Will the
commuter be better off?
Read the full story in The Sunday Times
today.
