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Nov 15, 2007
More than 700 SMRT buses undergoing mid-life upgrade
programme
IN THE letter, 'SMRT found lacking when it comes to public bus
improvements' (ST, Nov 5), Mr Muhammad Hazique Salahudin asked
about SMRT's plans for new buses and when the older buses will be
replaced.
We have recently started the mid-life upgrade programme for more
than 700 SMRT buses. The upgrade is done in phases, and will be
completed over the next eight years.
To date, over 100 buses have already been upgraded. To enhance
customer service, SMRT is purchasing more than 130 new buses to
replace the older ones. The first 66 buses which are
wheelchair-accessible will be out on the roads next year.
SMRT is also mindful of the travelling needs of the aged and had
introduced bendy buses since 1996. These buses can carry more
passengers and are easier for the elderly to board and
alight.
To meet commuters' travel demands, SMRT monitors ridership pattern
and considers feedback from passengers and stakeholders. Several
new services and enhancements to existing services were made. For
example, to reduce passengers' travelling time from the north to
the east of Singapore, we operated Service 969 plying between
Woodlands and Tampines and Service 965 plying between Yishun and
Sengkang. We also introduced express service 854E from Yishun to
Bedok in April this year. In addition, starting this year, we
extended the coverage for Service 966 so that Bukit Panjang
residents can enjoy a faster and more direct service to Toa Payoh,
Eunos and Marine Parade. Besides enhancing our basic bus services,
SMRT also introduced premium bus services to provide passengers
more direct and comfortable bus journeys.
The general public use buses as an essential mode of transport,
complementing the MRT, which is the backbone of our public
transport system. As a multi-modal transport service provider, SMRT
is continually looking at ways to provide seamless journeys to
enhance commuters' convenience. We will continue to deliver
services that reduce travelling times while enhancing accessibility
and passenger convenience.
We thank Mr Salahudin for sharing his thoughts with us.
Kuek Chor Ling (Ms)
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation Ltd
