From Trans Island Bus Services to SMRT Buses

tranquilice SG

Trans Island Bus Services was rebranded SMRT Buses on Monday 10 May 2004. In the past one year, only one bus service was introduced which is 950 on 19 Sep 2004. Bus fleet was improved just by bringing over CSS buses.

Looking back at the past 1 year, nothing much was done. Yet it still asks for a fare hike.

In my opinion, Tibs and SMRT shouldn't have merged. What do you think?

iveco SG

SMRT should have retained monopoly over subways while SBS and Tibs should have just remained in their respective sectors. Tendering out the NEL to the bus operators and ordering the loser to merge with SMRT is the LTA’s biggest gaffe.

sbst275 SG

Haiz... Even rail operation, SBS runs better...

Seems that all these happened aft SMRT changed mgmt

tranquilice SG

Is it? LTA ordered Tibs to merge with SMRT? Shocked

SBS9828X SG

no the one who didn't won the NEL tender

tranquilice SG

?

Tibs was the one who didn't won the NEL tender.

phillipC SG

In the end, who suffer?

Commuters served by the infamous SMRT!

Crying or Very sad

kenny_cai SG

In my opinion, SMRT bit off more than it could chew. The transfer of "territories" was one of the big mistakes. SBST gave up 15 services in exchange for just 8. And SMRT just didn't know how to utilise potential money-making services. Services 61, 67 and 190 were doing better when they were controlled by SBST.

Also, it's my dream to see Bukit Batok reverting to SBST control. I don't know why, but SMRTB can keep Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang.

Services SBST gave up: (according to date)
CCK: 190, 185, 300, 302, 307, 67, 172, 175, 188
BBT: 77, 189, 361, 365, 367, 61, 106, 173

Services SBST acquired:
SKG: 864, 865, 866, 82, 103, 163, 378, 379.

sbst275 SG

SMRT is getting bad to worst...

Last time Tibs have better buses, now no more

tranquilice SG

You forgot that SBS gave up Yishun (service 171), Bt Panjang, Jln Kayu/Seletar and Punggol to Tibs in 1995. Jln Kayu/Seletar and Punggol (plus Sengkang) were handed back to SBS in 1999.

sbst275 SG

And in those days Sv 160, 167, 178, 181, 182 (What's more)

kenny_cai SG

I knew that, but it was doing pretty well in those territories, so I didn’t mention it. I should know; I’ve experienced it (except Sengkang)

sbst275 SG

Well... Those days are over...

tranquilice SG

I don't think SMRT is doing pretty well in Choa Chu Kang and Bt Panjang. SBST did better in both areas.

sbst275 SG

For CCK can see, Sv 190 frequency very unstable

phillipC SG

Our PM's wife have some stake in the TIBS!

I personally feel that SMRT dont have the resources to take so many bus routes that SBST had handed over to them.
Trust me that such profitable routes like 190.61 & 67, they have driven away and frustrated some of the passengers due to the poor services!

sbst275 SG

The prob is, are GLC runned properly in the 1st place?

PJ_Quek SG

One thing I have to mention here is that, 854 have improved that morning service for the past two days. Previously, it was fully packed from Yio Chu Kang Rd ( perhaps from Yishun ) up to the end of Hougang Ave 3. These two days there are plenty of space to stand in TIB1143G. Nevertheless, this bus I took was around 8.05am, I am not very sure about the situation at other times of the morning peak.

sbst275 SG

It really depends because the highest demand is bet 0700-0800

PJ_Quek SG

I see I see. External impact such as traffic jams and other unforseen circumstances also play a part in it. In checkpoints, 160 / 170 can also arrive late due to heavy jams at the causeway.