TIBS 970 was introduced to replace some lost links due to the
withdrawl of TIBS 5 (Geylang Lor 1 - Bt Panjang via Sixth Ave,
Commonwealth MRT and Chinatown) when the Bt Panjang LRT opened in
1999.
However, there was a public outcry from some residents, especially
those living in Sixth Ave, that they could not commute to
Commonwealth MRT to transfer to the East-West Line to work. It is
meant to provide links between Bt Panjang, Dunearn Rd and Sixth Ave
residents with quick links to Commonwealth MRT on the East-West
Line and also to some other areas that were previously served by
TIBS 5. Thus, even if load is not ideal, the Bt Panjang - Shenton
Way sector can never be cut short or withdrawn unless we have Bt
Timah Line (BTL) coming our way.
As for extending it to Woodlands, it is not required as links
between Bt Panjang and Woodlands is covered by LRT-MRT, TIBS960,
TIBS 963 and TIBS 187. The last two are the fastest, of course,
plying BKE straight to exit at near Marsiling MRT already. As for
Bt Panjang and CBD, you can take the North-South :Line MRT,
dude=)