DTL rationalisation speculations

last SG · 2015-05-06T14:12:01+00:00

I do not think within the first three months of opening of Downtown Line MRT, there would be (significant) changes to bus routes because of the opening of th...

array88 SG

definitely so! At night around 9pm, spotted SMB3562K was almost empty on 983, but SMB3136H on 979 already packed to the door at opp Bukit Panjang Plaza stop...

Today spotted 9 buses doing 979, suspect 7 AP and 2 TQ, and almost every bus that exit CCK/YewTee is full to the door or at least fully seated, thats during late morning and afternoon. At night, opposite direction has that situation...

At around 10am, SMB3153H (979TQ02) even skipped the last 2 stops at CCK Cres as it was too packed...

However, at YewTee MRT, when both 302 and 979 arrive, most pax still chose to board 302, possibly due to 302 having seats but 979 is fully seated already...

For bolded part: I guess pax board 302 because they don't know the route of 979. Spotted many times when 979 arrive at Yew Tee MRT and a lot of pax at the bus stop keep waiting. They subsequently board 302.

SMB42P SG

983's loading is mainly from Ave 4 and Ave 5 to CCK MRT which justify DDs and bendies. And now since DTL is open a lot of them will go to BPJ MRT also (the 983 rigid that I took had a good 30-40 pax).

Though I agree 979 should get more HC buses... But 983 no need to cut fleet.

DDs spotted today on 979..not sure how many though...spotted SMB3535P and SMB3563H

Gus.chong SG

DDs spotted today on 979..not sure how many though...spotted SMB3535P and SMB3563H

SMRT should really get 100+ more DDs in 2016...there are only 12 KJDEP spare DDs left for now!

TIB429E SG

SMRT should really get 100+ more DDs in 2016...there are only 12 KJDEP spare DDs left for now!

More A95s for production and BSEP...

Just convert those MAN A22s to BusPlus buses...can expand BusPlus business also.

iveco SG

With regards to the cutting/withdrawal of bus routes with the opening of DTL 2, the LTA initially intended to cut several long-distance bus routes in 2010 after taking over central bus planning. A thread with regards to it was created, with tons of backlash from many former/current forum members with regards to the cutting of bus routes.

Given that the NEL rationalization 12 years back had brought about significant unhappiness among the North-Easterners (with a thread of it linked here), the opening of CCL didn't see any rationalization and the massive backlash from many when the LTA wanted to cut up long-distance bus routes in 2010, any massive rationalization exercise for DTL2 (for DTL) may just result in similar resentment.

Therefore, it is better for LTA not to touch any routes now, even if they massively duplicate the DTL, unless they are able to achieve a balance in the rationalization of bus services, similar to TransitLink's integration exercises in the early in the 1990s.

my first post in SGF was about NEL bus route cuts, of all things.

lemon1974 SG

SMRT should really get 100+ more DDs in 2016...there are only 12 KJDEP spare DDs left for now!

they should have get DDs few years back....not wait until 2014....

carbikebus SG

Guess its too late for SMRT now,From 2016 any order of buses will be done by LTA.

TIB429E SG

So no bus service serving Keat Hong Close after 983 extension??

Was quite dissapointed that 983 doesn't stop along Upp Bt Timah Rd

TIB 585L SG

301 stopped at Keat Hong Close

SBS351M SG

Guess its too late for SMRT now,From 2016 any order of buses will be done by LTA.

Why too late, everyone was prepared for the eventual takeover of responsibilities by LTA, I'm sure SBS and SMRT are more than willing to leave bus purchasing to LTA, especially as there is no guarantee that SBS or SMRT will operate any parcel forever under the GCM.

Its not difficult to see what will happen when its largely spelt out in the LTA press releases.

AJQZC SG

A while ago someone suggested re-routing 961 to terminate at CCK via CCK Rd & CCK Way, and then cut short 67 to Little India or somewhere close to the CBD (couldn't find the post). I thought that was a decent suggestion in theory, considering:

Whether it actually works out or not still require further observations at bus stops near Bt Panjang and Botanic Gardens.

Comments?

array88 SG

Whether it actually works out or not still require further observations at bus stops near Bt Panjang and Botanic Gardens.

Comments?

I notice loading from Woodlands Rd to Bukit Panjang MRT during AM Peak has already picked up quickly. 170/178/961 (usually the one that first arrives) will be quite packed before BPJ MRT, when even 960 remains almost empty.

But more observations need to be done regarding 961.

Acx1688 SG

Bus services will not be rationalised as train stations are soaced out fr each other n offer a faster travel period.

The gaps(in between stops) are filled by buses for passengers who want an alternative or do not wish to transfer fr bus to train to bus/train to bus.

Unless there is serious duplication/parallel that leafs a significant drop in bus commuters, bus service(s) will be merged/rationalised as in the case for Hong Kong when Hong Kong Island line was extended to Kennedy Town in late dec 2014.

Hong Kong Island(Kennedy Town/Sai Ying Pun) GMB/CTB/NWFB routes of certainn services were merged, withdrawn.

XHT 104 was supposed to be shortened to Macau Ferry Ter but was dropped due to objections from commuters.

Acx1688 SG

On the topic of new bus purchases, LTA will still go through SBST/SMRT as contacts/acquaintances/relations will have been formed and strengthened.

SBS351M SG

On the topic of new bus purchases, LTA will still go through SBST/SMRT as contacts/acquaintances/relations will have been formed and strengthened.

From yesterday's press release by SBS, I would think LTA would prefer to take the responsibility themselves instead of relying on SBS and SMRT.

SMB128B SG

Bus services will not be rationalised as train stations are soaced out fr each other n offer a faster travel period.

The gaps(in between stops) are filled by buses for passengers who want an alternative or do not wish to transfer fr bus to train to bus/train to bus.

Hong Kong Island(Kennedy Town/Sai Ying Pun) GMB/CTB/NWFB routes of certainn services were merged, withdrawn.

XHT 104 was supposed to be shortened to Macau Ferry Ter but was dropped due to objections from commuters.

Also an alternative for pax who dont wanna transfer from train to train...

Which is why I support amendment of current routes along BKT Rd to express, especially those serving the Northeast (i.e. 15x series)

Acx1688 SG

From yesterday's press release by SBS, I would think LTA would prefer to take the responsibility themselves instead of relying on SBS and SMRT.

Well, if LTA peeps have e expertise n r willing to look beyond what is recommended, WEG IIs, etc

In the market are C2, E500 Facelift, E50H see if LTA would think out of the box

DTL2 trains are a refreshing change fr wat is available in SG but for those who have been n used HK MTR, Taipei MRT, Tokyo JR Lines (E231/3 series), still long way to go...

Acx1688 SG

Also an alternative for pax who dont wanna transfer from train to train...

Which is why I support amendment of current routes along BKT Rd to express, especially those serving the Northeast (i.e. 15x series)

Yup can express along Bukit Timah Rd, v good point.

Maximise resources by deploying lesser buses that "飛站"(skip stops) since sv170/A freq is 5/7 mins on average...

KMB 296C will be converted to skip stop service fr Jan 4, commuters can use alternative bus routes...

AJQZC SG

Also an alternative for pax who dont wanna transfer from train to train...

Which is why I support amendment of current routes along BKT Rd to express, especially those serving the Northeast (i.e. 15x series)

Technically it's 74, 151, 153 and 156 that serve the Northeast.

As for running express, considerations can be to retain the stops for all MRT stations, as well as all those between Sixth Ave and Botanic Gardens (consider the NYGH / NJC / HCI / RGPS stops, and Coronation Plaza.)

I would recommend either 74, 157 or 852 to skip stops as well, as their routes are heavily duplicative for the section between KAP and Thomson Rd.

SMB128B SG

Technically it's 74, 151, 153 and 156 that serve the Northeast.

I would recommend either 74, 157 or 852 to skip stops as well, as their routes are heavily duplicative for the section between KAP and Thomson Rd.

I was thinking 852 to be the service to carry the noble task of being the "BKT Rd feeder", given it has not much incentive to turn express and also the fact the road is a primary sector of 852.

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