The issue is that the stretch of Corporation Rd (between
Corporation Dr and International Rd) is currently only served by
178. Cutting it backwards from Boon Lay Int is undesirable at this
point.
A solution to support the cutback of 178 would be to amend an
existing bus service from Corporation Dr (i.e. 30, 49, 98, 98M, 240
or 246) to Corporation Rd, but let's analyze their importance one
by one:
- 30: Currently the fastest route between Boon
Lay Int and the residential blocks along Corporation Dr. With such
high demand, diverting it to Corporation Rd is undesirable.
- 49: A possible bus service to divert to
Corporation Rd with the availability of 98, 98M, 240 and 246, but
would that have defeated its purpose of having to complement the
above services? Maybe.
- 98/98M: Currently the most convenient and
complete route between Lakeside MRT and the residential blocks
along Corporation Dr (49 only covers part of Corporation Dr). With
its importance in connection, diverting it to Corporation Rd is
undesirable as well.
- 240: Plays a supplementary role between Lakeside
MRT and the residential blocks along Corporation Dr and is
currently the only service plying Kang Ching Rd. It is undoubtedly
an important route along Corporation Dr as well, given that a short
working trip has to be operated every weekday morning to complement
its demand.
- 246: Plays a supplementary role between Lakeside
MRT and the residential blocks along Corporation Dr and is the
fastest route between Lakeside MRT and Tah Ching Rd. It may not be
as important as the other services above in Corporation Dr, but by
diverting it to Corporation Rd will mean skipping Lakeside MRT,
which is a critical transfer point for the residents of Taman
Jurong and Boon Lay Gardens.
Another solution will be to introduce a new service to cover the
secluded stretch of Corporation Rd and connect it to Boon Lay,
Jurong East and Bukit Batok. However, given that demand along this
stretch isn't really high for 178 already, will operating a new
service along that stretch even be desirable?
It basically impacts only 2 bus stops along Corporation Road.
There is a workaround. There are many services that connect
Lakeside MRT to Taman Jurong Estate in different parts including
49, 98, 154, 240, 246.
246 can be amended to ply Corporation Road in both directions,
yet not affecting commuters in a big way.
Boon Lay >> Quality Road >> Jalan Tukang >>
Corporation Road >> Corporation Dr >> Tah Ching Road
>> Yuan Ching Road >> Lakeside MRT >> Corporation
Road >> Jalan Tukang >> Quality Road >> Boon
Lay.
* This will not upset current users + service still plies Tah
Ching Road.
* Also provides nearest MRT connection to Corporation Road /
industrial estates.
* The missing link of Boon Lay Place is covered by sv 240 + if
they agree to extend sv 52 as per my proposed route.