I think the reason why Bukit Merah package may go to SMRT is
because of the following things -
Some places, like Woodlands Checkpoint and JB Checkpoint, can
only use bendy buses as high capacity buses; no double-deck. That's
why award to SMRT, as only SMRT has bendy buses.
20 bendy buses are definitely needed to cater to 160/170 crowds.
Bendy bus will be needed for services 16, 57, 93, 120, 121, 122,
131, 145, 195, 272, 273, 400 and 402, which will be redeployed from
all other services in Choa Chu Kang, Woodlands and Yishun.
SMRT need to pester more bus services and placed a lower bid,
Jiaoyun/Travel GSH will not do so because they don't have the
experience in double decker bus industry.
Note: Bus drivers won't lose job because of BCM. The incoming
operator must offer affected bus drivers a job at the new company,
with conditions no worse than the incumbent operator.