Originally posted by autumncs:
I wonder whether it is feasible to charge normal fares or allow concessions for Express services during off-peak hours, like the former SMRT service 521 (now 963). After all, 506 is quite empty during off-peak hours. Anyway I'm holding a student concession pass, so Express services are still too expensive for me. I'm not asking for normal concession fares (55 cents) for Express services. I'm happy if the fare can be reduced to $1, or even $1.50 (as long as it is lower than the normal $2++ fare.) Sometimes, students may need to rush from one point to another, but it's not very fair to make them pay the full express fares. Students have the need and want to travel fast, but not the demand. Since there is an excess of supply (bus seats) and the operational cost is the same whether the bus is full or empty, isn't it better to get more demand to match the excess supply?
U go and try 506 on a sunday afternoon u tell me its empty or not...I am also using student concession pass but i think there isnt a need to have concession for Express 506. I could cover from Bedok - JE or any parts of the sections between Jurong East and Bedok (Ok, dont count Upper East Coast, 506 still fastest) on normal services and still faster than taking 506
as 506's frequency is bad most of the times. Also dont forget with more people taking 506, journey times would be longer. And for ur info, 506's fare range is from $1.50+ - $2.20+ and it would not reach more than $2 unless u travel from east to west.
