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Nov 15, 2007
More than 700 SMRT buses undergoing mid-life upgrade programme
IN THE letter, 'SMRT found lacking when it comes to public bus improvements' (ST, Nov 5), Mr Muhammad Hazique Salahudin asked about SMRT's plans for new buses and when the older buses will be replaced.
We have recently started the mid-life upgrade programme for more than 700 SMRT buses. The upgrade is done in phases, and will be completed over the next eight years.
To date, over 100 buses have already been upgraded. To enhance customer service, SMRT is purchasing more than 130 new buses to replace the older ones. The first 66 buses which are wheelchair-accessible will be out on the roads next year.
SMRT is also mindful of the travelling needs of the aged and had introduced bendy buses since 1996. These buses can carry more passengers and are easier for the elderly to board and alight.
To meet commuters' travel demands, SMRT monitors ridership pattern and considers feedback from passengers and stakeholders. Several new services and enhancements to existing services were made. For example, to reduce passengers' travelling time from the north to the east of Singapore, we operated Service 969 plying between Woodlands and Tampines and Service 965 plying between Yishun and Sengkang. We also introduced express service 854E from Yishun to Bedok in April this year. In addition, starting this year, we extended the coverage for Service 966 so that Bukit Panjang residents can enjoy a faster and more direct service to Toa Payoh, Eunos and Marine Parade. Besides enhancing our basic bus services, SMRT also introduced premium bus services to provide passengers more direct and comfortable bus journeys.
The general public use buses as an essential mode of transport, complementing the MRT, which is the backbone of our public transport system. As a multi-modal transport service provider, SMRT is continually looking at ways to provide seamless journeys to enhance commuters' convenience. We will continue to deliver services that reduce travelling times while enhancing accessibility and passenger convenience.
We thank Mr Salahudin for sharing his thoughts with us.
Kuek Chor Ling (Ms)
Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications
SMRT Corporation Ltd