PTC, operators welcome news of LTA planning central bus network
18 January 2008 2048 hrs (SST)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/323448/1/.html
SINGAPORE : Singapore's Public Transport Council (PTC) and operators have welcomed the news of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) taking over the role of central bus network planner from 2009.
The PTC said the result will be a holistic approach to planning the bus and Rapid Transit System networks as well as other transport infrastructure.
PTC Chairman Gerard Ee said the initiatives will be welcomed by commuters. The transport operators can then focus on improving operational efficiency and service delivery.
Mr Ee said the strategy to gradually inject competition in the bus service industry is a key change to ensure buses provide efficient and good service.
In its response, ComfortDelGro said it is critical to have an integrated and comprehensive transport network and it supports the decision to have central planning at the LTA level.
On injecting more competition, SMRT said its will assess what routes, if any, to pursue.
Saw Phaik Hwa, President and CEO, SMRT, said, "Certainly if the routes and the standards that have been given is lucrative, we will definitely improve our own productivity and efficiency to ensure that we have the best margins possible to bid effectively and win the routes we want."
SMRT said competition will bring about more opportunities - something it is looking forward to. - CNA/ms