SMRT Public Showcase: 12 Sep and 13 Sep
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Originally posted by supremebull:
It is an admirable effort by SMRT, yes.
But I would disagree that "it wouldn't be any more complex than what a taxi driver is currently doing". There are lots more systems for a BC to pick up, there is the scheduling aspect to follow, and the customer service aspect of the BC's job is more complicated than that of a taxi driver - many more possible situation when your vehicle carries 80 - 90 passengers instead of 4.
I was referring mainly to technology, though a rejoinder to the issue of customer service is that bus drivers in Singapore get easier access to direct assistance (via depot) as compared to their taxi counterparts.
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Originally posted by sgbuses:
But I would see this as a more solid attempt to hire more drivers locally. Even the usual import sources are starting to dry up, so operators need new and very different ways to get drivers.
I think it wouldn't be any more complex than what a taxi driver is currently doing, but I do agree that it will be hard for some to pick up the knowledge. It may sound like a surprise to you but in different parts of the world where I have experienced, it is very common to hear drivers making a wrong turn or struggling to set the fare device because it is their first week or even day at work.
Fortunately (or unfortunately), the training for flexi hour BC is still 6 - 8 weeks, even if you are an existing pte bus driver (with CL4 and BDVL).
This makes the cost of entering this job too high even for pte bus drivers who wishes to spend more time with their family as they get older. It is however good for new entrants since they would have ample time to learn the systems.
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Originally posted by SBS2601D:
I personally think this move suggests that SMRT has no idea where the bus industry is heading towards......either that or they dont care. Or they think that the bus pax flow is too peakish to handle with current pool of full-time drivers.
Personally, I can't imagine a part-timer bothering to learn everything about how to use the complicated new systems like the IBMS, the fare systems etc etc. Industry insiders might wish to correct me at this point however if they disagree.
The first parcel tender is expected to be released shortly covering Bukit Batok, Jurong East and Clementi. In light of Wednesday's announcement from one foreign operator with regards to competitive tendering, I think this event along with the announcement of its new technologies, employment schemes and community engagement initiatives beforehand is a masterstroke from SMRT Buses.
Plans by SMRT Buses to install new passenger information systems at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange make their intentions as clear as day. The bus carnival is a warning shot to those who desire to wrestle territory from SMRT Buses.
The timing of the public gazetted Volvo Diesel Hybrid Bus Trial exemption order with a majority scope of Jurong East bus services (four out of seven) may not look like a coincidence either. It would be reasonable for one, looking at the exemption order alone, to expect SBS Transit to make a major announcement very soon.
SMRT Buses and SBS Transit are probably way, way ahead in terms of their business intelligence and are clearly prepared to fight tooth and nail to prevent ceding anything to their competitors, especially to foreign competitors.
This is what I call real competition.
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Originally posted by sgbuses:
The first parcel tender is expected to be released shortly covering Bukit Batok, Jurong East and Clementi. In light of Wednesday's announcement from one foreign operator with regards to competitive tendering, I think this event along with the announcement of its new technologies, employment schemes and community engagement initiatives beforehand is a masterstroke from SMRT Buses.
Plans by SMRT Buses to install new passenger information systems at Bukit Batok Bus Interchange make their intentions as clear as day. The bus carnival is a warning shot to those who desire to wrestle territory from SMRT Buses.
The timing of the public gazetted Volvo Diesel Hybrid Bus Trial exemption order with a majority scope of Jurong East bus services (four out of seven) may not look like a coincidence either. It would be reasonable for one, looking at the exemption order alone, to expect SBS Transit to make a major announcement very soon.
SMRT Buses and SBS Transit are probably way, way ahead in terms of their business intelligence and are clearly prepared to fight tooth and nail to prevent ceding anything to their competitors, especially to foreign competitors.
This is what I call real competition.
True, TT setting up ops in SG does not mean a thing to begin with...
Local PTOs claim first hand knowledge, incumbent advantage in local bus operations
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Add on SMRT Buses has a lot of recurring business with Singapore Technologies group(GLC)...
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Those two already been promised that 80% of the routes still belong to them..The third is mainly the "competition" that theyre showing the world what a good business opportunity Spore had.
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Originally posted by carbikebus:
Those two already been promised that 80% of the routes still belong to them..The third is mainly the “competition” that theyre showing the world what a good business opportunity Spore had.
Knowing SG and as seen in all de regulated industries in red dot, chances of 3rd operator not having ANY links with any GLC and suceeding in getting a parcel remains a tall order...
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So how was it? (where is the showcase held anyway?)
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SMRT is holding a similar second event in 2 weeks:
Venue: Bukit Batok Interchange, Open area & foyer beside BBI
Dates: 14 -15 Nov 2014 (Fri – Sat)
Time: 9am – 6pm -
Originally posted by sgbuses:
SMRT is holding a similar second event in 2 weeks:
Venue: Bukit Batok Interchange, Open area & foyer beside BBI
Dates: 14 -15 Nov 2014 (Fri – Sat)
Time: 9am – 6pmAny press release?
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Originally posted by 23ispolo:
Any press release?
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So your assessment seems right.
A lot of these things now centred at Bukit Batok.
One too many to call coincidence.
But really, it won't help their image any time soon.
As long as their bus problems persist.
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Originally posted by SBS2601D:
So your assessment seems right.
A lot of these things now centred at Bukit Batok.
One too many to call coincidence.
But really, it won't help their image any time soon.
As long as their bus problems persist.
Who knows, if they can win the hearts and minds of bus lobbyists!
