"...SMRT has confirmed that it will be asking for a small increase."

Stricter bus service standards to be imposed: PTCBy Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 31 July 2007 1813 hrs

SINGAPORE : The Public Transport Council (PTC) has assured commuters that waiting times for buses during peak periods will be shortened once stricter bus service standards kick in.

From October, bus operators SBS Transit and SMRT Buses will be fined if they fail to meet these new standards.

Meanwhile, ahead of the August 1 deadline for annual fare increase submissions to PTC, SMRT has confirmed that it will be asking for a small increase.

To ensure a smooth ride on public buses, a set of new bus service standards kicked in last September.

This gave the PTC the teeth to ensure compliance after revised legislation.

From September to May this year, results showed that while both bus companies achieved high pass rates in all six major categories, SBS Transit fell short in some months when it comes to bus breakdowns and accidents, which it has pledged to correct.

SBS Transit said it would be investing more in repair maintenance as well as replacing old buses with new ones to lower the average age of its fleet.

In the last 12 months, it has already rolled out 200 new double-deck buses, with more new single deck buses due to join its fleet from the third quarter of this year.

It is also sending its drivers for refresher courses.But a pledge alone is not enough. PTC is tightening standards further.

Buses will now have to arrive every 10 minutes, at least during weekday peak hours, 80% of the time.

With allowances for deviation, PTC Chairman Gerard Ee said the current 15-minute standard can drag waiting time to 20 minutes, so this should be further reduced.

But it does realise that bus companies will need time to get more buses as well as recruit and train more drivers.

That is why this revised standard will be phased in two years from now.

Also, fines of between $100 (per day per bus service) and $10,000 (per month per standard) will kick in from October, if operators fail to comply. - CNA /ls

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Welcome to the real world. Where the rich gets richer, and the poor gets poorer.

can i show my middle finger? --

damn it. they just increase last year.

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Anyhow....

Just got back from zouk!

Went with Jane, my cousin and gf. hehehe..

Stayed till around 130am and derek came and send us back. (thanks bro! =D )

YIPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!! JANE AND I FINALLY GOT OUR PRIVILEDGE CARD! MUAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to YX, we can now enter into zouk for free~ *jump around with joy*

THANK YOU SO MUCH~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =DDD

My new dress! =)





My Cousin and i





Them


4 of us~



Ivy and i. =)



Actually met up with gerger de... but she nv go zouky with us coz she very tired and have to work the very next morning. =(

Gerger, i still love u ok? *muack*