In a surprising turn of events, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently announced a reversal of its decision to terminate the operations of bus service 167. This decision, initially attributed to declining ridership linked to the Thomson-East Coast Line, sparked public outcry and even led to a petition. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this rollercoaster of changes, the reasons behind the initial decision, public reactions, and what the future holds for Singapore’s bus services.
The Initial Decision
1. Thomson-East Coast Line Impact
The first blow came on Nov. 17 when LTA declared the termination of service 167 due to declining ridership, citing the influence of the new Thomson-East Coast Line.
2. Route Changes in the Mix
The announcement didn’t stop at service 167; LTA also revealed alterations to service 75 and the amalgamation of services 162 and 162M, stirring concerns among commuters.
Public Outcry and Petition
3. A Call for Reinstatement
Responding to the announcement, a disgruntled commuter initiated a petition on Change.org, urging LTA to reinstate services 75 and 167, emphasizing their significance to the community.
4. Personal Stories Matter
The petitioner, a Tanjong Pagar resident, shared the deeply personal impact of these changes, portraying the affected services as “lifelines” for residents, especially for daily commutes and healthcare visits for the elderly.
5. Community Support Grows
The petition garnered 754 signatures by Nov. 28, reflecting the shared sentiment among residents facing inconvenience due to route discontinuations and service alterations.
LTA’s Consideration and Response
6. Reviewing Alternatives
In response to public outcry, LTA reevaluated alternative services, including the Thomson-East Coast Line, and acknowledged the changing travel patterns since its inception.
7. Adjustments to Address Demand
LTA explained that changes to existing bus services were necessary to address segments with higher demand or unique connectivity issues. Service 980’s frequency, mirroring service 167’s sector, was slated for an increase.
8. The Date Shift
To allow commuters more time to adapt, LTA decided to retain service 167, operating it at 30-minute intervals throughout the day, with all bus route adjustments postponed to Dec. 17.
Public Response and Comments
9. Commendations and Requests
The announcement’s comments section on LTA’s Facebook post revealed mixed reactions. Some commended LTA for listening to feedback, emphasizing the importance of community input.
10. Concerns Persist
While applauding the reinstatement, some raised concerns about services 75 and 162/M, suggesting further improvements and adjustments.
11. Suggestions for Improvement
Requests poured in, with commuters suggesting reinstating services 162/M to Thomson Road and the CBD area, expressing worries about inconvenient transfers.
LTA’s Future Plans
12. Finite Resources and Evolving Needs
Despite the decision to continue service 167, LTA highlighted the need to allocate resources judiciously. Acknowledging the evolving landscape with new transport options like the Thomson-East Coast Line, LTA commits to reviewing and reallocating resources as required.
13. The Arrival of TEL
As Singapore anticipates the completion of the Thomson-East Coast Line in 2025, LTA sees it as a transformative development connecting the eastern and northern parts of the country.
14. Continued Evaluation
LTA concludes by assuring the public that they will continually review the bus network to meet the evolving commuting needs of Singaporeans.
Conclusion
In a whirlwind of changes and public outcry, the reinstatement of bus service 167 is a testament to the power of community feedback. As Singapore adapts to new transport options, LTA remains committed to a dynamic evaluation of bus services, ensuring they align with the shifting needs of commuters.