BUS commuters do not ask for much. They only require service to be punctual, with short waits between runs and route coverage that is extensive enough for them to plan their daily routine around the bus and the MRT complement without resort to costly taxi rides. They expect buses to be clean and in good repair. Breakdowns causing journey disruptions would be intolerable. On most performance measures, it would be a surprise if too many riders thought poorly of what the two operators, SBS Transit and SMRT, have provided. This in no way implies that service has been above reproach. Periodic qualitative improvements are essential, more so as the nation is planning for an immigration inflow to enlarge the population by about half.
One shortcoming that requires fixing is the spotty coverage in certain towns, which necessitates connections where available. Uneven service was an inherent flaw in having bus transport operators also managing the MRT. Service rationalisation (what a misleading term!) meant some residents being cut out of the loop. Recurrent questions are also raised about published scheduling and performance inconsistencies. Bus operators invariably put that down to rain and congested roads. Some commuters are forgiving, most are not. The problem could just as likely be a result of lax crew management.
Whether dramatic change or marginal improvements will come of the Transport Ministry's proposal to reorganise the service, with the Land Transport Authority taking over the route planning, it is not time yet to assess. The main feature - chopping up route segments and farming them out to a number of operators by tender - is a radical rethink of operational efficiency. How attractive or viable "packaged" routes can be to bidders in a city of limited ridership will be the ultimate market test. The ministry is of the view that economies are doubtful when an operator's fleet size exceeds about 500 vehicles. The two companies between them run 3,700 buses. If they form new subsidiaries that go on to win bids, could the net effect be much different from the current performance profile?
Judgment is best stayed until improvement plans for the MRT system are published. Although bus travel accounts for two-thirds of daily public transport volume, the smoothness of its linkage with rail is at the heart of the plan to make travel quick and free of hassle. Above all, never overlook the deified status of the car among upwardly mobile Singaporeans. Car-use management is also up for policy review. For bus and rail to evolve into an urbanite's habit that will define Singapore as a model metropolis of the near future, the car's place definitely has to be relegated. Nobody imagines this will be easy.
