I READ with dismay the letter, 'Give me safe, no-frills bus rides' (my paper, Oct 29).

I wish the writer had included proof of how people have grown taller and bigger, thereby making more space between seats necessary.

While this may be the case for a small number of people, from what I observe on daily bus rides, everyone is seated at a comfortable distance from each other.

While cars are expensive in Singapore, this provides an incentive for people to take public transport.

We not only save money, but also do our part in contributing towards a greener environment.

The writer also suggested that he did not mind travelling on buses without air-conditioning.

I would like to see SBS Transit turn off the air-conditioning on its buses for just one day.

I am sure that many my paper readers would send in their complaints.

How many countries in the world have comfortable public buses with air-conditioning and televisions on board?

If I do not feel like watching the television, I simply ignore it and let others enjoy it, as the volume is just right.

Buses are especially crowded in the mornings.

However, I am always heartened whenever bus drivers ask commuters to move in so that more people can board.

While the bus might be packed, should bus drivers prevent commuters from boarding crowded buses, they might be late for work or school.

In the end, it is up to Singaporeans to decide whether they want to board a crowded bus.

I would love to invite the writer to take a public bus with me in my hometown of Jakarta, where fares can be as low as 40 cents for long-distance journeys.

Not only would he be riding on dusty, rusty old buses, but he could also become a victim of pickpockets in the crowded vehicle.

It is especially dangerous for women to ride on these buses.

The writer complained that he had discovered leaking air-conditioning vents and cockroaches on some buses.

I am sure SBS Transit would address the issues.

Just because they can be found on a few buses does not mean that the entire fleet would have the same problems.

SBS Transit buses are clean, comfortable, safe and convenient, and we pay fares to enjoy these privileges.

Ms Novina Teo

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