Singapore has been promoting the use of public transport but I'm curious about the success of the ongoing campaign.
Judging from the letters in the newspapers and online postings, I would say the results are mediocre at best.
We have also been comparing our transport system with that of neighbouring countries, but never with those which have better systems.
The Government always tells us that, to improve, we should always compete with the best.
The public transport companies in Singapore have been quoting surveys and research which show that our public transport system is more than adequate in meeting demands.
I wonder when the last time that a government official or personnel from the Public Transport Council took public transport.
I'm not talking about "arranged" visits, but taking the public transport during the rush hours, where they squeeze with thousands of commuters or wait patiently for the bus that arrives 30 minutes late.
We have been hearing about record ridership and earnings from our transport companies and, yet, they are the first to raise fares wherever possible.
When we underpay bus fares, we get fined, but what recourse do we have when we are overcharged due to system errors?
What about paying for an air-conditioned bus but your bus has faulty air-conditioners?
It is time we improve our transport systems.
The LTA should allow more small players on our roads to create competition.
