That both operators will be providing regular bus services free of charge at designated points nearest to the affected stations in the event of an extended MRT service disruption is good news. This is a better approach than the current practice; commuters will no longer have to wait for the bus bridging service to be activated, but will be able to continue their journeys on the available bus services at those stations expeditiously.
We must complement this with better and more timely announcements so that all commuters, intending to or already travelling across the entire rail network, are made aware of such disruptions early and can plan their journeys accordingly. At the stations, we also need clearer signages, information panels and announcements to guide commuters to the appropriate bus stops.
It is a pity that it took the service disruptions of Dec 2011 for us to address this shortfall in our current practice. Nevertheless, I am encouraged that the operators have since worked though the details to implement free bus services. This is just one of a number of improvements that will enhance how we deal with rail disruptions and service recovery. It will take some time for the COI investigations to be completed and for it to put up its recommendations. In the meantime, LTA and the operators must continue to work closely together, just as they have done with this latest initiative.
|
|
Related links:
[News Release] Public Transport Operators to Provide Free Bus Service at Designated Points in Event of MRT Service Disruption (21 February 2012)
Related videos:
|