Public transport

Again, we are seeing an increase in the prices of things we use. If we are lucky, our salary will increase as well, but unfortunately that don't happen as fast and as often as the price increase in commodities.

Fuel tax on taxi? Yes, you may say it is a small amount. If the taxi company think it is small, then why do you want to introduce it? When you add up the amount with all the passengers, it is alot, just as when we add up the amount on the things we are spending, it will be alot. So don't say it is a small amount.

Everyone is encourage to take public transport. Yes, sure! Currently, I feel it is already overloaded. If people who are driving cars switch over to public transport, then it will be over-overloaded. The transport authorities should increase their bus and train load capacities first before wanting people to give up their cars. I have been using the public transports for years since I don't drive. If I can afford and a licence to drive, I will be switching to car.

Sure, the transport company will show you statistics that it is not filling up, that compare with other countries, we are better off. Why do you want to compare with other countries? Does Changi Airport feel contented being comparable to other countries? I don't think so, as it is always trying to be better, increasing its capacity, providing better services, and always aiming to be number one.

Just because other countries still squeeze their passengers in overloaded trains or buses doesn't mean we can be satisfied that we "don't" squeeze as much people as them. Just because our public buses is new or has special extras like mobileTV or you can watch the electronic GPS-enabled board to see what time the next bus is coming (which I found very inaccurate in the 25 minutes I waited, which also doesn't say much of the service which promised 12mins interval), we are luckier than other countries. After so many years of promising better services, the bus company gave us extras yes, but the basic needs of going from point A to point B without waiting too long or getting a seat is still not met most of the time. An aircon bus ride without feeling the aircon is also what we have to tolerate. And we are supposedly paying for an aircon bus ride?

Hopefully, the new restructured system will see an improved situation for most of us. Granted I know not everyone can be pleased. We can only resign to whatever they are willing to give. I can only hope to get to my destination without being late.

To me, I want to see every person getting a seat when we take a public transport, be it a bus or train. Maybe then pregnant ladies or children will get their seats. Tired workers will get their seats. Old people will get their seats. That to me is an ideal public transport. We don't pay to stand, otherwise shouldn't we be paying less for that? Yes, I know we have premium bus services, which I feel is only an excuse for the bus company to introduce a service which they can collect more money. If the public transport system is good and think of the people first, it will not have been necessary to have such services in the first place. A public bus is for the public, where everyone is entitled to have a seat. If Singapore can do that, we can say that we have a public transport system that other countries will only dream about.

We can proudly say we are the NUMBER ONE!