Singapore, a city-state known for its efficient public transportation system, recently found itself at the heart of a controversy surrounding the decision to discontinue bus service 167.
The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) announcement on December 10 sent shockwaves through the
community, but a swift reversal on December 17 left commuters both relieved and puzzled.
Ceasing Service 167
In a move aimed at reallocating resources in response to shifting ridership patterns, the LTA initially announced the cessation of bus service 167 on December 10.
The decision was rooted in a notable decline in ridership, particularly along segments of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL).
The opening of the TEL’s third stage in November 2022 led to a surge in MRT ridership, with the average weekly count jumping from 60,000 in October 2022 to a staggering 177,000 in October 2023.
Outcry and Concerns From The Public
The announcement drew swift reactions from commuters, especially those who relied on service 167 for their daily commutes.
Residents like Tham Chen Munn interviewed by Straits Times expressed disappointment, highlighting the inconvenience caused by the loss of a direct route to the Upper Thomson TEL station and other essential locations.
Lim Hwee San whom Straits Times interviewed also echoed these sentiments, emphasizing longer waiting times and the need for additional services catering to specific destinations.
The proposed changes to other bus services, including 162, 162M, 75, 121, and 859, added fuel to the fire of discontent among commuters.
Concerns were raised about potential disruptions and inconvenience caused by the adjustments.
The U-Turn Was a Surprising Twist
The narrative took an unexpected turn when, less than two weeks after the initial announcement, the LTA made a U-turn on its decision to discontinue service 167.
In response to objections from the public and a petition initiated by Mr Kiwi Lim, a real estate agent who lives in Tanjong Pagar, the LTA decided to retain the service, albeit with adjustments.
Starting from December 17, service 167 will continue its operation with a reduced frequency of 30-minute intervals.
The LTA cited the need to allow commuters more time to adjust to new routes and acknowledged the importance of retaining a direct bus route connecting northern Singapore to the city.
Public Feedback and the Power of Advocacy
The public’s outcry played a pivotal role in influencing the LTA’s decision.
Mr Lim’s online petition, signed by over 760 individuals, underscored the significance of service 167 for residents, particularly the elderly.
The decision to keep the service, albeit with a reduced frequency, demonstrated the authorities’ responsiveness to public sentiment.
Challenges and Considerations Looking Ahead
While the decision to retain service 167 is a victory for concerned commuters, questions linger about the long-term sustainability of the service.
Some residents, when interviewed by Straits Times, expressed concerns that operating the bus at 30-minute intervals may be a precursor to further reductions or eventual removal.
The delicate balance between meeting the evolving transportation needs of a growing city and preserving essential services for existing communities poses an ongoing challenge for transportation authorities.
A Lesson in Dynamic Transportation Planning
The case of bus service 167 serves as a compelling case study in the dynamic nature of transportation planning.
The incident underscores the importance of community feedback, advocacy, and the need for authorities to strike a delicate balance between adapting to changing ridership patterns and ensuring essential services are retained.
As Singapore continues to evolve, the careful navigation of such challenges will be crucial in maintaining a robust and responsive public transportation network.
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