IMPACT OF BUS SERVICE CHANGES ON COMMUTERS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The introduction of the Northeast Line has caused a massive exercise of bus route changes. Many bus services were cut down in order to ensure that the new MRT line is fully utilised. This paper explores how the implementation of a new transport mode at the expense of another affects commuters. It also reviews the evolution of transportation planning and gives a brief idea of the situation of public transport in other countries and in Singapore. Surveys were done on the commuters who were affected by the rationalisation changes in bus services. It was discovered that the withdrawal or shortening of the bus routes did not contribute to the welfare of the commuters in general. The government has always been encouraging Singaporeans to take public transport instead of the private car. To many Singaporeans, public transport service is an essential good which thus account for its inelastic demand. When this is the case, many a time, the transit companies will have a more powerful bargaining position and most of the decisions made will be in their favour.