TRANSPORT operators SBS Transit and SMRT Corp are submitting applications for fare hikes later on Friday, but insiders are not holding their breath for any measurable rise.
The various transport companies (not just SBS Transit & SMRT Corp) keep asking for hikes, but I hear that their bus drivers are poorly paid.
This could account for the gangster-like behaviour of many drivers. I was appalled by the antics of a particular JTC International Business Park bus driver (PA52E), along the AYE in the direction of Jurong at about 3 pm, on 1 Aug (today). He was weaving in & out of traffic & honked liberally at other vehicles to get out of his way. The bus driver tailgated a navy coloured MPV till the Clementi exit, & I caught sight of him hurling vulgarities & making obscene signs at the driver of that MPV at the traffic junction after the exit (the bus driver actually alighted from his vehicle & behaved like a hooligan while standing next to that MPV). I was directly behind that car, & must commend the driver, who simply remained inside his car, & refused to retaliate or even acknowledge the abuse.
I hope JTC will do something about such errant & abusive employees, even though I do not hold out much hope, since transport companies must have trouble recruiting drivers, in view of the low pay & long hours.
is my memory playing tricks? i thought the other day, there's an article to mention SMRT still coping well despite high fuel price because there is an increase in commuters??? then why are they now asking for fare hike???
As usual the transport companies want to maintain their obscene profits for shareholders so press for fare hike by giving all sorts of excuses while maintaining current levels of poor service and long wait times. The commuters can only do like what #4 says "squeeze our b**ls"
August 01, 2008 Friday, 11:50 AM
