For example, buses that ply along Clementi Road are often packed during term-time peak hours as passengers include students and staff of the three educational institutions, namely, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Institute of Management and National University of Singapore, not counting some of the secondary schools that are in the vicinity.

Smaller operators who may not have the capital or intent to compete with the incumbents nationally could be allowed to deploy some of their buses to help ease the congestion during the peak periods. They can offer short rides from bus stop to bus stop or bus stop to the schools. This would be similar to the current practice whereby private bus operators have their passengers pay their fares in cash, taking them from their workplace to the nearest MRT station.

Some flexibility here may mean that smaller operators could help to meet commuters' needs during peak hours, with the buses being deployed to other uses during off-peak hours.

Commuters recognise the planners' desire to offer convenience by encouraging the future bus operators to invest in a common cashless system. However, commuters may not mind the inconvenience of paying in cash if it means a more direct and comfortable commute to their destinations.

Perhaps there can be room for private bus operators with smaller fleets?

Chang Li Lin (Ms)

NICHE ROLE

Smaller operators could be allowed to deploy some of their buses, offering short rides from bus stop to bus stop or bus stop to the schools.