We refer to Mr Wu Wu Sheng’s letter “I hope SBS Transit can give a quick reply” (Lianhe Zaobao, 29 March).
When considering new bus services or amendments to existing routes, LTA has to assess and balance competing needs from various stakeholders, including whether there are sufficient existing travel options and prioritise resources accordingly.
Today, residents in Jurong West have several public transport options to the City. Besides the East-West MRT Line, which is the fastest mode for such long distance travel, residents can also take Bus Service 174, Express Services 174e, 502 or City Direct Service 651.
LTA has reviewed the suggestion to amend the route of Service 198 to terminate at the New Bridge Road Bus Terminal, instead of the current Bukit Merah Interchange. This is a long extension and will require significant additional resources on buses and bus drivers. Hence, we seek Mr Wu’s understanding that Service 198 will not be extended for the time being. For travel to New Bridge Road Bus Terminal, commuters taking Service 198 can make a same stop transfer to either Service 122, 147 or 196, at the bus stop outside Commonwealth MRT station.
We thank Mr Wu for his feedback.
Helen Lim (Ms)
Group Director, Corporate Communications Group
Land Transport Authority
