SBS DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES (Particulars)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications (a) how many Singapore Bus Service Limited double-decker buses there are on the road today; (b) whether any study has been carried out to establish the reasons for the unpopularity of those buses, and, if so, what are the results of the study and what remedial measures have been taken; (c) whether more double-decker buses will be introduced in the future; (d) is it more economical to operate those buses; and (e) how many accidents involving such buses have occurred to date.

The Senior Minister of State for Communications (Mr Ong Teng Cheong) (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the answers are as follows:

(a) There are 20 double-deckers in operation today.

(b) No systematic study has been conducted yet. However, from observations and conductors' opinions, it can be said that the double-deckers are not unpopular. They are well received by commuters generally. In fact, their bigger capacity, that is 85 seats and 12 standee space compared with 41 and 32 respectively for long wheel-base single deck buses, makes them very popular.

We are trying them out under two operational modes: one-man-operation and two-man operation. In both cases, we find them well utilised by commuters.

(c) SBS is very encouraged by the initial success of the double-decker buses and is actively considering the acquisition of more units.

(d) SBS' calculations show that the operating cost is less for a double-decker bus than a long wheel-base single deck bus. In terms of capacity, two of them are equivalent to three long wheel-base single deck buses.

(e) During the nine months of operation, the 20 double-decker buses have encountered 28 minor traffic accidents,