Youtube user Galaxnite uploaded this video (please next time don't shoot vertical videos leh) of the infamous SMRT bus 190 that is always overcrowded and often impossible to board. I have taken 190 before and it is a sucky ride.
SMRT released a media statement after the video went viral and said they would "continue to monitor the situation closely as part of our commitment to deliver a positive customer experience."
Yeah right. The customer service is terrible. Have you tried complaining to them before? I have. In fact, I did it on the 3rd of Sept 2013, more than a month ago, about one of their drivers who didn't give way to my bicycle. Included a freaking DIAGRAM of the incident some more.
NO. REPLY. YET.
This is the kind of responsiveness you can expect from SMRT.
No wonder the response to the Bus 190 media statement was rage and anger.
Choa Chu Kang (CCK) and Bukit Panjang (BP) residents like the 190 bus because it takes them to town faster than even the MRT. HWZ forummer iceandfire wrote:
"I had to laugh while reading this… Because it's just so normal to me already. Like don't affect me. It's forever crowded.
I've lived in Choa Chu Kang for over 23 years & I take 190 every single day. Used to live in BP, everyday also 190 to and fro.
It is the fastest and convenient mode of transport to Orchard from CCK or BP. MRT can take up to 10 mins longer & sibeh mafan. Change here, there for Green Line, JE too crowded cannot breathe. Red line keep stop at Ang Mo Kio, Yishun. Now train forever faulty. One whole platform already filled, train can break down somemore. Come I clap for you SMRT.
190 is really the best way to go to town from CCK or BP.
The bus is a bit weird weird de. The frequency is about 5 mins but sometimes a bit off then long queue even at CCK interchange. There were a few times I just missed the bus then I ended up waiting 20 mins… at the interchange.
But the bus overcrowding is the absolute best.
Some old uncle and aunties will sit at the side. Put their plastic bags on the seats and even when crowded, they ignore then just act like nothing happened. Once I saw a kid, maybe about 3-5 years ask if she can sit there, the uncle just ignore her. The girl's mother end up just shake head then ask the girl to walk.
One time I saw this guy's leg all bandaged up. Not one person in the bus even let him sit down.
Then there are times people don't know how to move in. Uncle always end up shouting. That's why you can go in from exit. You tap in front then go in from exit.
Those handicap buses are the worst. Nobody wants to move in because it is horrible to stand at the back where you can barely balance.
Now they deploy LTA people or something to stand at the last bus stop of BP before highway already. But so time consuming. Uncle will shout la, they ask to move in la but end product people also don't move in.
Btw, if I go home from town… I will usually walk 2-3 bus stops away or just take the bus straight from Outram so it is from one end to the other. I sound so lazy but it's true. Why must I let my legs suffer more after suffering an entire day at work?
OH AND PEOPLE DO CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE THE BUS AND WOULD RATHER WAIT. WHY? BECAUSE NO SEATS.
Which is why I find it stupid when they decided to remove the seats so more people can board. The minute you see people standing, you will auto think bus is full and you won't board."
The HWZ forum discussion went from the bus 190 itself to life in Choa Chu Kang, god_of_smallthings wrote:
"Why would anyone want to retire in CCK?
1. It is crowded as hell.
2. There are no interesting amenities.
3. They have never heard of fresh air there.
4. It is far from the causeways.
5. They expect most of the children there to go to ITE.
6. Lot 1 has 4 cinema screens and 5 ushers.
7. The roads are just complete spiderly convoluted crap.
8. It is full of foreigners.
9. It is the furthest place in Singapore from town, even further than Changi Village."CCK is where children's hopes and dreams go to die."
Wah, CCK so jialat life ah? And with a overcrowded 190 SMRT bus, maybe that's why people from there are so bitter sia. Haha!
Who knows, SMRT may have to resort to this:
Video source: http://youtu.be/ezQlayJE8Qs
