SMRT found lacking when it comes to public bus improvements

I have read with much interest a column posted on the straits times forum and i totally agree with the writer on the standard of SMRT buses. I think it's the same sentiments shared by the vast majority of the population living in the northern which are dominated by SMRT buses. They seem to be far behind the standards set by SBS Transit. Besides the irregular frequency between services, there's also nothing new or sophisticated about the majority of SMRT's fleet of buses which have remained in service for longer than 10 years. Some buses like the one regularly used on Route 178 are extremely old buses that have been used since the 80's.

Some of these buses are so filthy and it can be a really unpleasant journey. You would not be suprised to find on most SMRT buses that the seat covers are stained and smelly. Some of the seats at the backl even come off ! The aircon won't be working on hot days, even if they do work the vents would be leaking and you could see the panels corroded, you might even see cockroaches and other insects crawling onto your seats from time to time. The kind of service displayed by SMRT buses are even worse than some third world countries. It's rather embaressing that the authorities are turning a blind eye to the apparent shocking low standards on SMRT buses.