Must you drive? Unless you 'die, die' (dead sure) must drive, how about considering taking a number of other premium buses that were launched recently?

As part of the government's on-going review to make public transport a choice mode, the Public Transport Council (PTC) introduced the revised premium bus scheme on 1 February 2007. They granted more bus service licences to operators that offer premium bus services to commuters who are prepared to pay a higher fare for a more direct and comfortable journey.

You will be pleased to know that two of the requirements, which premium bus services have to meet, are for the benefits of commuters. Only air-conditioned buses are allowed to be deployed on premium bus services and operators have to ensure that all passengers have a seat.

Under the premium bus service scheme, there is no restriction on the routes that bus operators may run. They may also call at existing bus stops (subject to bus stop capacity and traffic operation considerations).

Don't they sound familiar? Air-conditioned, comfortable seats, no limit on the routes you take... You have them all in your car too!

Some premium bus services provide direct connections from residential areas, such as Katong, Holland, Bukit Timah, Choa Chu Kang, Sengkang, Tampines, and Yio Chu Kang to city areas like Shenton Way, Robinson Road, Suntec City and Orchard Road areas. The operators will also provide return trips in the evening for high demand services.

Take a look at the routes these premium buses are plying, you may just find your ideal "chauffeur" for the next trip!

Last Updated: 8 July 2008