TR EMERITUS

According to recommendations made in a report prepared by a focus group on building a sustainable Singapore for the next 50 years, Singapore should reduce fares for public transport and lengthen the operating hours for buses and trains with the emphasis on public transport, green energy and heritage. There was no mention of reducing the high inflow of foreigners which is the most important concern of many Singaporeans right now. Due to the PAP's pro-foreigner and ultra-liberal immigration policies, foreigners now make up 36 percent of Singapore's population, up from 14 percent in 1990. Of the remaining 64 percent who are citizens, an increasing number are born overseas. There are increasing complaints from Singaporeans about the newcomers ranging from packed trains and buses, competition for jobs and strange social behaviors. According to a recent Wall Street Journal editorial, the relentless influx of foreigners into Singapore has depressed the wages of ordinary Singaporeans, increased the cost of living, especially that of public housing and led to an overall decline in the standards of living. Despite the rising unhappiness, disgruntlement and anger among Singaporeans at the PAP's immigration policies, the PAP regime continues to insist that immigration is essential for Singapore. During the recent National Day Rally, PM Lee said he "understands" the concerns of Singaporeans and urged them to welcome the immigrants with an "open heart". With Singapore already having one of the highest human density in the world, the continued inflow of foreigners will stretch limited public resources to its limits and is unsustainable in the long run. Unfortunately, it appears that the focus group is quite divorced from the sentiments on the ground and choose to go through a meaningless academic exercise to please its political masters.  Read More →

Was wondering if anybody or any one out there had encountered awful experience with any Trans Island or SBS buses? If you have and especially if you are a foreigner, am ashamed to say, that is the way to "selfless" (opposite, I meant) society now. Well, have recently observed the common transport system in Singapore including the Singapore Bus Services (SBS) having certain practices. They either come very late way after their usual schedule. Or they come in pairs or worst, in 3s to 4s. What I meant is that, for a normal commuter like myself who would prefer to hoggle up a crowded bus than to take a crappy squeeze in the MRT or train. Worst, you have to see more ugly scenes like people do not give up seats when the huge stickers are there to remind them to give to the needy?? It is almost unbearable and reflects terribly on these drivers, not to keep to their schedules and force us to wait especially like halfway emergencies like, urgent calls to the nature etc. But please do a reality check, before hiring these so-called "foreign talents" (better than labeling them as "foreign workers/labourers"). Why don't the authorities give them strict KPIs to follow and besides giving them strict training, just forewarn them of recent buses collisions incidents or so forth. The reasons that prompted me to write this page is because tonight, 18th August 2010 around or after 8pm, boarded a 970 and witnessed a nasty scene. Of course, same old story. Two 970 buses tailing each other's backs and arrived at the same time, in the same stop. Was very tempted to hail a cab, but also being a Kia Si Singaporean, don't really enjoy taking frequent joyrides from cabbies over here. When I almost reached Hillview, an old woman about 70-80ish was struggling to walk towards the bell but before she could, the bus didnt wait & so, move forward. Another old lady 50-60ish, helped by pressing the bell, the "Speedy Gonzales" driver (who happened to be Indian-dont know whether he is foreign) sped all the way.... So, this poor old lady had to walk quite a distance back to Bukit Batok East Ave 2 HDB area. Trust me, she is super old like hunched back and struggling, which both of us (with the other old lady) encouraged her to take another bus opposite instead of walking and we walked with her halfway. Hopefully, she reached SAFELY. As I was seated right at the back so didnt know what happened since was listening to my iPhone music, till I got off the same stop as them (2 old ladies). In fact, before that nobody even bothered to stop the driver besides us, which is most appalling selfish you know...so how?? I personally feel not only upbringing is the root of the problem, if people couldnt care less, then why set reminders for commuters when bus drivers themselves couldnt care less too..you know what I mean?   3FatCats  Read More →

After 11 silly and frustrating years in Singapore reading nothing but the local progaganda media, the Temasek Review is now addictive reading for me several times a day, now that I have relocated outside Singapore . Great job guys - you are doing the people of Singapore a truely immeasureable service!   Laurie K Gilbert http://www.aerialmarine.com/  Read More →