Tan Kin Lian - Perspectives Display the destination sequence number (DSN) on the bus
I suggested to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) that each bus should display a destination sequence number (DSN) for each bus stop along the route. The DSN will start from 1 (at the interchange) and increase sequentially for each stop along the route. The DSN will be displayed on the bus, as it travels on the route. The DSN is specific to each bus service. 

LTA replied that there are three problems in implementing my suggestion. I gave them a reply to these problems. 

Case 1: A bus route is amended, and bus stops are removed or added resulting in changes to the sequence numbers.  Passengers that were used to a sequence number assigned to their destination would be confused when the sequence number changed.

TKL reply: As a passenger, I do not rely on my memory of the destination sequence number (DSN). When I am familiar with the route and the landmarks are clearly visible, I look outside the bus for the landmarks. I would only rely on the DSN when I am traveling on an unfamiliar route or the landmarks cannot be seen, e.g. at night. In such a case, I would refer to the DSN guide (on my mobile app or on the bus) and watch the DSN displayed on the bus.  Over the years, there were many occasions when I had missed my destination on a familiar route, because the landmark could not be seen at night or the bus was crowded.  The display of the DSN would have prevented this bad experience.

Case 2: When there are more than one bus service plying a bus stop, the sequence number for one bus service would be different for another bus service. For example, bus stop “Opp Blk 203A” might be assigned sequence number 8 for service 163, while service 27 that calls at the same bus stop might be assigned sequence 50.

TKL reply: I had already explained that the DSN is specific to each bus service. If I am on that service, I will look for my destination by name and take note of the DSN of the destination. I would not be bothered that the bus stop has a different DSN for another service. 

Case 3: Some services, such as service 27 may have some trips starting from the middle of the route, instead of at the bus interchange.  The sequence numbers of such shorter trips would be different compared to regular trips.

TKL reply: It does not matter to me, as a passenger, that the DSN for a shorter service does not start with the number 1 or ends before the final DSN. These shorter services can use the DSN of the regular service.

Case 4: LTA said that all new buses procured are installed with a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS@Bus), which displays upcoming stops and makes audio announcements of the next stop.  They currently have about 720 buses with the PIDS@Bus.

TKL reply: I find the expensive digital displays and voice announcements to be unhelpful. The display shows the names of the next three stops. I still have to monitor the stops continuously and attentively to be sure that I do not miss my destination. I also find the voice announcements to be unhelpful, as I cannot hear the announcements clearly. After waiting for ten years (since I first raised the suggestion of the DSN display), I still travel on buses that does not have any display.

Tan Kin Lian 
 

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