Restructuring of public transport

There is some discussion in the newspaper about the restructuring of the public transport system.

Here are my views:

* The rail system to be managed by one operator, say SMRT. They should be required to put more trains in service. As a monopoly, they have to be more closely regulated on their fares and quality of service (eg reduce waiting time and avoid overcrowding).

* The public bus services should be managed by several operators, in competition with each other, and with MRT.

* Express services should be operated between the major towns

* There should be feeder services for short travel within a town or to reach the MRT station or bus terminals. The licence should be given to many small operators, including individuals.

The aim should be an efficient public transport system, rather than to maximise profit for the operators. The operators can be allowed to make a reasonable margin of profit.