95 drive-bys outside University Hall
Posted by otterman on 1 May 2008
The absence of the SBS bus No. 95 is a bother on most days. After exam invigilation, its tiring. Students pour out of exam halls and the buses are few and far between. By the time it reaches University Hall, the buses are so full they just drive by.
I had reached department by 7.30pm after script verification, dumped everything and grabbed my new load of scripts and high-tailed it out of there. I was actually eager to get back to recapture my momentum of the morning’s marking. After 20 mins, I was drenched in perspiration from the humidity of the still air and left with the ominous feeling that the situation was not going to improve. So I SMSed Ladybug for SBS’ IRIS data. The reply said “7 mins more.” And 7 minutes later, I watched yet another student-filled 95 breeze by.
At 8pm, some admin staff emerged from University Hall. They’ve probably seen it all before and immediately started calling for cabs. But most cabs in the vicinity were already booked. Labour Day eve compounded the usual problem. So everyone waited, although I am sure most felt the next 95 would be a drive-by too.
So I gave in and called for rescue - Ladybug came before the bus in a borrowed car. We grabbed three others from the bus stop - one lady in particular had been waiting far longer than me, for more than an hour. She looked pretty far gone, and I found out she had been spring cleaning all day today. She’s from my department.
I felt guilty about the rest we had abandoned but wished on them an empty 95.
I went home and cooked. Will resume marking tomorrow.
2 May 2008 at 10:08 am
SBS Transit obviously notes that this is the end of semester. Thus they reduce the number of buses plying the 95 route, oblivious to the fact that thousands of jailbirds and escapees flee the exam venues during these two weeks.
12 May 2008 at 7:20 pm
I think you should be using the same bus stop as me. Remember this two numbers! Always check before leaving your office. Or use mobile iris like me.
18309 - LOWER KENT RIDGE RD - COMPUTING SOC1 BLDG
18301 - LOWER KENT RIDGE RD - LIM SENG TJOE BLDG(LT 27)
If you know it will be packed and want to head to Buona Vista, walk to the U Hall stop.
18311 - LOWER KENT RIDGE RD - BLK S12
Yup, the above info is written on my whiteboard. LOL..
12 May 2008 at 9:40 pm
My bus stop is: 18319 - Lower Kent Ridge Road - OPP SHEARES HALL
Heading to BV MRT.
I usually don’t mind waiting and reading. But I will ask SBS to pre-empt the waiting of more than an hour during exam time! Especially when I saw four 95’s drive past between 5.10-5.30pm, last Thursday when chatting with a student by the side of the road.