Looking at 167 today, demand is still quite strong. Theres probably only 3 reasons why this is the case:
1. Duplicative demand that could otherwise be covered by 980;
2. Low demand that accumulated due to the 30min frequency (so if 1 person waits for 167 every 5min (“low demand”), it means once 167 arrives there are 6 ppl waiting, thus “accumulated demand”)
3. Genuine & unique demand
Point 3 is the reason why I think during the TEL3 Rationalisations, they shouldn’t have just reverted 167 into 30min freq, but they should have also **kept the entire route of 162 as a whole**. Because not only is the section between Upp Thomson & Bukit Merah the only unique sector of 167, it also faces the highest demand along its entire route (apart from stolen 980 demand)
162’s old route actually helps fully cover that unique sector, if an extension to Bukit Merah is included. Although 162 seems like more of a TEL dupe than 167, it’s easier to sustain a higher frequency on 162 than 167 because it doesn’t duplicate another service for huge lengths (ahem 167 & 980), plus already has high demand within AMK – Upp Thomson
Looking at 167 today, demand is still quite strong. Theres probably only 3 reasons why this is the case:
1. Duplicative demand that could otherwise be covered by 980;
2. Low demand that accumulated due to the 30min frequency (so if 1 person waits for 167 every 5min (“low demand”), it means once 167 arrives there are 6 ppl waiting, thus “accumulated demand”)
3. Genuine & unique demand
Point 3 is the reason why I think during the TEL3 Rationalisations, they shouldn’t have just reverted 167 into 30min freq, but they should have also **kept the entire route of 162 as a whole**. Because not only is the section between Upp Thomson & Bukit Merah the only unique sector of 167, it also faces the highest demand along its entire route (apart from stolen 980 demand)
162’s old route actually helps fully cover that unique sector, if an extension to Bukit Merah is included. Although 162 seems like more of a TEL dupe than 167, it’s easier to sustain a higher frequency on 162 than 167 because it doesn’t duplicate another service for huge lengths (ahem 167 & 980), plus already has high demand within AMK – Upp Thomson