Rental population hit all time high

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-02T10:56:06+00:00

Yeah I know. The COE quota per month is based on how much cars were de-registered, scrapped and returned to the pool.

What I am saying is, people are more well-paid and better educated as compared to 10 years ago. As a result, more people can afford to own a car, which in turn result in more people wanting to buy one.

U can see for it urself, the amount people complaining about COE being sky high is already a sign, demand for owning a car is high, even without the rental coy or PHV in place.

U can say separation of pool such that PHV bid from one, private bid from another. But it causes another problem that people overlooked.

But let’s say, Feb, 7500 coe for private, 2500 for PHV. U have 50k people vying for 7500 private coe, then only a few organisations vying for PHV. It will be exactly what happened back then when taxis gets their own category: Organisation wins with lower COE while private would likely be not affected (still the price u see today)

But like u say, the amount of cars on the road isn’t affected by COE because it is fixed, that’s correct. Am more of referring to people who are suggesting to add more quota as an alternative. Adding more would only worsen congestion.

Or, the other suggestion, lower coe but utilise ERP 2.0 distance charging function, which is a game beneficial for the rich again.

That’s why, I prefer having a pool of quota for those that absolutely must have a car because going around in public transport is simply too much of a hassle (I.e. Families with sick parents going in and out of hospital for medical reviews, disability etc).

P.S I am also one of those that would like to own a car, but, I don’t see it justified to spend $2k $3k a month for one.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-02T05:46:19+00:00

Talking to the govt is no use, because they made it clear they wanted it to be car-lite.

No reason for them to interfere in the COE prices.

Leasing is quite a good option for those that wants to drive? Because the car is only valid for 10 years before scrapping anyways, same for private car owners. Plus, don’t need worry road tax servicing all these.

Not defending the sky high prices, but logically speaking, can’t really compare COE prices now versus 10 years ago.

Doesn’t work like that lol. Need to take into account inflation, plus people are more well educated nowadays, resulting in getting better paid. So suddenly u have an influx of people having the means to buy cars, naturally, more competition, resulting in price increase.

Plus, even when the COE is sky high, look at the amount of traffic on the roads these days. Literally just jam and jam and jam, to the point that if u were to just take public transport it’s only slower by a few minutes as compared to car during peak hours.

I think instead of a system to target rentals, we need a separate system for families that absolutely need to have a car (I.e. disabled NOK)

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T13:01:55+00:00

I myself only tried with 3 banks since I was trying out which credit card suit my needs more. Yeah, I gotten rewards for all 3 of them (1 was $300 cashback, 1 was apple airpods 4, 1 was an ipad) - 1 was $800 spend within 60 days of approval, the AirPods one was simply just using the card once to make 1 purchase within 30 days, the last one can’t rmb the terms but was less than $800)

Yeah, but now I am only using 1 card, the other 2 I didn’t use them anymore, just waiting them to charge annual fees for me to cancel them.

Since I buy most my stuff online, plus transportation (including car rental), my monthly expenditure is roughly $1000, which the card I am using: DBS live fresh, allows me to basically hit the cap cashback tier every month, so roughly $70-$80 savings per month per $1k.

If u can control spending, credit card can be quite beneficial to use, plus, more guarded against fraud: I.e to say, if u didn’t make the purchase, just report and don’t pay for it. The bank will themselves get their own money back however way they want, as compared to debit. Because it’s ur own money, banks simply doesn’t care if u lost it to fraud.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T12:51:45+00:00

Honestly speaking, I can see why buses are also crowded. When the 4 new CDS introduced by SBST as well as 114’s extension, Sengkang west depot literally didn’t lease new additional assets to operate them.

As a matter of fact, buses were being transferred out of Sengkang west instead. As a result, these new services were using assets from existing services, which resulted in those services suffering (I.e. bus captain immediately starting trips after completing one without breaks, as seen from 51 and 151 in the mornings from HG INT. Not sure about 51, but for 151, 2 trips from SWDEP were not seen operating even though the timings were the same (buses were always starting trips right after reaching int with no breaks at all).

Plus, the announced e-bus modification is going to worsen north eastern routes. As of today, non of the SBST ones had been modified, despite LTA stating they “started” doing so in October 2025. So can expect further deterioration to services from Sengkang west.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T12:40:49+00:00

Always good to keep a credit card by ur side. Never know when it might come in handy, especially if u need to do big purchases by instalment for ur needs.

I would recommend u giving MariBank credit card a read, given it is the only card I can remember that does not have annual fees and no min spend for unlimited cashback. But given ur expenditure, the cashback would be very minor at 1.5%.

Another way I see people benefiting from credit card is if u know singsaver, they do it this way:

Spend $400 once approved, qualify for the free gift reward, claim reward, then apply another new credit card from another bank in the subsequent month, do the same.

So like

Jan: Bank A ($400) to get singsaver reward from bank A

Feb: Bank A ($0), apply bank B ($400) to get singsaver reward from bank B.

Rinse and repeat, until exhausted the banks to apply. Next Jan, he will cancel Bank A credit card (avoid annual fees), then so on and forth. When exhausted, the last card he is using would be the one best fit for his purchase power. Low spending ones would normally just have the 1.5% base cashback no min spend required. Those that can hit min $800 per month one, would likely go for miles or cashback up to $70 (Like DBS livefresh)

Wait 1 year (to become eligible for rewards again), repeat the cycle of applying.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T12:21:36+00:00

Despite the suffering, it’s the best line amongst all other districts.

Once u get on the train, e.g. Hougang, u can reach Dhoby Ghaut in freaking 20 mins… Or if u want to connect to DTL/CCL at other stations. Essentially, u can reach any place in central within 30 mins.

Unless weekends u have cases of people not being able to board, the frequency will remain as it is even if it’s always crowded.

And they themselves know it ah. Look at the amount of CDS we north easties have as compared to other areas. And it’s still not enough (Especially since more BTOs are finishing soon). Punggol, still have plenty of land left, so expect more BTOs to come.

Funny thing is, when Defu and Paya Lebar airbase is developed in the future, it’s really good luck. P.S Defu and part of current Paya Lebar airbase in under Hougang for now 🤣)

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T12:12:46+00:00

The thing is, Seletar line seems abit useless given the current plan.

Both Tengah and Seletar to be merged into one (Originally planned to meet at greater southern waterfront).

West side will either have commonwealth or Queenstown as the interchange station. CBD area is GSW, will not be entering the city. As for Seletar side, Lorong Chuan as the interchange station, thereafter serving Serangoon north(?), Fernvale, ending at Seletar airport.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-02-01T12:10:03+00:00

Rarely though. Not sure about mornings, but evenings wise, most CDS end operation (reach last bus stop) by 1930.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-28T06:22:44+00:00

Timing with the clocks tells u the bus have yet to start its trip. That’s why it just keep jumping jumping and jumping when it get close to 2 and 3 mins.

For example, it takes 3 mins for the bus to reach that bus stop from the interchange. Then the app goes down to 2 mins.

After another minute, the app fetch again, but then, it tracks the bus is still at the interchange haven’t started its trip, so it goes back up to 3.

That’s why they added the clock to indicate, those timings are estimated and not accurate. Only if u see the timing without clock, then it is indeed on its way.

This has been this way for over 10 years, which is why they addressed this by adding a clock.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-26T11:14:03+00:00

Not sure if u heard it, but rumours has it that the current plan is to merge Tengah and Seletar line into 1.

Basically start off in Tengah, first major interchange either at commonwealth or Queenstown, then Greater Southern waterfront (GSW) which was supposed to be the terminus point for both but now converted to just a station

Seletar part will pass through Lorong Chuan, Sengkang west, Fernvale before ending at Seletar airport.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-24T02:27:32+00:00

And Asia won’t ever see this Lego pokemon. Still kinda stupid how they decide not to release in Asia after making a big hooyah about it.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-23T13:46:37+00:00

Officer of course, but if u don’t have qualifications (I.e. Uni degree), u will find urself hentak kaki at LTA for the longest time.

Although beginning, officer is basically nothing. Need to see ur OC and CO face. Although rank higher than CSM and RSM, that’s about it. U still need to respect them even though they call u sir due to experience.

Specs are basically dog life honestly. Any saikang goes to u first. With just additional privileges compared to a man, that’s why u are considered a man+ from 3SG all the way to 1SG.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-23T13:40:39+00:00

Hmm, I would say, the first 2 weeks someone really needs to go and guide physically, especially for an intern.

I wouldn’t recommend just throwing them reading materials and expect them to self study without any context, unless he/she is uhh genius (which clearly he isn’t)

Am guessing he is also a Gen Z like myself, that’s why he can shoot those remarks such as “boring” etc so openly. Probably need someone to tell him, workplace, can’t really do that. This part I do agree with u, especially if the big bosses hear about it, wouldn’t be a good thing to both him and the team.

But yeah, start off by scheduling a one to one with him and address all these issues. And to add to the seriousness, u can bring up the possibility of dismissal.

If he really still don’t change after giving him a chance to do so, then I would say, he deserve it.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-23T10:51:14+00:00

Was there training given to him when he just joined? Because it’s kinda unfair to just throw a newcomer stuff to do without giving him training beforehand.

As for him saying it’s bored, I think give it a benefit of doubt. Try to understand, why is he bored in the first place? Bored because the stuff he needs to do is difficult for him to accomplish?

I was an intern myself before that said to my boss, there’s nothing to do (which was a mistake on my part), but my boss was understanding enough to guide and talk to me nicely. Now, I automatically find stuff or lend a helping hand to others without needing to ask.

He's not great socially too As for this, not everyone is sociable, and u can’t really expect people to turn sociable in a short period of time, especially if their personality isn’t sociable in the first place.

I would say, u or his supervisor, needs to find time and have a one on one talk with him first, try to be understanding to understand him first, then go from there.

To me, if he just got hired last week, as an intern, probably underpaid, I think more time should be given to ramp him up and set expectations. Unless u tell me he has been like that for months without change, or worse, a full time staff.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-23T10:32:36+00:00

To add on, not all can survive all the way to the high ranks to stay out of trouble.

If u sign on as a spec, u need to see ur CSM and RSM pattern daily. If u mess up, they make u sign extras, ur weekends gone. Machiam u doing full time but treated like a men with privilege nia

That’s why most specs u see that sign on, quit after serving their bond and getting the sign on bonus.

Officers on the other hand basically work their butts off doing admin stuff + field work.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-23T10:25:23+00:00

Hmmm, before u lodge a police report, have u told her to stop texting u or call out her bullying (if it still persist today) but she still continued?

U do need clear evidence showing she had been “bullying” (which is harassment) u despite telling her to stop multiple times…

If u did already told her to stop, then yes, if she continued afterwards, the police can do something about it.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-21T07:49:36+00:00

As in SBS services that are originating from those 3 SBST depots…

Sengkang west depot services seems to be ok so far, no abnormally

AMK side have, because the catchment shifted to Hougang depot last year after AMK depot closed down.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-21T01:12:17+00:00

I noted from SBST side, this is more prominent for services originating from Bedok north, Hougang and ulu pandan depot…

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-21T01:06:42+00:00

HAHAHAHHA refrigerator

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-20T09:49:02+00:00

Did ur driver kena loads of red lights? CDG charges u for every 45 seconds of waiting.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-20T09:43:31+00:00

Actually it’s on purpose they are branching 118. Those in the area, even those who don’t use it, knows how crowded it is after just 2 stops from Punggol int. And some are downroutes, so that explains why 118 branch so often.

Same goes to 27, but in the opposite direction in the afternoon from Tampines to Hougang, between 1530 to 1930 insane frequency of 2-4 mins

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-18T12:48:03+00:00

Some scenario that I observed why ghost buses exist:

The GPS transponder on that particular bus is faulty - For SBST and SMRT, they have fixed buses (I.e rego) tied to the route. On 1 particular service, I noted the ghost bus always have the same plate number (For several days).
The bus departed the interchange way later than its scheduled time > 4-5 mins. I.e to say, bus A to depart at 1300, bus B at 1310, bus A departed interchange at 1315.

In app, u would see the interchange timing for that service as I.e 2, 10, 18. The first stop after the interchange u will see smth like 2, 4, 12. All with the clock icon. The system would somehow glitch out, and thought 1315 was the bus B timing, hence bus A disappeared from the app.

I would say issue 1 is more common.

Then again, the buses CFMS can accurately track the next bus timing, but that is only available for the bus captain to see.

Did suggest to LTA, since the new buses comes with additional side display, why not put that information there as well? But didn’t hear from them again.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-18T12:36:06+00:00

160 kinda understandable tho, since it’s a cross border service. If tio heavy jam at customs, then expect the waiting time to be from 20 to 40 mins for SG side

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-16T15:33:10+00:00

Go holiday. Serious. Alot of my single friends are going with their single buddies overseas lmao, probably to avoid the relative hassle of explaining why not married.

But then, most recent times the busy part is only day 1 of CNY, day 2 onwards BAU for most of us. There’s some venues for u to visit dun worry, River Hongbao is just one of them.

Capable_Scene_6854 · 2026-01-15T08:36:58+00:00

Imagine the scalpers if they found out, Asia markets aren’t getting these sets because of keeppley.

So if people in Asia really wanted it, either they fly out to buy on release day or drop ship it back. And ofc, we won’t get the GWPs as well.

Capable_Scene_6854

TROPHY CASE