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Sep 18, 2010
Ban on IR shuttle service not the answer
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I REFER to Wednesday's report online ("IRs breach casino rules").
The integrated resorts (IRs) were marketed to be more than just about the casinos. They were supposed to be one-stop entertainment outlets with attractions catering to families as well.
Therefore, it was a great idea that the two IRs decided to commence shuttle bus services from various parts of Singapore to their premises. They allowed families easier access to Sentosa.
These shuttle bus services were stopped abruptly recently. While I do see the reasons behind it, I think the matter could have been better handled, instead of imposing an immediate and total ban.
The ban has resulted in rather severe consequences with bus companies fearing massive losses and projecting job cuts. Families are also now inconvenienced as they have lost an easy way to get to the IRs.
I propose that the Government allow a revised shuttle service to be re-introduced. This revised service could have one or more of the following features:
- It could stop at designated bus stops that are far away from the casino; there should be no stop at the casino entrance;
- Alternatively, the bus could just drop people off at HarbourFront and leave them to take the current authorised shuttles into Sentosa;
- The bus service should stop at 10pm and no later;
- Tickets to Universal Studios and other attractions could be sold at the bus pick-up points in the heartland. This also serves to attract more people to the theme park.
These proposed amendments serve to promote the use of shuttles by anyone, not just casino-goers. The Government should also acknowledge that gamblers will definitely find a way into the casino, and that the mere removal of a shuttle service is unlikely to stop them.
The objective, I suggest, should be to strike a balance for everyone. Cutting off the shuttle service is not the way to go.
Tang Shangjun
Ban on IR shuttle service not the answer
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
I REFER to Wednesday's report online ("IRs breach casino rules").
The integrated resorts (IRs) were marketed to be more than just about the casinos. They were supposed to be one-stop entertainment outlets with attractions catering to families as well.
Therefore, it was a great idea that the two IRs decided to commence shuttle bus services from various parts of Singapore to their premises. They allowed families easier access to Sentosa.
These shuttle bus services were stopped abruptly recently. While I do see the reasons behind it, I think the matter could have been better handled, instead of imposing an immediate and total ban.
The ban has resulted in rather severe consequences with bus companies fearing massive losses and projecting job cuts. Families are also now inconvenienced as they have lost an easy way to get to the IRs.
I propose that the Government allow a revised shuttle service to be re-introduced. This revised service could have one or more of the following features:
- It could stop at designated bus stops that are far away from the casino; there should be no stop at the casino entrance;
- Alternatively, the bus could just drop people off at HarbourFront and leave them to take the current authorised shuttles into Sentosa;
- The bus service should stop at 10pm and no later;
- Tickets to Universal Studios and other attractions could be sold at the bus pick-up points in the heartland. This also serves to attract more people to the theme park.
These proposed amendments serve to promote the use of shuttles by anyone, not just casino-goers. The Government should also acknowledge that gamblers will definitely find a way into the casino, and that the mere removal of a shuttle service is unlikely to stop them.
The objective, I suggest, should be to strike a balance for everyone. Cutting off the shuttle service is not the way to go.
Tang Shangjun
