Saturday, June 2, 2007
Skype to Skype
I spoke to my friend on Skype to Skype. The voice is very clear. It is clearer than speaking over the mobilephone. It is free.
Bus to Kuala Lumpur
You can take a "first class (16 seater)" bus to Kuala Lumpur and return for SGD 101. I am told that it is comfortable, like a first class seat on a plane. The journey takes 5 hours.
The bus leaves Golden Mile Complex, Beach Road at 0730, 0930, 1130, 1430 1630 and 1830. The return bus leaves Pasarayat, Jalan Melat (off Jln Imbi) at 0800, 1000, 1100, 1400, 1600 and 1800.
I shall try this mode of transport one day. Maybe, I can stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
The bus leaves Golden Mile Complex, Beach Road at 0730, 0930, 1130, 1430 1630 and 1830. The return bus leaves Pasarayat, Jalan Melat (off Jln Imbi) at 0800, 1000, 1100, 1400, 1600 and 1800.
I shall try this mode of transport one day. Maybe, I can stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur.
Learn about structured products
Reduce demand for taxis
It is expensive to take a taxi in Singapore. A short trip in the business district can cost $10.
The high taxi fares is due to the following:
* it is expensive to operate a taxi, due to high rental, ERP and other charges
* there is heavy demand for taxis
Why is there a heavy demand?
Many people find it difficult to take a bus. They may know their regular bus service to their home or workplace, but they usually do not know how to take a bus to other destinations. They have to rely on taxis.
What is the solution?
I suggest that local services should be introduced to move commuters within a town (or the business district) and to the nearby MRT station or bus terminus.
For example, a town like Ang Mo Kio could be served by 4 local services (A, B, C and D). It is easy to display the maps of the local services at the bus stops. The business district could also be served by a few local services.
It is time to re-think our public transport system.
The high taxi fares is due to the following:
* it is expensive to operate a taxi, due to high rental, ERP and other charges
* there is heavy demand for taxis
Why is there a heavy demand?
Many people find it difficult to take a bus. They may know their regular bus service to their home or workplace, but they usually do not know how to take a bus to other destinations. They have to rely on taxis.
What is the solution?
I suggest that local services should be introduced to move commuters within a town (or the business district) and to the nearby MRT station or bus terminus.
For example, a town like Ang Mo Kio could be served by 4 local services (A, B, C and D). It is easy to display the maps of the local services at the bus stops. The business district could also be served by a few local services.
It is time to re-think our public transport system.
High property prices in Singapore
I worry about the escalating property prices in Singapore.
Although it started with the properties in the prime districts, it has moved to the fringe districts. It will raise the prices of HDB properties in due course.
The increase in property values will not benefit owners who have a single property. They cannot realise the gain as they have to buy another property at a higher price, unless they choose to downgrade to a smaller property.
The higher prices will be a burden to the younger generation. They will find it more expensive to afford a property.
It is better for Singapore, if the property prices are kept at a modest level, and not allowed to escalate out of control.
Although it started with the properties in the prime districts, it has moved to the fringe districts. It will raise the prices of HDB properties in due course.
The increase in property values will not benefit owners who have a single property. They cannot realise the gain as they have to buy another property at a higher price, unless they choose to downgrade to a smaller property.
The higher prices will be a burden to the younger generation. They will find it more expensive to afford a property.
It is better for Singapore, if the property prices are kept at a modest level, and not allowed to escalate out of control.
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