IRs told to stop free shuttle services immediately

[Vulcann]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/sin...1080401/1/.html

 

IRs told to stop free shuttle services immediately

 

By Dylan Loh | Posted: 10 September 2010 1747 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: The Casino Regulatory Authority has issued directives to the integrated resorts to stop their free shuttle bus services with immediate effect.

 

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) said at a media briefing that it received the directive at noon Friday.

 

RWS had originally planned to stop its bus services plying housing estates on Sunday night in response to concerns that these may entice more to visit its casino.

 

RWS said its priority now is to inform the public there will no longer be free shuttle services.

 

Visitors to RWS were surprised by the sudden move. Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, many like Serene Tan said they were upset as they had to get home by other means of transport.

 

The 53-year-old retiree, who was hoping to enjoy herself with her family at the RWS this Hari Raya holiday, said: "We were very shocked....What happen to those old folks who came together with us by the (free shuttle) bus? They'll be very shocked and surprised too, right, very disappointed. For those who come here and gamble, they'll feel that (there's) more reason for them to stay behind and gamble since there are no more free shuttle (buses) back."

 

There is, however, another dimension to this issue. Some have said that it is alright to have free shuttle bus services to the integrated resorts as long as people are brought to the entertainment outlets and not the casino.

 

But take a look at the layout of Resorts World Sentosa, for example. The entertainment outlets are situated all around the casino. So even if a visitor does drop at the resort to catch a show, the gambling tables are not too far away.

 

When asked about potential losses, RWS said about 5 per cent of the casino's daily visitors travel there by the free shuttle services, so the Casino Regulatory Authority's move will not have great impact on its business.

 

But things are different for the bus operators. Channel NewsAsia understands the RWS dealt with five bus operators and awarded monthly contracts for their services.

 

One of the bus operators estimated potential losses of S$1.5 million. A Transit Network Consortium spokesperson said the company might even have to retrench staff.

 

Separately, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort has also stopped its free shuttles which service certain hotels.

 

- CNA/ir

[Vulcann]

Another decision which is mind-boggling.

 

The 2 IRs have been openly doing that, presumbly with the necessary permits or licenses from the relevant authorities.

 

The Channel 8 10 o'clock news reported that as many as 1000 people will be jobless after this latest ruling.

 

The million dollar question is: what's next before the BIG day?

 

 

 

 

[Icedbs]

what was the reason? How come the Casino Regulatory Authority never give a reason?

[WolfT]

over kill liao...

They could at least wait until next wk after the long weekend.

[Vulcann]

what was the reason? How come the Casino Regulatory Authority never give a reason?

 

There were reports in the papers that several MPs raised concerns that the free RWS shuttle buses going to and fro from the HDB estates encourages heartland folks to go to RWS and gamble. They were unhappy and wanted the CRA to put a stop to it.

 

Personally feel these MPs are right (of course at back of mind still feel that it's got to do with the coming BIG day) that uncles & aunties given these convenient & free transportation will definitely want to look-see-look-see and if the urge is too strong, will folk out 10 read notes to enter the casino.

 

Then again why now? If CRA feels that these shuttle buses are not good for the masses, it should have stamp it's foot down forcibly in the 1st place.

 

It really puts the IRs (personally feel they can afford the inconvenience), the bus operators and their drivers on the spot.

 

The latter 2's livelihood may be jeopardised...

 

Edited September 10, 2010 by Vulcann

[David]

Change the RWS to "Welcome to Sentosa"

[Redplanet]

wayang ...wayang....

[Chongster]

let's be honest, they were literally bringing these people by the bus load (literally) to the casino. RWS are doing the same in JB, i think, as a moral stand, the CRA should stop that too. you cannot turn a blind eye to activities in your cty that causes social problem in your neighbour.

 

it's late, they should have been at it earlier, but better late than never.

 

 

[Xers007]

so the 100bucks is not enough to deter people to go in lah... or maybe it wasn't even a deterrence in the 1st place.

Edited September 10, 2010 by Xers007

[SimonTan]

Weird. How about those convenient betting outlets in NTUC and neighbourhood?

It's also gambling? Why not move them away from HDB living areas?

 

Those private bus companies can innovate themselves!

Implement a commissions system whereby they get paid by the eateries/shops at RWS for bringing in customers!

 

[Xers007]

It really puts the IRs (personally feel they can afford the inconvenience), the bus operators and their drivers on the spot.

 

The latter 2's livelihood may be jeopardised...

 

They say no private bus to drive no worries we got 2 big public bus company for them to join...

[Blackyv]

Crap lah.. If one is addicted to casino, it makes no different at all.. If this also consider entice, then they should not have those membership sh*t as well.. Those what one year entrance fee membership also some sort of "enticing" stuff...

[Vulcann]

Weird. How about those convenient betting outlets in NTUC and neighbourhood?

It's also gambling? Why not move them away from HDB living areas?

 

Those private bus companies can innovate themselves!

Implement a commissions system whereby they get paid by the eateries/shops at RWS for bringing in customers!

 

Ya lo since gambling is a concern, why not ban these heartland betting shops TOTALLY.

 

Where are all these MPs when these betting shops mushroom one after another?

 

Last time when policeman wear shorts only 4D on Sat & Sun.

 

Now

 

(i) 4D Wed, Sat & Sun;

 

(ii) Toto Mon & Thu;

 

(iii) Big Sweep once a month; &

 

(iv) Soccer all week

 

What's next?

 

 

Edited September 10, 2010 by Vulcann

[Redplanet]

Still have F1....

[Metalbone]

The "GREAT" wayang show as usual.

[Razgriz]

frankly i think this is overkill

 

come'on.. those bus companies finally saw 1 route where the 2 Tam the snake companies the bus cannot come compete yet they close it off?

 

what is going to happen to the company that was awarded the work? contract terminated?

 

Really la.. if u wanna bet.. u ride bicycle, walk also will go in 1... u don wan to gamble.. use old style 8-man sedan to carry u, u also don wan de... too much man..

[Tigerwoods]

was at my brothers house today. His neighbour was damn pissed off with no more bus.

He takes the RWS bus to Sentosa with family - free shuttle service to and fro to Sentosa.

 

Any direct transport service from MRT , SBS and CRA or not ?

Not everyone goes there to Gamble. Some go for shopping, eating, themepark, recreation. sightseeing...

Those who gamble, got free shuttle or no, still will go one. to go in still must pay $100. Ah Pek Ah Mm how to afford to go everyday ?

 

Build 2 casinos and afraid of citizens gamble ? Is like make drugs legal but you cannot buy them.

 

[Hiphiphoray]

Aiya....Spore pools outlets are all over the place.

 

You can find one outlet evey 1-2km radius.

 

Wed, Sat, Sun u will bound to see long quenes at these GAMBLING DENS!!!

 

Isnt this even worst than the casinos ?

 

So why pin-piont at those buses ? And put so many ppl out of jobs.

 

No logic at all.

 

wayang ...wayang....