Farewell, Bus 971: Singapore’s Tiny Public Transport Party
Picture this: a crowd of 40 bus‑obsessed, mostly bloke‑ish folks lining up at a Bukit Panjang stop, waving goodbye to their favourite ride—Bus 971—like it’s a flavour‑changing toast at a quirky pub. It’s the end of an era, but the scene was far from a sombre ceremony; it felt more like a spontaneous, heartfelt goodbye‑party with a dash of TikTok‑style drama.
What Happened?
On the night of April 1st, at roughly 8:45 pm, the last half‑hour of those behind the bus’s final whistle turned into a genuine fan‑farewell. The 19‑year‑old “bus geek” Adiel Rusyaidi hopped on the final trip and captured the whole thing in a 10‑second TikTok clip that has since racked up over 520,000 views.
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Segued from the “first stop” at the Tanjong Pagar MRT, the bus ran full‑tilt up to the terminal at Blk 541A on Bukit Panjang Ring Road, with people standing on rails—a rare sight that only gets topped when the Singapore community gets extra excited.
Why the Fuss?
- Legacy Route: Launched in August 2020, Bus 971 used to run from Bukit Panjang all the way to Cecil Street/Anson Road, cutting through the streets of Jelapang, Pending, BKE/PIE, Orchard and even Bras Basah. In less than two years, it’s gone.
- The Switch: The service was hand‑shaken out after the Land Transport Guru had upgraded Bus 972M to cover many of the same routes. A tweak that kept commuters connected but left the original line in the gravel.
- Accessibility: You’ll still fly to Bras Basah Road or Shenton Way by taking Bus 972 (and maybe a shimmy‑shammy on 162 or 167), or simply hop on the MRT. Public transport love is alive and well in Singapore.
Community Reaction
Not everyone had a take‑away: some TikTok users poked fun, calling the whole thing “bored out of commotion.” Allow me to say—if you’re galavanting your way around the city, you’ll have a crew just as passionately into planes, cars or even Omega watches. Where there’s a shared love, there’s a community.
“Usually, there’s a community about something,” Adiel replied. “Even if it’s about buses.” He punctured it with a touch of humility and humor, letting us know that such laughter is a vital stitch in Singapore’s urban tapestry.
Takeaway
So, whether you’re a bus enthusiast clinging to 971’s last journey, or you’re simply watching a local TikTok clip, it’s a reminder that even with two‑year‑slow services, the warmth of local communities stays—a perfect comedic encore to the city’s transport show.
City’s 971 Bus Service Pulls the Plug
Hey folks, you won’t believe the news that just rolled out in the city! The well‑traveled 971 bus route has been officially discontinued. A short but electrifying video that captures the moment—right before the last bus pulls out of the terminal—has been shared on TikTok and has started a conversation that’s buzzing louder than a city siren at midnight.
What the Video Shows
- A packed passenger lane, with people clutching their umbrellas just as the rain starts to pour.
- The final announcement on the screen: “Route 971 – Ending Service.”
- A sigh of relief and a touch of bewilderment from commuters, who didn’t know what to do next.
Why This Chills (and Why It’s Not All Bad)
They say the route was deemed unviable due to low ridership and overlapping transit options. But the real surprise? Some locals are already scouting for the next best bus to jump on.
Humor in Hard Times
When the bus left, some passengers started laughing instead of sighing. One candid clip shows a group of seniors mimicking a dance step, turning the “end” into a “new beginning.” It’s heartening to see the city letting go and letting go with a chuckle.
Another Story That Rose Temperature
In a heart‑warming story, a bus driver spotted a stray cat steamed in a rain‑slick shelter. The driver’s quick decision to let the raccoon—no, the cat—stay added a splash of compassion to the gloomy day. He shared that the cat’s mere presence had kept the group’s spirits afloat, sending a “rainy day shelter” story online. The cuteness sparked a flood of comments about “cold hearts in hot buses.”
What Commuters Should Keep in Mind
- Check the updated bus map—you might have more options.
- Plan your fresh pull‑out for the next route.
- Keep a little cheer handy; after all, the city’s got a natural flair for resilience.
All in all, the discontinuation of 971 is just a new chapter. The city’s public transportation network remains robust, and with social media at its fingertips, commuters can hop onto the next roll‑out of adventure.
