WAB Buses, is there a need?

On 1st Nov 2007, SBS Transit launched their newest addition to their fleet, Scania K230UB. SBST purchased a total of 500 of these buses, to replace their outgoing old models, Volvo B10M MKII, Scania N113CRB and Mercedes Benz O405, purchased between 1988 and 1992. These K230UB, are single-deck Wheelchair Accessible Buses (WABs), which means Passenger-In-Wheelchair (PIW) can board these buses. A maximum of 2 PIWs can board the bus at the same time, which is quite difference from k230UB predecessor, the Volvo B9TL Double Decker WAB Bus, which can only accomodate 1 PIW.

SBST Newest Addition: Scania K230UB, Wheelchair Ramp @ rear door & PIWs' "parking lots"

Volvo B9TL


The Volvo B9TL Double-Decker WAB Bus was launched on 26 Jun 2006, the aim is to allow PIW to be able to have another alternative public transport other than MRT train and cab. To date, I've never seen a PIW on board before, which actually sadden me as SBST keep on increasing their fares in order to purchase these buses, but was not fully utilized. To even make thing worse, SBST have installed TV Mobile on some of these B9TL WABs (SVC147), directly on top of the PIW destinated area! Which PIW will dare to take these buses, with other passengers looking at his/ her direction?

Most of all, is there a need to have WAB Buses, since no PIW was in sight on these buses?

A two cents penny worth of my view.