The Bus Is My Other Car.

In the Wheels of a Bus

Dear Diary,

Yesterday, my driver bade me a goodbye that left me heavy-hearted as he drove me to my Woodlands home. Seems like he was bidding goodbye to my coat more. He told me that I would be given a rest the next day as I would be given a complete image makeover - my cheerful orange, yellow and cream coat will have to give way to a "distinctive" black and red coat. This is part of SMRT's move to integrate its brand name from 10 May 2004.

Now, I sit inside the spray booth. The white paint will soon mask my colourful past. I feel ill at ease about Ms Saw and the red ribbons awaiting my arrival tomorrow at this grand, joyous ceremony where SMRT trains, Tibs buses and taxis will merge as one. Mr Tan will be there too, but like me, both of us will choke on tears behind our smiles. Even if tears shall flow, it will be tears of sorrow.

Perhaps the bus fans will share my sorrow. But is there anything they could do? I share their feelings of disgust towards my black rims. Just like the flapping of a butterfly wings can set off a tornado somewhere, a word from a leader can override all public opinion. Soon, SMRT buses will sweep across Singapore roads, and this change, like a tornado, is much unwanted.

Signed,
TIB972C, A once-smiling Tibs Mercedes Benz
9 May 2004

posted by 23degreecelsius @ 12:26 AM