NEE SOON SOUTH – THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR PRIVATE ESTATES

What would you wish for in this day and time during Christmas?  Well it depends on who and what you are.  Residents of Private Estates at the Springside, Thong Soon Gardens, Springleaf and Hong Heng Mansion are considered well-heeled and almost all can afford to shower themselves with the dream presents a wanting.   But MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC and Adivisor to Nee Soon South Grassroots Organizations had a different take on Christmas presents for her residents in this enclave under the watch of the Springleaf Neighbourhood Committee.  It took her almost a year to wrangle the way to unwrap this present for her community residents – listening, talking, persuading, negotiating and even appealing to all relevant parties to bring the GIFT of CONVENIENCE by way of two  Green Buses that serves a direct point-to-point shuttle service between the two major estates to the Yio Chu Kang MRT station and Bus Interchange.   Residents, particularly students and housewives rejoice the introduction of the direct shuttle bus service as the greatest Christmas present as it eases and brings relief to the many years of Bus transfers, crossing roads and lengthier time of traveling.   At the launch and Party held on Christmas Day 2007, the media & press were out in force to cover the joy and jubilation celebrated by the residents of the four combined estates.  A note of caution, however still prevails as this bus service is on a trial run for a three month period and only sufficient ridership will ensure its continuity.  Nevertheless, we thank our MP and SMRT for stepping forward to agree to give the service a trial and you have provided this Gift with the added magical touch.