I REFER to the letter, 'Buses clean, safe and comfy' (my paper, Nov 2).

I have followed the recent discussion on bus services in Singapore with great interest.

I take a bus to work daily and I find that buses in Singapore are nowhere near the standard they could be.

I certainly agree with the writer's point that buses here are more comfortable, cleaner and safer than those in Jakarta.

However, if we compare the standard of bus services here with that in less-developed places in order to feel good, we are missing the point.

To raise the levels of cleanliness and comfort - as well as improve the punctuality - of the bus fleet in Singapore, why not compare with the best?

Take for example Singapore Airlines. It is good because it compares itself with the best.

The bus system here would do well to follow suit.

Sadly, when we compare SMRT and SBS Transit with bus systems in places like Switzerland, there is still room for improvement.

Buses can run on time and on schedule. They can be clean and less crowded, allowing commuters to travel comfortably and safely.

It is a matter of general traffic policy, government will, public expectations and comparison with the best in its class that will help raise bus-service standards.

Singapore is not well-served by comparing itself to its neighbours, then feeling content.

If Singapore wants to excel, it needs to compare each area of its infrastructure with the best, no matter where that is to be found.

Complacency has never been a recipe for success.

Mr Roger Schmid

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