17 February 2006 – SBS Transit’s Citybuzz and Chinatown Direct Services saw an increase of 21% in ridership during the Lucky Hongbao Giveaways Promotion period between 29 January and 12 February 2006.

The Lucky Hongbao Giveaways Promotion was specially planned for the Lunar New Year. Lucky Hongbao coupons were distributed at selected Bus interchanges, NEL stations, on board buses for commuters to cut out and exchange for a Sure-Win hongbao with the Bus Captains when they travel on our Citybuzz services – C1, C2 and C3 or Chinatown Direct services – CT8, CT18 and CT28. A total of 4000 hongbaos were given away during the 15 days promotion.

At a lucky draw held today at SBS Transit headquarters, 71-year-old SBS Transit commuter, Mr Wu Sek Koon, walked away with the top prize of a Mitsuibitshi Starmex air-con and $200 restaurant voucher.

Mr Wu and his wife are regular commuters of Chinatown Direct Service CT18 which plys from Bedok North to Chinatown.

“My wife and I like to shop at Chinatown during weekends. We used to take a feeder service to the train station to catch a train ride to Chinatown. But since the launch of Chinatown Direct Services, we have been taking CT18 which provides us a direct link to Chinatown. Our travelling time was reduced from 30 minutes to 20 minutes. It is really convenient.”

Apart from the 1st prize, other prizes given out today included a 20 inch LCD TV, digital camera, spa and restaurant vouchers.