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SINGAPORE: The Casino Regulatory Authority has issued directives to the integrated resorts to stop their free shuttle bus services with immediate effect.
Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) said at a media briefing that it received the directive at noon Friday.
RWS had originally planned to stop its bus services plying housing estates on Sunday night in response to concerns that these may entice more to visit its casino.
RWS said its priority now is to inform the public there will no longer be free shuttle services.
Visitors to RWS were surprised by the sudden move. Speaking to Channel NewsAsia, many like Serene Tan said they were upset as they had to get home by other means of transport.
The 53-year-old retiree, who was hoping to enjoy herself with her family at the RWS this Hari Raya holiday, said: "We were very shocked....What happen to those old folks who came together with us by the (free shuttle) bus? They'll be very shocked and surprised too, right, very disappointed. For those who come here and gamble, they'll feel that (there's) more reason for them to stay behind and gamble since there are no more free shuttle (buses) back."
However, there is another dimension to this issue. Some have said that it is alright to have free shuttle bus services to the integrated resorts, as long as people are brought to the entertainment outlets and not the casino.
But if one takes a look at the layout of Resorts World Sentosa, for example, the entertainment outlets are situated all around the casino. So even if a visitor does get dropped off at the resort to catch a show, the gambling tables are not too far away.
Members of the public can also take the two escalators near the bus bay which lead up to Universal Studios Singapore and retail outlets.
When asked about potential losses, RWS said about 5 per cent of the casino's daily visitors travel there by the free shuttle services, so the Casino Regulatory Authority's move will not have great impact on its business.
But things are different for the bus operators. Channel NewsAsia understands the RWS dealt with five bus operators and awarded monthly contracts for their services.
One of the bus operators estimated potential losses of S$1.5 million. A Transit Network Consortium spokesperson said the company might even have to retrench staff.
Separately, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort has also stopped its free shuttles which service certain hotels.
- CNA/ir
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