On August 3, 2020, SMRT posted an update on bus routes serving the Downtown Line 2 corridor.

Service 700/700A's last day of operations will be on August 15.

The announcement drew quite a lot of flak on Facebook.

The two main gripes appear to be:

1. Despite many in the comments acknowledging the fall in demand for 700/700A due to the Downtown line, the concern expressed by some included the inconvenience it might cause to some who use the service as well as making other services even more packed.

and 2. Changing 972 bus route, which would increase the time taken to get to town.

MP responds

In a Facebook post later that day, Bukit Panjang MP Liang Eng Hwa and Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Edward Chia responded to the changes in bus routes.

Liang talked about how the "drastic changes" would cause much inconvenience to the residents commuting to the city area.In the post, Liang also mentioned how he has been engaging Land Transport Authority but to no avail.

"Unfortunately, the bus planners at LTA are not open to our alternative suggestions. I am saddened that they have no regard on how these changes will impact our residents’ lives."

He further urged LTA to "consider delaying the changes and work with us on a better solution".

Image from SMRT and PAP