SgWiki:Manifesto 2025

Message from Supernutorcrazy

Hello sgWiki Editors,

I believe it is fitting to introduce the sgWiki Manifesto 2025, particularly in this Singapore’s election year, to outline plans for enhancing sgWiki.

Before proceeding, I wish to briefly address the recent controversies and conflicts involving myself and non-editors (critics who merely consume sgWiki content without contributing). I feel it is necessary to provide context and clarify the rationale behind these disagreements, which, regrettably, were often overlooked.

Goal #1: Revamping of sgWiki Buses

As you are all aware, sgWiki Buses is undergoing a significant revamp, with the roadmap and explanation included here for those who may not have read it. I will not elaborate further on this but instead use this opportunity to reinforce my stance.

Firstly, critics often lament changes with remarks such as, "If it isn't broken, why fix it?" These critics frequently argue about decisions such as the government banning articulated (bendy) buses and replacing them with double-deckers on feeder services, or requiring operators to adopt single-controlled depots, among other examples. While I do agree with these opinions in terms of nostalgia, much like the critics, I also understand the rationale behind such decisions when viewed from a broader operational perspective. These changes, while seemingly disruptive and informed by logistics and resource management considerations, could be approached in better ways. I firmly believe that a more effective solution exists—one that does not rely solely on nostalgia or past practices but incorporates innovative strategies to address the challenges at hand.

Critics argue that the new format is not mobile-friendly due to the need for extensive scrolling on mobile phone. I agree, which is why subpages are now being introduced to address this issue. However, some critics attribute the long scrolling to the removal of advertisement ads and the introduction of the former deployment format. I respectfully disagree with this perspective—why raise this now and use it as a point of criticism when this challenge already existed in the previous format? For instance, consider 500 rows of registration under SBS Transit (e.g., Scania KU230UB) in a single table without segmentation, without the ability to filter or sort data efficiently. Navigating to the last registration plate would still require extensive scrolling, especially when numerous buses feature advertisements.

Next, we have the Bus Service Page, which showcases history, deployment details, and additional write-ups. Critics have alleged that the concept was taken from Land Transport Guru, arguing that viewers now prefer their platform over sgWiki, relegating sgWiki to a niche bus enthusiast community. However, these claims demonstrate a lack of research and understanding of the history. In fact, these pages were originally created on sgWiki in 2012, well before Land Transport Guru—then known as PublicTransportSG@WordPress—was launched. At the time, the administrator removed these pages, labelling them as redundant and unnecessary, which subsequently led to the inclusion of a specific clause in the sgWiki guidebook to address such situations. This created an opportunity for enthusiasts to launch PublicTransportSG@WordPress in 2013, which has since evolved into the popular platform known today as Land Transport Guru.

With all these efforts, I hope sgWiki Buses can evolve into a platform comparable to "Land Transport Guru," driven by community collaboration to deliver comprehensive and detailed information. This resource aims to serve not only bus enthusiasts but also the wider public—providing insights into sectors with high demand, the types of bus fleets in operation (e.g., predominantly double-deckers or single-deckers), and much more.

I would like to extend special thanks to the following editors for their invaluable contributions (if I have missed your username, I apologise in advance—please feel free to edit and add your name here):

• Alphabetlore1 - For creating most of the trunk pages
• sgbusntrain - For revamping the majority of the pages
• CastJared, sgeditransport5929 - For updating the linked pages
• Kimminju, Shaun, BusFan74, Gabrielcheong, Harem, SG5064X, Junchennn - For ensuring the deployment details remain accurate

Goal #2: Revamping sgWiki Rails

Upon reflection, I acknowledge the initial design of sgWiki Rails was flawed, as it lacked modularity and foresight. This has presented challenges in updating and revamping the user interface. However, addressing these challenges is now necessary as part of this goal.

A brief history: sgWiki Rails initially borrowed and rephrased content from Wikipedia. Over time, Wikipedia began removing critical information such as "First and Last Train Timings," "Bus Connections," and other details, deeming them non-encyclopaedic. Eventually, station pages, particularly for LRT stations, were deleted due to insufficient information or perceived lack of relevance.

This shift highlights the need for sgWiki Rails to act as a dedicated replacement for Wikipedia in this domain. While Wikipedia offers a broader perspective, Singapore-specific details often fall outside its scope. Hence, it is up to us to provide this information comprehensively.

Interestingly, Wikipedia and PublicTransportSG@WordPress adopted some of our original ideas. For instance, the capsule code for station codes, which I designed and implemented, was later incorporated into Wikipedia through the contributions of "TimothyMok" and subsequently adopted by PublicTransportSG@WordPress.

There are three main aspects of this revamp:

1. Historical Write-ups from Construction to Today
   There is significant potential to improve the historical content, and I believe we can excel in this area.
2. Linking to sgWiki Buses
   Subpages for each station, such as "Alternate Transport Options," aim to guide commuters during MRT breakdowns. The revamp will ensure this information is as accurate and up-to-date as possible, addressing gaps in maintenance.

• Train Run Numbers (TRN)
  Including TRN data would provide valuable insights for the general public, such as the launch times of empty trains from depots or the schedule of short-working trips (e.g., terminating at Yishun or Paya Lebar).

I hope new and existing editors will take on this commitment to make sgWiki a better resource.

Special thanks to the following editors for their contributions (if I have missed your username, please feel free to edit and include it here):

• Wekelwrady - For compiling and creating the "Alternate Travel Options" pages

Goal #3: Education Page

This goal builds upon the exceptional foundation established by sgbusntrain. The creation of an education category to comprehensively catalogue educational properties is a highly promising initiative. By providing detailed and structured information, this category has the potential to serve as a valuable resource for both educators and the general public. I encourage both new and existing editors to actively contribute to the expansion and refinement of this category, ensuring its relevance and accuracy, and further elevating sgWiki as a trusted information platform.

Goal #4: Tourism Page

The Tourism Page was initiated in response to the recovery of the tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. While I have not yet had the opportunity to complete the write-ups, I would like to commend sgbusntrain for his valuable contributions. I strongly encourage other editors to enhance this section further by incorporating comprehensive context, detailed information, and practical advice about Singapore’s attractions. This could include guidance on how to visit these places, insider tips for a better experience, and logistical information to make the Tourism Page a go-to resource for visitors planning their trips.

Goal #5: Aviation Page

Singapore’s award-winning aviation sector, including the world-renowned Changi Airport and Singapore Airlines, merits a dedicated and comprehensive page. This content would align seamlessly with sgWiki’s transport focus by providing detailed insights into the airport’s facilities, services, and innovations, alongside practical information for travellers such as navigation tips, airport highlights, and transit experiences. I hope editors will collaborate to develop this section into a rich, go-to resource for understanding Singapore’s aviation landscape and enhancing visitors' experiences.

Goal #6: Politics Page

The election polling page, originally created during a surge of interest to store meaningful historical information, has the potential to expand significantly. As the upcoming General Election approaches, this page can serve as a valuable resource for documenting key developments, providing analysis, and offering insights. I encourage editors to build upon its foundation, ensuring it not only preserves historical data but also becomes a dynamic and comprehensive guide for the election period.

Goal #7: URA Planning Region/Town

This goal aims to create a comprehensive and structured repository for information on the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) planning regions and towns. By documenting the unique characteristics, developmental milestones, and planned future enhancements of each region, we can provide an invaluable resource for urban studies, local historians, and the general public.

Key focus areas could include:

• Geographical Boundaries and Key Features: Clearly outline the boundaries and major landmarks of each region/town.
• Historical Development: Highlight the historical context, from initial urban planning to current-day developments.
• Future Growth Plans: Summarise ongoing projects, planned infrastructure, and URA’s vision for each region.
• Lifestyle and Amenities: Provide information about residential areas, recreational facilities, and cultural hubs, giving a holistic view of what each town offers.

This initiative seeks to make sgWiki a go-to source for detailed information on Singapore’s urban planning landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s growth and transformation. I encourage editors to contribute their expertise to build this section into a thorough and engaging resource.

Conclusion

To conclude the manifesto, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all sgWiki editors and contributors who have dedicated their time and expertise to this platform. Together, we have made significant strides in building sgWiki into a valuable and reliable resource. As we look ahead to 2025, let us continue to innovate, collaborate, and elevate the quality of information provided, ensuring sgWiki remains an indispensable tool for everyone.

I invite every editor, new and seasoned alike, to join hands in realising the goals outlined in this manifesto. With our collective efforts, we can make sgWiki a beacon of knowledge and a model of community-driven excellence. Thank you.