SMRT Bus service 971 was introduced on 31 August 2020 to replace Service 971E. Changes include converting it into a trunk route (charging basic fares) and making it serve more bus stops.

Everything was well after that until April 2022.

With Service 972M being amended to serve Pending and Petir Road, Service 971 would be withdrawn. Why withdraw Service 971 just because of a minor amendment in Bukit Panjang? Please, sign this petition if you agree that Service 971 shouldn't be discontinued.