Ensuring Sustainability of Public and Private Bus Services Given Ageing Profile of Current Bus Drivers

59 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for Transport in view of the ageing profile of local bus drivers and a lack of young entrants into the bus driving industry, how will the Ministry ensure that both public and private bus services remain sustainable and reliable over the next 10 years.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Since the adoption of the Bus Contracting Model in 2016, public bus operators have been offering more competitive salary packages and improving the working conditions and employment terms to attract and retain bus captains.

In response to the tight manpower situation in the bus sector, public bus operators have continued to step up their efforts by offering higher pay, more flexible work arrangements and attractive sign-on and retention bonuses. The Land Transport Authority is also working closely with public bus operators and the National Transport Workers Union to further enhance the welfare and working conditions of bus captains.