Impact of Surge in COVID-19 Infections amongst Bus Drivers on Public Bus Transport
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of the COVID-19 surge on public bus transport and the mitigating measures implemented to ensure service availability. Ms Joan Pereira questioned the extent of service disruptions and whether retired drivers could be re-engaged to address manpower shortages. Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat reported that while infected bus captains comprise less than 5% of the population, headways for approximately 90 services have been lengthened by up to three minutes. Policy responses include deploying double-deck buses for high-load routes and prioritizing essential services by adjusting headways of lower-demand lines. Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat also noted that LTA and operators are reaching out to former and recently retired bus captains while continuing efforts to train new local staff.
Transcript
1 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport with the recent surge in COVID-19 infections among bus drivers reported on 15 February 2022 (a) what has been the impact on public bus transport; (b) whether this has resulted in longer waiting times for commuters; and (c) what are the mitigating measures to ensure public bus transport availability.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport (Mr Chee Hong Tat) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, Sir, as the Omicron variant is more infectious, we have seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community. Due to high vaccination and booster rates, as well as tight safe management measures, infected bus captains, or BCs, account for less than 5% of the total BC population.
LTA and the bus operators are watching the situation closely. If we face a large increase in the number of infected BCs, the contingency plans will be activated to ensure that essential bus services continue to operate. That is the key. And this includes lengthening of bus service headways, starting with low demand bus services. Some of these plans have already been implemented, with about 90 bus services experiencing increased waiting times of not more than three minutes. Where possible, LTA and the bus operators will also deploy more double-deck buses for services with higher loading.
Sir, I would like to thank our commuters for their continued understanding and support for the hard work and sacrifices of our public transport workers, as we ride this wave together.
Mr Speaker: Ms Pereira.
Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Thank you, Speaker and I thank the Senior Minister of State. I have a supplementary question. May I know if bus companies have a group of reserved drivers or maybe even recently retired drivers that they can turn to in times of need? If not, this would be something LTA might want to consider, moving forth.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Sir, I thank Ms Pereira for her feedback, her suggestion. I think that is a good point. We do have a group of recently retired and also former BCs. We have been reaching out. As Ms Pereira is aware, we are trying to increase the number of local BCs by reaching out to more individuals to join us, to take on this important and meaningful role, to be part of the public transport workforce.
At the same time, we know that it is not easy to train a BC, because it takes time. So, while we try to bring back the former BCs, retired BCs, we also need time to train new ones. This is an ongoing effort. We want to do both: we want to bring in new BCs to join us, to grow our workforce for public transport workers; and at the same time, if we can bring back some of the former BCs as well as those who are recently retired, that will also help.
If I may also make a call to commuters that during this period, what is very important is to keep everybody safe on our public transport system. So, please cooperate with the safe management measures, including wearing your masks on MRTs, on trains, minimise talking. These are all simple but effective steps to keep everybody safe.