The Bus Contracting Model (BCM), is a contracting model for public bus services in Singapore.
The scheme was first announced in 2014, then called the Government Contracting Model (GCM). The main benefits touted by the BCM are its responsiveness to changes in ridership and commuter needs, as well as the injection of greater competition within the industry, thereby raising service levels for commuters over time.
The following parts will explain how the BCM works. Alternatively, they are summarised in this video by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
With the Bus Service Operating Licenses (BSOL) for SMRT Buses and SBS Transit expiring on 31 August 2016, LTA took the opportunity to revamp the bus industry into a competitive tendering process. Elements of the scheme were adapted from contractual schemes used in other regions, such as Transperth (in Perth) and London Buses (in London).
In addition, the LTA has pursued a unified livery across all public buses in Singapore. Lush Green was chosen as the base colour, having been the preference of the majority of commuters through a public poll.
1. Background
Old Model
|
New Bus Contracting Model
|
Note:
* – Exceptions to LTA owning all bus assets and depots include:
- SBST/SMRT-owned buses and Woodlands Depot – leased to LTA via availability fees
(SMRT Group Review 2017 / SBST Annual Report 2017) - SBS Transit’s fleet of close to 2,900 buses (in 2016) and Soon Lee Bus Depot – leased to LTA
(Sale & transfer of Soon Lee Bus Depot to LTA in 2024; agreement signed between LTA & SBS Transit in June 2022) - SBS Transit Bedok North Bus Depot, Braddell Bus Park, Bukit Batok Bus Depot, Hougang Bus Depot, Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot
(which remains as SBS Transit property as of SBS Transit 2017 Annual Report)
What are the new roles of bus operators?
- Operate their allocated bus services in accordance with specified performance standards
- Operate and maintain the buses and their onboard equipment (e.g. integrated driver fare console (IDFC) and fleet management equipment) as leased from the Government
- Operate and maintain the Bus Interchanges and the new Bus Depot included in the Route Packages, including all equipment and systems provided therein
- Charge and collect the fares approved by the Public Transport Council, for travel on the Route Package Bus Services allocated, on behalf of the Government
- Provide bus service information at all bus stops and bus interchanges served by the Route Packages’ Services
- Provide customer management services, such as lost and found service, and a hotline for commuter feedback and enquiries.
- Continue to benefit from advertising revenue
- Operating assets will be leased from Government to Bus Operator as stated in the contract which Bus Operator has been awarded
Incentive Framework (Performance Standards for Operators)
Incentive Framework to encourage it to provide quality bus services to commuters and carry out good maintenance of the assets provided by the Government. If the Operator meets the standards, it will receive a performance payment of up to 10% of its annual service fee. On the other hand, if the Operator does not meet the standards, up to 10% of its annual service fee will be deducted. The five performance indicators are in the areas of:-
- Bus service reliability, with indicators on Excess Wait Time (EWT) and On-Time Adherence taking reference from the Bus Service Reliability Framework
- First and last bus punctuality to ensure that commuters can board the first and last bus of the day
- Maintenance of the buses provided by LTA
- Maintenance of the Bus Interchanges and Bus Depot awarded under the Route Packages
- Maintenance of the Bus Ticketing System
What are the advantages of this system?
- Strengthens the Government’s ability to respond more quickly to changes in travel demand and service level expectations
- Bus operators to focus more on operating the bus services and meeting service standards
- Lowering entry barriers, introducing more market competition leading to the provision of better bus services in a cost-competitive manner that will benefit commuters.
So how will commuters benefit?
- A more responsive system that adapts to ridership patterns and commuter needs
- Greater competition and efficiency within the bus industry
- More reliable bus services with improved service levels
- Less waiting time between buses
The contract model is currently in use in London and various Australian cities; their transport systems which LTA is modelling from. The Government is now able to directly subsidize bus operations to maintain better service levels, even if such levels of service are unprofitable.
2. Gradual transition to competitive tendering
In September 2016, bus services in Singapore were announced by the Land Transport Authority to be bundled into fourteen bus packages with about 300-500 buses each. The number of bus packages was previously announced to be twelve back in 2014 at the start of the Bus Contracting Model scheme. The contracts will last for five years, and can be extended by another two years with good performance. Contracts awarded from 2023 allows for LTA to extend the contract between two and five years at the end of the five year term.
With the negotiations with the incumbent operators (SBS Transit and SMRT) complete, the Bus Service Operating License (BSOL) for the remainder 11 packages not tendered out as of 2016 has been extended for 2-10 years, starting from 01 Sep 2016. After these negotiated contracts expire, the bus services in the 11 packages will be gradually tendered out.
This gradual, phased transition will allow LTA to refine and improve the management of contracts, as well as the tendering and handover process, and minimise the risk of service disruption.
3. Safeguarding the welfare of workers
Each new tender or change in contract for bus services can result in the movement of bus employees from one employer to another. To safeguard the welfare of the affected employees and ensure their smooth transition to the incoming operator, the Public Transport Tripartite Committee (PTTC) released the Guidelines on Good Employment Practices in the Public Bus Industry (the “Guidelines”) on 16 September 2014, detailing the obligations and responsibilities of both incoming and outgoing bus operators. These include the timeline for the offer of employment, recognition of the length of service, employment terms to be safeguarded, treatment of affected bus industry employees including those who choose to stay with the outgoing operator, as well as training for those who choose to join the incoming operator.
The three key assurances proposed by the PTTC are:
- All affected employees must be offered a job by the incoming operator;
- Affected employees must be offered employment terms which are not worse-off than what they have been enjoying before transition; and
- Affected employees can choose to join the new operator or be redeployed by their current employer, where feasible.
These employee aspects of the Guidelines have been incorporated into LTA’s tender documents, and will also be included in LTA’s subsequent contract with the Operator.
4. Higher Service Levels
With the transition to a bus contracting model, the Government intends to also raise bus service levels to beyond those of the expanded BSEP.
Current (Pre-BCM) Service Levels during 2-hour AM and PM Peak Periods:
- About 30% of bus services operating at headway of no more than 10 minutes
- 100% of bus services operating at headway of no more than 30 minutes
Expanded BSEP during 2-hour AM and PM Peak Periods
- About 35% of bus services operating at headway of no more than 10 minutes
100% of bus services operating at headway of no more than 20 minutes
Bus Contracting Model during 2-hour AM and PM Peak Periods
- 50 or more % of bus services operating at headway of no more than 10 minutes
- 100% of bus services operating at headway of no more than 15 minutes
- All Feeder Services operating at intervals of 6 to 8 minutes.
As a result, an estimated 45% of bus services will have shorter intervals during peak periods when compared to the expanded BSEP service levels.
5. Tendering Process
All tender submissions will be evaluated by LTA through a 2-envelope process for quality and price with greater weightage given to the quality proposal submitted by the tenderers. This was evident when UK bus operator Tower Transit won the Bulim Bus Package despite offering the third lowest bid of $125.6 Million per year, in contrast to the lowest $93.7 Million per year bid from SMRT.
LTA awards route packages (tenders) based on “Gross Cost Model”. The Operator which the tender would be awarded will be required to set up a local company to operate the Route Packages, with senior management overseeing its operations to be based in Singapore for better oversight and accountability.
There will also be provisions for additional bus capacity in the contract which will enable the Government to make expeditious adjustments to the Route Packages when necessary, in response to changes in ridership and commuter needs.
During the contract period (5-7 years), the service fee which is the Operator’s bid price for the package, will be adjusted to better reflect the operating climate by taking into consideration inflation, changes in wage levels, and fuel costs.
Separately, the Operator will be able to tap the Bus Driver Training Grant for new bus drivers trained and deployed on the bus services from the date of award of contract to December 2016.
The Operator will be paid the service fee on a monthly basis with deductions for non-operated mileage that is within its control, such as driver absenteeism.
Tendering requirements
Among other requirements, bus operators bidding for the package must have a proven track record of operating a fleet of at least 250 buses.
BCM Route Packages by Bus Services
Operator Legend:
- GAS – Go Ahead Singapore Pte Ltd
- SBST – SBS Transit Ltd
- SMRTB – SMRT Buses Ltd
- TTS – Tower Transit Singapore Pte Ltd
Contract Ref. | Route Package | Contract Period | Operator | Bus Services |
Tendered Package (TP) – Upcoming Bus Package Contracts |
||||
PT219 | Seletar |
— | — |
— |
PT218A | Bukit Merah (18 Services) |
Apr 2024 – 2029 | SBST | 5, 16/16M, 57, 93, 120, 121, 122, 123/123M, 131, 145, 160, 170/170X, 195, 198, 272, 273, 400 & 993 |
PT218B | Jurong West (26 Services) |
1 Sep 2024 – 2029 | SMRT | 179/179A, 181/181M, 182/182M, 185, 192, 193, 194, 199, 240/240M, 241, 242, 243G/243W, 246, 247, 248/248M, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 257, 258, 405, 502/502A & 974 |
Tendered Package (TP) – Ongoing Bus Package Contracts |
||||
PT201 | Loyang (31 Services) |
04 Sep 2016 – 2026 (with 2+3 year extension) |
GAS | 2, 3, 6, 12, 12e, 15, 17/17A, 34, 36, 43/43M, 43e, 62, 68, 82, 83, 84, 85, 118, 119, 136, 354, 358, 359, 381, 382G/382W, 384, 386, 403, 518/518A, 661 & 666 |
PT202 | Seletar (29 Services) |
11 Mar 2018 – 2025 (with 2 year extension) |
SBST | 24, 70/70M, 71, 76, 130, 133, 135, 138, 162, 261, 262, 265, 268, 269, 652, 668, 800, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 811, 812, 850E, 851, 851e, 852 & 860 |
PT203 | Bukit Merah (18 Services) |
18 Nov 2018 – Apr 2024 (with 5 month extension) |
SBST | 5, 16/16M, 57, 93, 120, 121, 122, 123/123M, 131, 145, 160, 170/170X, 195, 198, 272, 273, 400 & 993 |
PT217A | Bulim (31 Services) |
29 May 2021 – 2026 | TTS | 41, 49, 66, 77, 78, 79, 96, 97, 97e, 98/98M, 106, 143/143M, 173, 177, 183, 189, 282, 284, 285, 333, 334, 335, 651, 653, 657, 870, 941, 945, 947, 990 & 992 |
PT217B | Sembawang – Yishun (25 Services) |
05 Sep 2021 – 2026 | TTS | 167, 169, 171, 656, 663, 670, 801, 825, 853/853M, 854, 854e, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 882, 883/883M, 963, 963e, 965, 966, 969, 980 & 981 |
Negotiated Contract (NC) – Ongoing Bus Package Contracts | ||||
PT212 | Jurong West (26 Services) |
Sep 2016 – Sep 2024 | SBST | 179/179A, 181/181M, 182/182M, 185, 192, 193, 194, 199, 240/240M, 241, 242, 243G/243W, 246, 247, 248/248M, 249, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 257, 258, 405, 502/502A & 974 |
PT206 | Sengkang – Hougang (32 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2024 (with 3 year extension) |
SBST | 27, 51, 80, 86, 87, 89, 89e, 102, 107/107M, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117/117M, 132, 151, 153, 159, 161, 163, 165, 324, 325, 329, 371, 372, 374, 654, 660, 671 & 672 |
PT211 | Bedok (20 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2023* (will be extended) |
SBST | 9, 13, 14, 14e, 25, 30, 30e, 35/35M, 40, 42, 45, 46, 168, 196, 196e, 222, 225G/225W, 228, 229 & 401 |
PT207 | Tampines (25 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2024* (will be extended) |
SBST |
4, 10, 10e, 18, 19, 20, 23, 28, 29, 31, 37, 38, 39, 47, 65, 69, 72, 81, 127, 129, 291, 292, 293, 298 & 513 |
PT209 | Serangoon – Eunos (25 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2025* (will be extended) |
SBST | 11, 22, 53/53M, 55, 58, 59, 60, 63/63M, 64, 90, 94, 101, 103, 105, 109, 134, 137, 140, 141, 146, 150, 154, 158, 315, 317 & 506 |
PT210 | Clementi (23 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2025* (will be extended) |
SBST | 7, 32, 33, 48, 74, 91, 92/92M, 95, 99, 100, 111, 147, 156, 166, 174, 174e, 175, 191, 197, 200, 201, 655 & 667 |
PT208 | Bishan – Toa Payoh (22 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2026* (will be extended) |
SBST | 8, 21, 26, 50, 52, 54, 56, 73, 88, 124, 125, 139, 142, 155, 157, 186, 230, 231, 232, 235, 238 & 410G/410W |
PT215 | Choa Chu Kang – Bukit Panjang (28 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2026 (with 3 year extension) |
SMRTB | 61, 67, 75, 172, 176, 180, 184, 188, 188e, 190, 300, 301, 302, 307, 868E, 920, 922, 927, 970, 972/972M, 973, 975, 976, 979, 982E, 983/983M, 985 & 991 |
PT216 | Woodlands (20 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 2026 (with 3 year extension) |
SMRTB | 110, 178, 187, 665, 900, 901/901M, 902, 903/903M, 904, 911, 912/912M, 913/913M, 925/925M, 950, 951E, 960, 960e, 961/961M, 962 & 964 |
Former Bus Package Contracts:
Contract Ref. | Route Package | Contract Period | Operator | Bus Services |
PT204 (TBC) | Seletar | Sep 2016 – 10 Mar 2018 | SBST | 24, 70/70M, 71, 76, 130, 133, 135, 138, 162/162M, 261, 262, 265, 268 & 269 |
PT214 (TBC) |
Seletar | Sep 2016 – 24 Mar 2018 | SMRTB | 800, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 811, 812, 850E, 851, 852 & 860 |
PT205 (TBC) | Bukit Merah | Sep 2016 – 17 Nov 2018 | SBST | 5, 16, 57, 93, 120, 121, 122, 123/123M, 131/131M, 145, 160, 170/170A/170X, 195, 198, 272, 273, 400 & 402 |
PT200 | Bulim (31 Services) |
29 May 2016 – 28 May 2021 | TTS |
41, 49, 66, 77, 78, 79, 96, 97, 97e, 98/98M, 106, 143/143M, 173, 177, 183, 189, 282, 284, 285, 333, 334, 335, 651, 663, 665, 941, 945, 947, 974 & 990 |
PT213 | Sembawang – Yishun (28 Services) |
Sep 2016 – 02 Oct 2021 (with 1 year extension) |
SMRTB | 110, 167, 169, 171, 652, 656, 670, 825, 853/853M, 854, 854e, 855, 856, 857, 858, 859, 882, 883/883M, 963, 963e, 963R, 965, 966, 969, 980, 981, NR1 & NR2 |
* – Contract Extensions
In November 2021, LTA announced that the Downtown Line would transition to New Rail Financing Framework (NRFF) Version 2 starting in January 2022. As part of this agreement between LTA and SBST, SBST agreed to a revised service fee rate for five of its existing bus contracts that is lower than the current service fee and is benchmarked against recent bus tenders. The five contracts were also extended (by an average of three years) at these revised rates. [LTA Press Release]
These five bus contracts were not stated in the LTA press release, but were revealed in an article from The Straits Times [Straits Times article]. The exact number of years extended for each affected bus package was also not disclosed.
- PT211 – Bedok Bus Package
(originally ending in 2023) - PT207 – Tampines Bus Package
(originally ending in 2024) - PT209 – Serangoon-Eunos Bus Package
(originally ending in 2025) - PT210 – Clementi Bus Package
(originally ending in 2025) - PT208 – Bishan-Toa Payoh Bus Package
(originally ending in 2026)
Mentioned as part of the SBS Transit Annual Report 2023 under the notes to the financial statements, the contracted expiry dates of the then current bus packages operated by SBS Transit range between 2024 – 2030.
In September 2022, a further 3-year contract extension for the Loyang Bus Package was mentioned in a LinkedIn post by Louis Rambaud, Group Strategy & Transformation Director, Member of the Executive Committee of The Go-Ahead Group plc.
BCM Route Packages by Infrastructure – Bus Interchanges, Terminals & Depots
Current Term
Contract Ref. | Route Package | Operator | Anchor Bus Depot | Anchor Interchanges / Terminals |
Tendered Packages (Upcoming Term) |
||||
PT218A | Bukit Merah | SBST | Ulu Pandan Bus Depot | Bukit Merah Int, HarbourFront Int, Kampong Bahru Ter, Marina Centre Ter, Queen Street Ter, Shenton Way Ter |
PT218B | Jurong West | SMRTB | Soon Lee Bus Depot | Boon Lay Int, Joo Koon Int, Tuas Ter |
Tendered Packages |
||||
PT201 | Loyang | GAS | Loyang Bus Depot | Pasir Ris Int, Punggol Temp Int |
PT202 | Seletar | SBST | Seletar Bus Depot | Ang Mo Kio Int, Yio Chu Kang Int |
PT203 | Bukit Merah | SBST | Ulu Pandan Bus Depot | Bukit Merah Int, HarbourFront Int, Kampong Bahru Ter, Marina Centre Ter, Queen Street Ter, Shenton Way Ter |
PT217A | Bulim | TTS | Bulim Bus Depot | Bukit Batok Int, Jurong East Int, Jurong Town Hall Int |
PT217B | Sembawang–Yishun | TTS | Mandai Bus Depot | Sembawang Int, Yishun Int, Lorong 1 Geylang Ter, Former Yishun Temp Int |
Negotiated Packages | ||||
PT206 | Sengkang–Hougang | SBST | Hougang Bus Depot | Sengkang Int, Compassvale Int, Hougang Central Int, Hougang Bus Park |
PT211 | Bedok | SBST | Bedok North Bus Depot | Bedok Int, Upper East Coast Ter |
PT215 | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang | SMRTB | Kranji Bus Depot | Choa Chu Kang Int, Bukit Panjang Int, Gali Batu Ter |
PT216 | Woodlands | SMRTB | Woodlands Bus Depot Woodlands Bus Park |
Woodlands Temp Int, Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub |
PT207 | Tampines | SBST | Bedok North Bus Depot | Tampines Int, Tampines Concourse Int, Tampines North Int, Changi Business Park Ter |
PT212 | Jurong West | SBST | Soon Lee Bus Depot | Boon Lay Int, Joo Koon Int, Tuas Ter |
PT209 | Serangoon–Eunos | SBST | Hougang Bus Depot | Serangoon Int, Eunos Int, Sims Place Ter, Changi Village Ter |
PT210 | Clementi | SBST | Bukit Batok Bus Depot | Clementi Int, Buona Vista Ter, Ghim Moh Ter, Kent Ridge Ter |
PT208 | Bishan–Toa Payoh | SBST | Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot | Bishan Int, Toa Payoh Int, Saint Michael’s Ter |
Past Terms
Contract Ref. | Route Package | Operator | Anchor Bus Depot | Anchor Interchanges / Terminals |
Negotiated Packages | ||||
PT213 | Sembawang–Yishun | SMRTB | Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot | Sembawang Int, Yishun Int, Lorong 1 Geylang Ter |
PT204 (TBC) | Seletar | SBST | Seletar Bus Depot / Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot |
Ang Mo Kio Int, Yio Chu Kang Int |
PT214 (TBC) |
Seletar | SMRTB | Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot | – |
PT205 (TBC) | Bukit Merah | SBST | Ayer Rajah Bus Park | Bukit Merah Int, HarbourFront Int, New Bridge Rd Ter, Kampong Bahru Ter, Marina Centre Ter, Queen Street Ter, Shenton Way Ter |
Tendered Packages | ||||
PT200 | Bulim | TTS | Bulim Bus Depot | Bukit Batok Int, Jurong East Int |
– | – | – | – | – |
Changes to Bus Services:
Basic Bus Services:
With LTA being the central bus planner, it will continue to introduce new routes and amend current routes to suit the needs of commuters. While an overhaul of bus services is unlikely, several routes may be amended/split for better reliability. As more housing estates are being built, the number of basic services will only increase to suit new travel patterns.
An exception is cross-border services, where regular service standard indicators do not apply, owing to complex traffic conditions across the Causeway. Instead, they are measured based on the mileage fulfilled.
Basic-Plus Services:
Routings and operation hours of Fast-Forward services will be unchanged and tendered out along with the parent service, such as Service 97e tendered as part of the first Bulim Bus Package. However, the “Fast-Forward” branding from the SBS Transit days would be dropped, and they continue to charge Express fares. The “Fast-Forward” branding was subsequently standardised to “Express” in August 2018.
Chinatown Direct services are also retained and tendered out due to their popularity with residents.
Express, NightRider and Nite Owl services form part of the routes in various bus packages as well.
Premium Services:
As PTOs are gradually handing over Premium services to private bus operators, premium bus services will not be operated by public bus operators with BCM assets. They will be gradually be fully transferred to private operators, or continue to be operated by their non-franchised divisions (such as SMRT’s BusPlus charter division).
Taking over of buses
Main article: Transitioning of Buses to the Bus Contracting Model
LTA has initiated the BCM initially using buses destined for SBS Transit but registered under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP). These buses, destined for service with SBS Transit fleet but owned by the Government, were rerouted to operators of the first few BCM packages such as Tower Transit, the initial operator of the Bulim Bus Package.
To further expand the BCM bus pool, the LTA said on 29 December 2015 that it would take over SBS Transit’s bus purchasing contracts worth S$164 million for 346 new bus purchases, scheduled for delivery in 2016 and 2017. It will also directly buy 50 buses, worth about S$23 million, which were delivered to SBST between June and December this year.
Among the 346 buses to be bought under the contracts, 100 are single-deck buses, while 246 are double-deck buses. 210 of these buses are scheduled for delivery in 2016, and the rest in 2017.
Among the 50 buses to be bought from SBS Transit, 12 are single-deck buses, while 38 are double-deck buses.
In total, LTA will be buying 112 Mercedes-Benz O530 Citaro single-deck buses and 284 Volvo B9TL buses for the BCM, worth around S$187 million.
Full transition milestone article: Bus industry completes transition to Bus Contracting Model
Advertising on BCM buses
Main article: Advertising on Bus Contracting Model Buses
New Bus Services
With the completion of the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) in Late 2017, new bus services continue to be launched under the Bus Contracting Model.
Operators of these new services receive additional service fee based on the additional mileage of the new bus services.
No. | Date of Launch | Operator | Bus Service | Bus Package |
1 | 31 Oct 2017 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 110 | Sembawang–Yishun |
2 | 28 Jan 2018 | Go-Ahead | Bus Service 12e | Loyang |
3 | 28 Jan 2018 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 147e | Clementi |
– | 25 Feb 2018 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 7A | Clementi |
– | 25 Feb 2018 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 7B | Clementi |
– | 12 Mar 2018 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 2A | Loyang |
4 | 01 Apr 2018 | Go-Ahead | Bus Service 68 | Loyang |
5 | 08 Apr 2018 | Tower Transit | Bus Service 974 | Bulim |
6 | 27 May 2018 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 851e | Seletar |
7 | 08 Jul 2018 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 991 | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 08 Jul 2018 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 991A | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 30 Sep 2018 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 991B | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 30 Sep 2018 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 983A | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
8 | 28 Oct 2018 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 960e | Woodlands |
– | 29 Oct 2018 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 386A | Loyang |
– | 19 Nov 2018 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 160A | Bukit Merah |
9 | 25 Nov 2018 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 167e | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 24 Dec 2018 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 142A |
Bishan–Toa Payoh |
– | 13 Jan 2019 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 973A | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 13 Jan 2019 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 974A | Bulim |
– | 14 Jan 2019 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 117A | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 10 Feb 2019 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 163A | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 25 Feb 2019 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 169B | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 25 Feb 2019 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 883B | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 11 Mar 2019 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 33B | Clementi |
– | 11 Mar 2019 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 117B | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 17 Mar 2019 | SMRT Buses | Feeder Bus Service 913M |
Woodlands |
– | 25 Mar 2019 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 34B | Loyang |
– | 25 Mar 2019 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 85A | Loyang |
– | 15 Apr 2019 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 116A | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 23 Jun 2019 | SMRT Buses | Feeder Bus Service 901M | Woodlands |
– | 01 Jul 2019 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 382A | Loyang |
10 | 09 Sep 2019 | Go-Ahead | Express Bus Service 43e | Loyang |
11 | 10 Nov 2019 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 976 |
Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 18 Nov 2019 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 68A | Loyang |
– | 18 Nov 2019 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 68B | Loyang |
– | 12 Jan 2020 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 883M |
Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 28 Jan 2020 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 975A | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 09 Mar 2020 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 16M | Bukit Merah |
– | 13 Apr 2020 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 925A |
Woodlands |
– | 26 Jul 2020 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 160M | Bukit Merah |
– | 30 Aug 2020 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 972M | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
12 | 25 Oct 2020 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 114 | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 26 Oct 2020 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 991C |
Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
13 | 27 Dec 2020 | Go-Ahead | Feeder Bus Service 384 | Loyang |
– | 25 Jan 2021 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 807B | Seletar |
– | 11 Apr 2021 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 63A | Serangoon–Eunos |
– | 11 Apr 2021 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 857B | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 11 Apr 2021 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 966A | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 11 Apr 2021 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 975C | Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 31 May 2021 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 66C | Bulim |
– | 26 Sep 2021 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 248M |
Jurong West |
– | 29 Nov 2021 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 117M | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 1 Jan 2022 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 114A | Sengkang–Hougang |
14 | 23 Jan 2022 | Tower Transit | Feeder Bus Service 801 |
Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 12 Dec 2022 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 139A | Bishan–Toa Payoh |
– | 25 Jan 2023 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 856A | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 25 Jan 2023 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 856B | Sembawang–Yishun |
– | 27 Mar 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 102A | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 14 Aug 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 5A | Bukit Merah |
– | 14 Aug 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 5B | Bukit Merah |
15 | 24 Sep 2023 | SBS Transit | Feeder Bus Service 230 | Bishan–Toa Payoh |
– | 24 Sep 2023 | Tower Transit | Bus Service 992 (renumbered from 944) |
Bulim |
– | 24 Sep 2023 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 992A | Bulim |
– | 24 Sep 2023 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 993 (renumbered from 160M) |
Bukit Merah |
– | 25 Sep 2023 | Go-Ahead | Short Trip Service 2B | Loyang |
– | 9 Oct 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 102B | Sengkang–Hougang |
– | 9 Oct 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 163B | Sengkang–Hougang |
16 | 26 Nov 2023 | Tower Transit | Bus Service 870 | Bulim |
– | 26 Nov 2023 | Tower Transit | Short Trip Service 870A | Bulim |
– | 27 Nov 2023 | SBS Transit | Short Trip Service 9B | Bedok |
17 | 25 Feb 2024 | SBS Transit | Bus Service 146 | Serangoon–Eunos |
– | 18 Mar 2024 | SMRT Buses | Bus Service 983M |
Choa Chu Kang–Bukit Panjang |
– | 11 Mar 2024 | SMRT Buses | Short Trip Service 911A |
Woodlands |
Purchase of New Buses
In 2015, LTA purchased 176 additional Volvo B9TL buses built to SBS Transit specifications. These buses were registered SG5000E – SG5175J, forming the first SG-prefix registered buses as part of the Bus Contracting Model.
In addition, LTA also purchased 60 MAN A95 buses (SG5740C – SG5799J) for the Bus Contracting Model in 2015. The last 10 units of these buses are equipped with USB Charging Ports, making them the first batch of public buses to feature USB chargers. The following year, in September 2016, another batch of 122 MAN A95 buses (SG5800M – SG5920A & SG2017C) were purchased, alongside a smaller batch of 15 Alexander Dennis Enviro500 buses (SG5700T – SG5714D).
In 2017, LTA purchased Euro 6 MAN A22 & A95 buses under a negotiated contract (Contract PT337 – Procurement of 250 MAN Buses), but an additional 150 units more MAN A95 buses were added to this order, for a total of 400 buses. The following year in July 2018, 111 more MAN A95 buses were procured under a competitive tender (Contract PT322 – Procurement of Euro 6 Double Deck Diesel Buses) awarded to ST Engineering Land Systems.
In October 2017, LTA awarded Contract PT313 – Procurement of Diesel Hybrid Buses (DHB) to Volvo East Asia (Pte) Ltd for the purchase of 50 Volvo 7900 Hybrid (Volvo B5L Hybrid) Buses.
In December 2017, LTA put up a tender for Contract PT323 – Procurement of Electric Buses (E-Buses), with an order for 60 Electric Buses. 3 Tenderers were awarded.
- BYD (Singapore) Pte Ltd – 20 Single-Deck Electric Buses
- ST Engineering Land Systems – 20 Single-Deck Electric Buses
- Yutong-NARI Consortium – 10 Single-Deck & 10 Double-Deck Electric Buses
In May 2018, LTA put up a tender for Contract PT342 – Procurement of 3-Door Euro 6 Double Deck Diesel Buses, with an order for 100 Double Decker buses. 2 Tenderers were awarded.
- Alexander Dennis (Services) Singapore Pte Ltd – 50 3-Door Double Deck Buses
- ST Engineering Land Systems – 50 3-Door Double Deck Buses
In March 2023, LTA put up a tender for Contract PT601 – Procurement of single deck electric buses, with an order for 360 3-door single deck electric buses. 2 Tenderers were awarded.
- BYD (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. – 240 3-door single deck electric buses
- Cycle & Carriage Automotive Pte. Ltd. (partnered with Zhongtong Bus) – 120 3-Door Double Deck Buses
Refurbishment of Buses
As the owner of all bus assets, the LTA is also responsible for the mid-life refurbishment of its buses. In June 2023, a tender was called to appoint a contractor for the refurbishment of 630 buses between 2023 and 2025, comprising both single- and double-deck buses.
Refurbishment works entail the replacement of bus seats, floor covers, sealant for the bus windows and windshields, and components for the bus door system. These works would take place between 2023 and 2025.
LTA News Releases (References)
- Transition to a Government Contracting Model For The Public Bus Industry (24 May 14)
- First Bus Package Under The Government Contracting Model Up For Tender (03 Oct14)
- Second Bus Package under the Government Contracting Model to Be Put Up for Tender in Second Quarter of 2015 (11 Mar 15)
- LTA awards first tendered bus package to Tower Transit Group Limited (08 May 15)
- LTA to take over SBS Transit’s contracts for new bus purchases – Channel NewsAsia
- Over 600 public buses to be refurbished by LTA, first such exercise since contracting model, Singapore – THE BUSINESS TIMES (23 Jun 2023)
- LTA on Facebook (We Keep Your World Moving)
- Bus Industry to Complete Transition to Bus Contracting Model on 1 Sep 2016
Back to Bus Articles
If SBST lose SKG-HGN lets say to TTS then the SGN-EUN overnight parking @ HGDEP will be solely for Lor 1,Sims Place & Eunos Int svc.
Cause the SKG-HGN winner have to wait until 2023 for Sengkang West Depot to complete and SGN-EUN has to wait until 2025.
If SBST lose SKG-HGN most probably these service will park at HGDEP
11,140 & 141(Lor 1 Geylang Ter)
64,134 & 137(Sims Place Ter)
60,63/M,94,150 & 154(Eunos Int)
Park at AMDEP
101,103,105,109,158,315 & 317(Serangoon Int)
53/M,55,58 & 59(Bishan Int)
90(Toa Payoh Int)
AMDEP will house these service
50,52,54,56 & 410G/W(Bishan Int)
8,26,73,88 & 155(Toa Payoh Int)
BRBP will house these service
139/M,142,157,231,232,235 & 238(Toa Payoh Int)
21,124,125 & 186(St Michael’s Ter)
Problem solved.
Honestly this is what i can think of..If really SBST is the majority player here.SMRT screwed up more bus service with massive fleet additions and slower run time!
My honest opinion is that SBST is doing well with Tampines,Seletar,Serangoon-Eunos,Bukit Merah,Clementi,Jurong West & Bishan-Toa Payoh.They screwed up only a few Bedok & Sengkang-Hougang service.
SMRT screwed up Sembawang-Yishun service by recommending more massive fleet addition which make many bus service more slower.So Woodlands & Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang should stay with them and can just award them Bedok since their HQ is at Paya Lebar now.
TTS has been down and up..But again their gracious in taking care of the staff welfare and benefits make most of their staffs feel happy to work.Again they need improvement on bus service.They can try Sembawang-Yishun & retain Bulim.
GAS Punggol service has improved over the years but again need to focus more on Pasir Ris service.Again they should be rewarded with Sengkang-Hougang & retain Loyang.
PT Analyst obviously miss something
I would vouch for these dream instead.Both SBST & SMRT dominates SG rail lines.
Sembawang-Yishun=Tower Transit and why?SMRT screwed up the running times making it more slower just because the massive fleet additional over the years and unnecessary more split duties.So TTS is the best choice.
Bulim=Go-Ahead is my pick since TTS is my choice going to SBW-YIS.
Sengkang-Hougang=Go-Ahead,SBST already operates the NEL & PGL-SKG LRT and its time for a change.
Loyang=Tower Transit is my pick.Not to say GAS cant make it but the company hire too many ex-SBST BCs that are good for nothing.
Seletar=SMRT Buses because SMRT got that extra experience for Yishun feeders and trunks..AMK & YCK slowly they will adapt.
Bedok=Stay with SBS Transit.
Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang=Stay with SMRT Buses.
Woodlands=SBS Transit,SMRT screw most the trunk and 950 and its time for change.
Bukit Merah=SBS Transit is the clear choice.
Tampines=SBS Transit and their experience play many part here.
Jurong West=Tower Transit and why?SBST screwed a lot of service here.Their planning is just outdated and i feel TTS can do better job.
Serangoon-Eunos=Preferably SBS Transit.
Clementi=SBS Transit to retain.
Bishan-Toa Payoh=Stays with SBS Transit.
for Woodlands, let me say this:
858: Need bendies and Citaro, so SBW-YIS shld be SMRT.
912: Need bendies, high demand, so SMRT should win Woodlands.
912B: High demand
110: Need Citaro
Those buses like 911, 912, 913, 903 are comfortable with buses.
950 should be transferred to SBST, since SMRT has very low intervals.
Better be this way
Sembawang-Yishun contract>Tower Transit SG
Bulim contract>SMRT Buses
Sengkang-Hougang contract>Tower Transit SG
Loyang contract>Keolis SG
Seletar contract>SMRT Buses
Bedok contract>SBS Transit
Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang contract>Keolis SG
Woodlands contract>SBS Transit
Bukit Merah contract>SBS Transit
Tampines contract>SBS Transit
Jurong West contract>Tower Transit SG
Serangoon-Eunos contract>SBS Transit
Clementi contract>SBS Transit
Bishan-Toa Payoh contract>SBS Transit
Since LTA reluctant to award foreign operators to operate the metro then SMRT still hold majority.
Northsouth Line,Thomson-East Coast Line,Eastwest Line,Circle Line,Cross Island Line & Bukit Panjang LRT will be under SMRT control.
Northeast Line,Downtown Line,Jurong Region Line & Punggol-Sengkang LRT would be SBS Transit.
Northeast Line can trial with manual driver system like the EWL & NSL.
I noticed majority of Hougang training buses shifted to Ang Mo Kio Depot.Most probably just getting prepared just in case they lost Sengkang-Hougang package and Serangoon-Eunos can be based at AMK until 2025?HG only left with only 4 SD training buses.