The Seletar Bus Package is one of fourteen bus packages under the Bus Contracting Model (BCM). At present, the package is operated by SBS Transit Ltd, under the first tendered term (Contract PT202).
| Incumbent | SBS Transit Ltd |
| Present Contract Term | Tendered Package 1st Term (Contract PT202): 11 Mar 2018 – 15 Mar 2025 (2-year contract extension option exercised) |
| Upcoming Contract Term | Tendered Package 2nd Term (Contract PT219) 16 Mar 2025 – Mar 2030 Awarded to SBS Transit Ltd |
| Bus Services | 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 (29 bus routes) |
| Bus Depot | Seletar Bus Depot |
| Bus Interchanges | Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange, Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange |
Under the Bus Contracting Model, each bus package contract is awarded for a minimum term of five years. During this period, the operator is responsible for delivering bus services that meet LTA-prescribed service standards. Each bus package includes a single bus depot, several bus interchanges/terminals, the assigned bus routes, and the buses themselves.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) owns all bus infrastructure and selects operators for each bus package through an Open Tender process. The awarded operator leases the bus assets from LTA, collects fare revenue on behalf of LTA, and maintains these assets throughout the contract duration. In return, LTA pays the operator operating fees as per the contract sum. Potential bonuses are offered via an incentive framework if quality standards are exceeded.
For the Seletar Bus Package, the contract has been awarded to SBS Transit Ltd under Contract PT202, marking the first tendered term period for this package. This package includes bus routes in the Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, and Yishun regions, with buses based out of Seletar Bus Depot.
On July 19, 2024, it was announced that SBS Transit secured the second tendered term, which will commence in the first quarter of 2025.
NC to TC transition:
Bus services within the Seletar Bus Package were formerly operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses. At the start of the Bus Contracting Model, both incumbent operators continued to operate these bus services under a Negotiated Contract basis from September 2016 to March 2018:
- Operated by SBS Transit (PT204):
24, 70/70M, 71, 76, 130, 133, 135, 138, 162/162M, 261, 262, 265, 268 & 269 - Operated by SMRT Buses (PT214):
800, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 811, 812, 850E, 851, 852 & 860
The first tendered contract for Seletar Bus Package was awarded to SBS Transit in 2017, which took over all assigned bus routes in March 2018.
Refer to Page 2 for the Seletar Bus Package – Negotiated Contract term (Sep 2016 – Mar 2018).
PT219 – Seletar Bus Package (2nd Tendered Term: Mar 2025 to 2030):
The second term tendered contract for the Seletar Bus Package was put up for tender on 30 October 2023 under Contract PT219: Bus Contracting – Seletar Bus Package. Seletar Bus Pacakge awarded to SBS Transit Ltd on 19 July 2024.
The second tendered contract term is scheduled to commence on 16 March 2025, as mentioned by SBS Transit in its 1st Quarter 2024 Business Update report.
Contract Details (2nd Tendered Package Term):
| Contract PT219: Bus Contracting – Seletar Bus Package |
|
| Awarded Operator | SBS Transit Ltd |
| Duration | Five years; with the option of 2 to 5 year extension |
| Key Dates | Tender Published 30 October 2023 | Closed 4 March 2024 | Awarded 19 July 2024 |
| Commencing Operations | 16 March 2025 |
| Bus Services | 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 (29 bus routes) |
| Anchor Bus Depot | Seletar Bus Depot |
| Anchor Bus Interchange / Terminal | Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange, Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange |
Bid Prices
The awarded tenderer and associated contract sums (SBS Transit Ltd – Alternate Bid) are highlighted in red.
| No. | Company | Base | Alternative 1 |
Alternative 2 |
| 1 | Bravo Transport Holdings Limited – Ascendal Group Limited Joint Venture | $612,088,883.29 | — | — |
| 2 | Nex Continental Holdings S. L | $559,846,742.95 | — | — |
| 3 | SBS Transit Ltd | $542,490,134.35 | $526,249,521.73 | — |
| 4 | SMRT Buses Ltd | $577,150,380.00 | $550,390,984.00 | — |
| 5 | Tower Transit Singapore Pte Ltd | $540,709,975.00 | $522,864,156.00 | $520,186,311.00 |
Contract Award:
Tender submissions were evaluated based on a two-envelope process looking at quality and price factors. The price submissions were only opened after the quality evaluation was completed, ensuring that the best value-for-money proposal was selected without compromising on quality.
On 19 July 2024, LTA announced that SBS Transit Ltd was awarded the second tendered term for the Seletar Bus Package. Reasons for the award to SBS Transit were:
- Highest total score for their proposal after taking into account both quality and price factors
- Inclusion of initiatives that would help to raise standards for the public bus industry as a whole, such as:
- Collaboration with Singapore Bus Academy to set up Singapore’s first electric bus satellite training centre at Seletar Bus Depot to better prepare the bus workforce for the transition towards the electrification of our public bus fleet.
- Adoption of mixed reality technology for training
- Supporting eBus deployments in Singapore, including optimising the use of electric batteries for buses
- Installation of smart systems that track operational information and utilities usage in their premises, to improve productivity and contribute to sustainability.
- A Sign Language Virtual Assistant and school-friendly bus service, which have since been piloted at Ang Mo Kio bus interchange to foster an inclusive transport experience.
- Collaboration with Singapore Bus Academy to set up Singapore’s first electric bus satellite training centre at Seletar Bus Depot to better prepare the bus workforce for the transition towards the electrification of our public bus fleet.
On top of these initiatives, SBS Transit also announced that it would be establishing a Public Transport Inclusiveness Training Centre. This centre will offer experiential learning opportunities for Bus Captains and members of the public to better assist vulnerable individuals during their commutes.
SBS Transit submitted compliant bids for its base proposal and an alternative proposal for the Seletar Bus Package. The alternative proposal offers better value for money and more efficient use of resources, according to LTA.
Similar to past awarded bids by SBS Transit, SBS Transit is likely to garage buses for Seletar Bus Package at other bus depots and also garage buses for other bus packages at Seletar Bus Depot to reduce dead mileage incurred by the operator.
References
PT202 – Seletar Bus Package (Present Term: 2018 to 2025):
First announced on 6 June 2016, the Seletar Bus Package was the third set of public bus services to be put up for tender under the Bus Contracting Model, following the Bulim Bus Package and Loyang Bus Package.
Initially, the package comprised 24 existing bus services originating from Yishun Bus Interchange, Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange, and Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange, with 2 new bus services to be introduced at a later date (71 & 807). In addition, a new bus service 851e was introduced in May 2018, bringing the total number of bus services to 27.
In April 2017, SBS Transit Ltd secured the Seletar Bus Package tender, based on a tender sum of $480.3 million over five years. The 26 bus routes were based out of the newly-built Seletar Bus Depot, located at Yio Chu Kang Crescent, which was completed in Q3 2017 and accommodated 525 buses.
The package started with a fleet of 390 buses when implemented in March 2018, and was projected to grow to 500 buses in 2023 in tandem with new developments and projected growth in ridership.
On 13 May 2022, SBS Transit announced within its 1st Quarter 2022 Business Update report that it had accepted LTA’s offer for a two-year extension for the Seletar Bus Package commencing on 11 March 2023.
Contract Details (1st Tendered Package Term):
| Contract PT202: Bus Contracting – Seletar Bus Package | |
| Awarded Operator | SBS Transit Ltd |
| Duration | Seven years (Initial 5-year period with 2-year extension option exercised) |
| Key Dates | Tender Published 6 Jun 2016 | Closed 27 Oct 2016 | Awarded 19 Apr 2017 2-year extension announced 13 May 2022 |
| Commenced Operations | 11 Mar 2018 (Tranche 1) – 14 bus routes 18 Mar 2018 (Tranche 2) – 6 bus routes 25 Mar 2018 (Tranche 3) – 6 bus routes 27 May 2018 – Service 851e 14 Dec 2020 – City Direct 668 6 Sep 2021 – City Direct 652 |
| Bus Services | 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 |
| Anchor Bus Depot | Seletar Bus Depot |
| Anchor Bus Interchange / Terminal | Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange, Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange |
Bidding Process:
Tender Deadline Extension
On 26 September 2016, with less than 2 weeks to the tender closing date, LTA announced that the tender submission deadline was extended by 3 weeks to 27 Oct 2016. This is likely due to the recent events that happened to the awardee of the Loyang Bus Package, Go-Ahead Singapore.
In September 2016 alone, less than a month after taking over bus routes from SBS Transit under the Loyang Bus Package, the operator had borrowed Bus Captains from SBS Transit & SMRT as well as subcontracting their Employee Bus Routes out to Tower Transit. This came after a spate of Bus Captain resignations at Go-Ahead due to its aggressive bus interlining arrangements. It was initially believed that the extended deadline was expected to give more time to bidders to tweak their proposals on bus interlining.
In a statement to ChannelNewsAsia on 27 October 2016, LTA clarified that the extension of tender submission deadline was due to a change in tender specifications, where the winning tenderer of the Seletar Bus Packages will take over the 26 Bus Routes in five (5) tranches, instead of the earlier specified two tranches. This was mentioned in a segment aired on ChannelNewsAsia’s Singapore Tonight on 27 October 2016 (Link to video on Toggle.sg).
Bids Submitted
As of the tender closing time, 9 bids were submitted from hopeful operators. All operators were shortlisted on 02 Mar 2017.
| Name of Tenderer | Base Tender Amount (5 Years) |
| SBS Transit Ltd | $480,332,472.00 |
| SMRT Buses Ltd. | $514,522,355.00 |
| National Express Group Plc | $536,828,068.00 |
| Tian San Shipping (Private) Limited / Kumho Buslines Co., Ltd Consortium | $538,837,888.23 |
| Jiaoyun Group / Travel GSH Pte Ltd Consortium | $547,589,363.52 |
| Tower Transit Singapore Pte. Ltd. | $575,797,622.00 $571,139,871.00 (Alternative) |
| The Go-Ahead Group Plc | $576,341,755.00 |
| Busways Group Pty Ltd | $581,832,861.00 |
| Woodlands Transport Holdings Pte. Ltd | $583,442,331.19 |
Contract Award:
Tender submissions were evaluated based on a two-envelope process looking at quality and price factors. The price submissions were only opened after the quality evaluation was completed, ensuring that the best value-for-money proposal was selected without compromising on quality.
On Wednesday, 19 April 2017, LTA announced SBS Transit Ltd as awarded operator of the Seletar Bus Package. The LTA press release cited its reasons for picking SBS Transit:
- Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of ground conditions
- Strong competence in bus service scheduling to enable the optimal deployment of buses and resources to meet travel demand
- Stringent maintenance regime for bus assets and infrastructure
- Committed to a significant number of experienced technicians to ensure high maintenance and reliability standards
- Presented a robust career development program to up-skill its staff
- Comprehensive transition plan presented to minimise impact to commuters and affected bus workers
Additional Incentives:
SBS Transit introduced a telematics system, known as SAfe Green Eco System (SAGE), on all 730 buses under the Seletar and Bukit Merah Bus Packages to monitor the smoothness and comfort of bus rides provided by Bus Captains (BCs). The system records and monitors the BC’s driving behaviour such as speeding and harsh acceleration with feedback given in real-time through audio and visual alerts so that corrective actions can be taken. Besides SAGE, these buses are also equipped with the Mobileye collision alert system.
Bus Services:
| Service | Route | Type |
| 24 |
Ang Mo Kio ↺ Changi Airport Terminal 2 | Trunk |
| 70 |
Yio Chu Kang ↔ Shenton Way | Trunk |
| 71 | Yio Chu Kang ↺ Bishan Street 11 | Trunk |
| 76 | Yio Chu Kang ↔ Eunos | Trunk |
| 130 | Ang Mo Kio ↔ Shenton Way | Trunk |
| 133 | Ang Mo Kio ↔ Shenton Way | Trunk |
| 135 | Ang Mo Kio ↔ Jalan Kembangan | Trunk |
| 138 | Ang Mo Kio ↺ Mandai Lake Road | Trunk |
| 162 | Yio Chu Kang ↺ Sin Ming Drive | Trunk |
| 261 | Ang Mo Kio ↺ Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 | Feeder |
| 262 | Ang Mo Kio ↺ Ang Mo Kio Avenue 2 | Feeder |
| 265 | Ang Mo Kio Depot ↺ Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 | Feeder |
| 268 | Ang Mo Kio Depot ↺ Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 | Feeder |
| 269 | Ang Mo Kio ↺ Ang Mo Kio Street 61 | Feeder |
| 652 | Upper Thomson Road ⇄ Shenton Way / Anson Road | City Direct |
| 668 | Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 ⇄ Marina Boulevard / Central Boulevard | City Direct |
| 800 | Yishun ↺ Sembawang Road | Feeder |
| 803 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 6 | Feeder |
| 804 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 11 | Feeder |
| 805 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 1 | Feeder |
| 806 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 6 | Feeder |
| 807 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Street 71 | Feeder |
| 811 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 5 & Yishun Avenue 1 | Feeder |
| 812 | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 4 & Yishun Avenue 3 | Feeder |
| 850E | Yishun Street 41 / Yishun Ring Road ⇄ Shenton Way / Anson Road | Express |
| 851 | Yishun ↔ Bukit Merah | Trunk |
| 851e | Yishun ↔ New Bridge Road / Eu Tong Sen Street | Express |
| 852 | Yishun ↔ Bukit Batok | Trunk |
| 860 | Yio Chu Kang ↺ Yishun | Trunk |
Short Trip & Supplementary Bus Services
These services do not add to the overall service count.
| Service | Route | Type |
| 70A | Yio Chu Kang → Temasek Avenue (Opp The Ritz-Carlton) | Short Trip |
| 70B | Yio Chu Kang Road (Opp Serenity Pk) → Serangoon Central (S’goon Stn Exit C/Blk 201) | Short Trip |
| 70M | Yio Chu Kang ↺ Temasek Avenue | Supplementary |
| 138A | Ang Mo Kio → Mandai Lake Road (S’pore Zoo) | Short Trip |
| 138B | Ang Mo Kio → Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 (Opp Blk 604) | Short Trip |
| 138C | Mandai Lake Road (S’pore Zoo) → Upper Thomson Road (Springleaf Stn Exit 2) | Short Trip |
| 268A | Ang Mo Kio Depot → Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 (Techplace 2) | Short Trip |
| 268B | Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9 (Opp AMK Police Div HQ) → Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 (Aft Ang Mo Kio Stn Exit A) | Short Trip |
| 268C | Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 (Opp Ang Mo Kio Stn) → Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9 (AMK Police Div HQ) | Short Trip |
| 269A | Ang Mo Kio → Ang Mo Kio Street 61 (Opp Yio Chu Kang CC) | Short Trip |
| 807A | Yishun → Yishun Ring Road (Khatib Stn Exit D) | Short Trip |
| 807B | Yishun → Yishun Ring Road (Jiemin Pr Sch) | Short Trip |
| 811A | Yishun → Yishun Avenue 5 (Opp Yishun Stn Exit B) | Short Trip |
| 811T | Yishun → Yishun Avenue 2 (Yishun Stn Exit E) Yishun Avenue 2 (Yishun Stn Exit E) → Yishun |
Terminating Trip |
| 812T | Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 4 / Yishun ↺ Yishun Avenue 3 |
Terminating Trip |
| 860T | Yio Chu Kang → Yishun | Terminating Trip |
Bus Models:
SBS Transit operates a fleet of the following bus models under the Seletar Bus Package (PT202):
Single Deck Buses
- BYD K9
- BYD B12A03 (Trial Bus)
- MAN A22 (Euro V)
- MAN A22 (Euro 6)
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro
- Scania K230UB (Euro V)
Double Decker Buses
- BYD K9RC (Trial Bus)
- MAN A95 (Euro V) (Inclusive of SG2017C, Euro 6 demonstrator MAN A95)
- MAN A95 (Euro 6)
- Volvo B9TL
Articulated Buses
Transition Dates:
To ensure a smooth transition with minimal inconvenience to commuters, the first tendered package term for Seletar Bus Package was implemented across 3 three tranches in March 2018, spaced a week from each other. While the first tranche of routes was already operated by SBS Transit (no operator transfer required), the remaining 12 bus services in the Yishun area (formerly operated by SMRT Buses) was transitioned over in Tranches 2 and 3.
These services were supported by the new Seletar Bus Depot located at Yio Chu Kang Crescent, which was officially handed over to SBS Transit in August 2017 to allow them sufficient time to recruit and train bus captains and technicians. SBS Transit has been performing overnight parking of buses at Seletar Bus Depot’s Bus Park since December 2016.
The implementation dates of the combined three tranches are as follows:
| Tranche | Implementation Date | Bus Services | No. of Routes |
| 1 | 11 March 2018 | 24, 70/70M, 71, 76, 130, 133, 135, 138, 162/162M, 261, 262, 265, 268 & 269 | 14 |
| 2 | 18 March 2018 | 800, 804, 805, 807, 811 & 860 | 6 |
| 3 | 25 March 2018 | 803, 806, 812, 850E, 851 & 852 | 6 |
| – | 27 May 2018 | 851e | 1 |
| – | 14 Dec 2020 | 668 | 1 |
| – | 6 Sep 2021 | 652 | 1 |
Main Article: Transitioning to Seletar Bus Package
Scope of Operations:
As part of the tender, the awarded operator would be required to fulfil responsibilities as such:
- Operate bus services under the bus package in accordance with specified EWT performance standards
- Operate and maintain the buses and their onboard equipment provided by LTA
- Operate and maintain the allocated Anchor Bus Interchanges & Bus Depot, including all equipment and systems provided therein
- Charge and collect the fares approved by the Public Transport Council, on behalf of the Government
- Provide bus service information at all bus stops and bus interchanges served by the bus services under the package
- Provide customer management services, such as lost and found service, and a hotline for commuter feedback and enquiries.
Seletar Bus Package – First Tendered Package Term (PT202) Timeline
- 2016 (06 Jun): Seletar Route Package (tendered package term) announced & open for tender. Tender closes on 06 Oct 2016, 1200hrs
- 2016 (26 Sep): Tender deadline extended to 27 Oct 2016, 1200hrs.
- 2016 (27 Oct): Tender closed with 9 bids received
- 2017 (02 Mar): All 9 bids shortlisted
- 2017 (19 Apr): SBS Transit Ltd announced as winning tenderer
- 2018 (11 Mar): First tranche of operations rollout
- 2018 (18 Mar): Second tranche of operations rollout
- 2018 (25 Mar): Third tranche of operations rollout
- 2018 (27 May): New Bus Service 851e added to the bus package
- 2018 (12 Aug): Terminating trips 811E & 812E renumbered to 811T & 812T
- 2020 (08 Apr): Bus Services 850E & 851e temporarily suspended due to Singapore COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Measures.
- 2020 (02 Jun): Resumption of Bus Services 850E & 851e.
- 2020 (14 Dec): City Direct 668 added to the bus package
- 2021 (25 Jan): New Short trip Service 807B added to the bus package
- 2021 (28 Feb): Bus Service 135 amended to Kembangan MRT Station; Short Trip Service 135A withdrawn
- 2021 (06 Sep): City Direct 652 transferred into the Seletar Bus Package
- 2022 (13 May): 2 year contract extension by LTA announced by SBS Transit till March 2025
- 2023 (Apr): Short Trip Service 130A withdrawn; last day of operations was on 18 April 2021
- 2023 (17 Dec): Bus Service 162 shortened to loop at Sin Ming Drive, Supplementary Bus Service 162M withdrawn as part of the Thomson-East Coast Line 3 Bus Service Rationalisation, initially announced to take effect on 10 Dec 2023.
- 2024 (08 Dec): Short Trip Service 138C added
External Links & References:
- LTA – Third Bus Package Under The Bus Contracting Model
- LTA Extends deadline for Seletar Bus Tender – Straits Times
- LTA – PT202 Tender Schedule (02 Mar 2017)
- LTA – LTA Awards Third Bus Package to SBS Transit Ltd
- 车厂开幕 新聘和过档车长274人 新捷运分段接管实里达巴士路线 – ZaoBao Online, Retrieved on 28 Jan 2018
- SBST – 1st Quarter 2022 Business Update
Back to Bus Contracting Model
Page 2 – Seletar Bus Package Negotiated Contract (PT204 & PT214)