Go-Ahead Group has been awarded a two-year extension to its operating contract as part of the Loyang Bus Package. The United Kingdom-based transport operator was originally awarded a five-year contract starting in September 2016, and with this extension, Go-Ahead Singapore will continue operating the Loyang Bus Package till September 2023.
The contract extension was announced on 26 August 2020. The Loyang Bus Package was the second set of bus services to put up for tender under the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) granted this two-year extension on the basis of strong operational performance.
Background
Under the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), Go-Ahead Group was awarded the Loyang Bus Package on 23 November 2015, and commenced revenue bus operations in September 2016, taking over 24 existing bus routes from incumbent SBS Transit.
The bus package contract involves the operation of bus services for a period of 5 years, with an optional 2 years extension which could be granted by LTA.
With this announcement, LTA has exercised its option for Go-Ahead Singapore to continue its operations under the Loyang Bus Package for another 2 years, after which the bus package would be tendered out.
It is noted that LTA did not exercise its contract extension option for Bulim Bus Package under Tower Transit Singapore, in which the bus package was tendered out along with the Sembawang-Yishun Bus Package in November 2019. Results had yet to be announced as of this article’s publication (August 2020) – Tower Transit later secured both route packages.
Bus Services & Fleet
Go-Ahead Singapore operates 28 bus routes, mainly based out of Pasir Ris and Punggol Bus Interchanges. All buses are based at Loyang Bus Depot. In addition, it also operates 2 City Direct Bus Services.
The company operates the following bus models leased from the LTA:
- Volvo B9TL Wright Double Deck bus
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro Single Deck bus
- MAN A95Â Double Deck bus
- MAN A22Â Single Deck Bus
- Yutong E12Â Electric Single Deck Bus
- Yutong E12DDÂ Electric Double Deck Bus
Go-Ahead formerly operated a BYD K9 Electric Bus as part of a six-month trial initiated by the LTA.
Gallery: Bus Models operated by Go-Ahead Singapore under Loyang Bus Package
What I would prefer is for G-AS to win Sengkang-Hougang and keep Loyang. The SMRT retain Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang and Woodlands, then they also win Bedok.
I strongly feel that LTA will award the Sengkang contract to GAS
I prefer GAS operate Sengkang-Hougang & Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang.61,67 & 985 can dual control between Gali Batu depot & Sengkang West Depot.51 also possible.
LTA should award the Sengkang-Hougang package to Go-Ahead in tandem with the recent winners of Sembawang-Yishun & Bulim packages to Tower Transit.When Loyang contract expires on 2023,Let SMRT win and GAS awarded Choa Chu Kang-Bukit Panjang package instead.
Changi Village and Changi Airport bus terminals should also be grouped under Loyang package given that both are in close proximity to Loyang Depot. If CGV gets transferred to Loyang, those 3 remaining SBST routes can group under Loyang and let GA operate., at the same time also upgrade and renovate CGV terminal to provide better facilities for staff and pax.
The future East Coast Depot i think more nearer to Airport.
Maybe can exchange service 36 with 29.
LTA done a lot of mess..Actually GAS co-operate Airport with SBST..Ditto for Changi Village.