Meeting Manpower Needs of Expanding Bus Network

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked the Minister for Transport (a) how has the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) managed the increase in demand for manpower; (b) why the tight labour market does not appear to have delayed the deployment schedule of the BSEP; and (c) what is the Ministry's plans for coping with the future manpower needs of the expanding bus transport network infrastructure.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: The tight labour market is indeed a challenge for the bus industry. To address this, a multi-pronged strategy is needed. To attract more local bus captains, both operators have raised entry level base monthly salaries by about $400 since the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) commenced in 2012. They have also introduced the Progressive Wage Model to enhance career progression for bus captains and technicians.

To professionalise the industry, new bus captains are trained and certified under the Public Transport Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications Framework. The Land Transport Authority, in consultation with the National Transport Workers’ Union, is also building bus depots and interchanges with better facilities and rest areas for bus captains and staff.

The Public Transport Tripartite Committee, comprising members from the Government, public transport operators and union, and chaired by Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Josephine Teo, will continue to explore further measures to attract and retain good workers for the industry.