PUBLIC BUS INCIDENTS

PUBLIC BUS INCIDENTS

5.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Transport (a) over the past three years, what was the frequency of breakdowns of public buses and how many public buses were involved in accidents; (b) how many of these accidents resulted in fatalities; and (c) what steps were taken to reduce the number of breakdowns and accidents.

Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat: Between 2007 and 2009, the average monthly breakdown rate of our public buses is 1.25% of the total number of buses operated in the month. This is for both the basic bus service operators, SBS Transit and SMRT Buses. The average accident rate for our public buses was about 0.63 cases per 100,000 bus-km travelled. A total of 15 fatalities resulted from bus accidents – seven in 2007, six in 2008 and two in 2009.

Under the Quality of Service (QoS), Standards prescribed by the PTC, the bus breakdown rate for a public bus service operator should be less than 1.5% of the monthly operating buses and the accident rate should be less than 0.75 accidents per 100,000 bus-km travelled each month.

Based on these standards, the two operators have been performing at an acceptable level. Nevertheless, they are keenly aware that any breakdown or accident involving their buses is costly and disruptive to commuters. They also risk being penalised by the PTC if their breakdown or accident rates fall below the QoS Standards. Hence, they have instituted robust and comprehensive bus maintenance regimes, continual safety training for their drivers, disciplinary procedures for errant drivers as well as incentive schemes for safe driving, to keep breakdowns and accidents to a minimum.

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