SINGAPORE BUS SERVICE (Concessions to senior citizens)

Dr Lau Teik Soon asked the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour whether he will consider (a) an extension of the Singapore Bus Service concession passes to those Singapore citizens between 55 and 60 years old; and (b) the removal of the restricted use of the concession passes which presently can be used only during off-peak periods.

The Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Teng Cheong): Mr Speaker, Sir, SBS has to draw a line somewhere when giving concessions to senior citizens. Sixty years and above makes sense as many of those who are between 55 and 60 years old can be expected to be economically active in present-day circumstances. This is also reflected in the fact that the retirement age for civil servants is now 60.

The purpose of the concession is to encourage our senior citizens to lead a more active social life. This should be done during the off-peak hours when there is considerable spare capacity on the buses, Extending the concession to the peak hours is not desirable as it would then put additional strain on existing bus capacity.

Dr Lau Teik Soon (Serangoon Gardens): Mr Speaker, Sir, would the Hon. Minister request SBS to consider the two issues at a later stage, say, maybe in one or two years' time?

Mr Ong Teng Cheong: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I said, SBS has to draw a line somewhere. Sixty years is a fair line to draw because even in the UK and US concessionary passes are given to women who are 60 years and above and for men 65 years and above. I think SBS's line at 60 years is a fair one.