BUS-PLUS SCHEME (Implementation)

Dr S Vasoo asked the Minister for Communications when the Bus-plus scheme will be implemented and whether small scale private bus operators will be allowed to participate in the scheme.

The Minister for Communications (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, a Bus-plus pilot scheme will be launched later this year to gauge public response to the scheme. The introduction of the Bus-plus scheme, which will include both scheduled bus and maxicab services, is to provide a wider range of public transport services to meet the different demands of public transport users. The Bus-plus scheduled service will cater to commuters who are willing to pay higher fares for a better quality of service than the basic bus/MRT service, while the Bus-plus maxicab service will cater to bigger families and groups who would otherwise need two or more taxis.

Last month, ROV briefed all interested operators, including the private bus operators, on the proposed Bus-plus pilot scheme. Following the briefing, a joint venture company is being formed by SMRT and TIBS to participate in the pilot project. The joint venture company will be acquiring 20 mini-buses for the pilot scheme, and plans to operate three routes. The proposed routes and fare structure are being worked out and, when ready, will be submitted to the Public Transport Council for approval.

If the pilot scheme proves to be successful, the Public Transport Council will consider licensing more operators to run Bus-plus services.

Dr Vasoo: Sir, would competitive routes be given to individual operators rather than routes which nobody wants to ply, and therefore unprofitable routes are given to these operators?

Mr Mah Bow Tan: I believe the operators are now working out the routes. I am sure that they will work out routes which will be viable. If the routes are not viable, I do not think the scheme will be on.