Unprofitable Bus Services as of July 2020

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many unprofitable bus services exist as of July 2020; and (b) what is the total subsidy level for unprofitable bus services each year.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Prior to COVID-19, and as a result of better frequencies and service standards, 345 out of 356 public bus services generate fare revenues that cannot cover their operating costs and require government subsidies. This amounts to a total of about $1 billion per year. With COVID-19, commuter numbers have dropped, and as of July 2020, all public bus services generate fare revenues that cannot cover their operating costs.