Oral Answer to PQ on Shortage of Bus Drivers

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there are sufficient existing Singaporean bus drivers to handle all categories of bus passengers such as students, workers, and local or foreign tourists; and (b) if not, what are the Government’s plans to ensure that there will be sufficient bus drivers all round.

 

 

The Government is cognisant that some bus service operators are feeling manpower tightness as the reopening of our economy has led to an increase in demand for bus drivers.

 

2. To attract and retain a core of local bus drivers, in public transport, for instance, LTA works closely with the public transport operators to ensure there are sufficient bus drivers to meet our needs. Public transport operators have introduced various initiatives, such as wage increases, flexible work arrangements, and sign-on bonuses. LTA and the operators also work closely with the National Transport Workers’ Union to enhance the attractiveness of bus driver jobs.

 

3. The Government also complements our supply of local bus drivers with foreign bus drivers where necessary. MOM is working closely with MOE, MOT and LTA to provide targeted support for public transport operators and school bus operators with additional foreign worker quotas on a time-limited basis.