Singapore’s public bus industry is set to receive a significant boost as the government announces higher salaries and improved working conditions for local bus captains from 1 January 2027.
The move comes amid growing concerns over an ageing workforce and difficulties attracting younger Singaporeans to the profession. The salary enhancement was jointly announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU), and public transport operators SBS Transit, SMRT, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore.
Under the new measures, starting salaries for newly recruited local bus captains will increase by S$450 per month, with the government funding the additional costs following discussions with transport stakeholders.
New Recruits to Receive Bigger Sign-On Bonus
Besides the salary increase, new local bus captains will also enjoy an additional S$2,000 in sign-on bonuses during their first year of employment.
With the enhanced package, most newly hired bus captains are expected to earn more than S$4,000 per month on average during their first year of service. This figure includes overtime pay, allowances and performance-related bonuses.
The authorities hope the improved remuneration package will make bus driving a more attractive long-term career option for Singaporeans, particularly as demand for public transport services continues to grow across the island.
Existing Bus Captains Also Set for Pay Increase
Current bus captains will not be left out of the salary revisions.
All existing bus captains employed by Singapore’s four public bus operators will receive a one-time salary adjustment. The move aims to ensure wage fairness between experienced staff and incoming recruits while also recognising the contributions of long-serving drivers.
Transport operators and NTWU agreed on the salary revision to support retention efforts and reward existing employees who have remained in the industry despite increasing operational demands.
Working Conditions to Improve
Apart from higher salaries, bus captains can also expect improvements in their daily working arrangements.
One major change involves reducing the number of split-shift assignments. Under the current arrangement, some bus captains work during morning and evening peak periods, with unpaid downtime in between shifts.
Transport operators have committed to reducing these split-shift schedules where possible.
Additionally, continuous driving durations on longer bus routes will be shortened, helping to reduce fatigue and improve overall job satisfaction.
Industry Facing Recruitment Challenges
Singapore’s bus sector has been facing mounting manpower challenges in recent years.
The Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP) has expanded services in newer housing estates and areas located further from MRT stations, increasing demand for qualified bus captains.
However, attracting and retaining local drivers has proven increasingly difficult.
According to Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, the median age of local bus captains currently stands at 56 years old. Many are expected to retire over the coming years.
LTA estimates that for every new local bus captain recruited, two existing captains leave the profession due to retirement or resignation.
As a result, the proportion of local bus captains has fallen from 54 per cent in 2021 to just 41 per cent in 2025.
Officials believe the latest salary enhancements and workplace improvements will help strengthen recruitment efforts, improve staff retention and ensure Singapore’s public transport network remains reliable as the country’s transport needs continue to expand.
The changes also reflect a broader commitment to supporting frontline transport workers who play a critical role in keeping Singapore’s public transport system running smoothly every day.