Oral Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat to Parliamentary Question on Managing Public Bus Operations Amidst COVID-19

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport with the recent surge in COVID-19 infections among bus drivers reported on 15 February 2022 

a.     what has been the impact on public bus transport; 

b.     whether this has resulted in longer waiting times for commuters; and 

c.     what are the mitigating measures to ensure public bus transport availability. 

Reply by Senior Minister of State for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     As the Omicron variant is more infectious, we have seen an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the community. Due to high vaccination and booster rates, as well as tight safe management measures, infected bus captains (BCs) account for less than 5% of the total BC population. 

2.     LTA and the bus operators are watching the situation closely. If we face a large increase in the number of infected BCs, the contingency plans will be activated to ensure that essential bus services continue to operate. That is the key, and this includes lengthening of bus service headways, starting with low demand bus services. Some of these plans have already been implemented, with about 90 bus services experiencing increased waiting times of not more than three minutes. Where possible, LTA and the bus operators will also deploy more double-deck buses for services with higher loading. 

3.     Sir I would like to thank commuters for their continued understanding and support for the hard work and sacrifices of our public transport workers, as we ride this wave together.