Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Private Bus Operations and Ridership in 2018 And 2019 and Their Contribution to Total Carbon Emissions and Measures to Achieve Goals of Land Transport Masterplan 2040

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Transport

a.     what is the total number of private bus operators, private buses, private bus trips and passengers, including tourists, NS men, workers, students in 2018 and 2019;

b.     what is the total carbon emission contribution from these private bus trips per year; and

c.     how and when will the Ministry begin supporting private buses and coaches to become cleaner to complement the goal of 100% clean energy public bus fleets as part of Land Transport Masterplan 2040 and Singapore's overall commitment to climate change. 

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     There are around 5,000 private bus operators with a combined fleet of 13,500 private buses. As we do not track the number of private bus trips and passengers, we do not have data on their carbon emissions. 
 
2.     The Government announced its vision for all vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040 and is committed to supporting efforts by private bus operators to adopt cleaner vehicle models for their fleets. From 1 April 2021, they will be able to benefit from the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES) and an enhanced Early Turnover Scheme (ETS). Under the CVES, private bus operators who choose lower emissions alternatives for their private buses with maximum laden weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes can enjoy an incentive of up to $30,000. The enhanced ETS will further encourage turnover of older diesel commercial vehicles, including buses, to newer and cleaner models. 

3.     Separately, the Government will also work with the private sector to increase charging infrastructure provisions at public and private carparks island-wide. This will support greater adoption of electric buses.