Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Guidelines on Rest Hours for Public and Private Bus Drivers

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     whether the Ministry sets guidelines covering the rest hours of bus captains working for public and private bus operators; and 

b.     if not, whether the Ministry will consider doing so in view of the safety implications of fatigue and insufficient rest for vehicle drivers.

Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:

1.     The working hours of bus captains and drivers, including rest time and overtime, are regulated by the Employment Act. This is to protect the well-being of our workers.

2.     LTA works closely with the National Transport Workers’ Union and all public bus operators on the working conditions for public bus captains. Through this tripartite partnership, the operators have put in place measures that go beyond what is required in the Employment Act, to ensure that our bus captains get enough rest between duties and shifts, as well as between bus trips.