SBS Transit has been re-awarded the tender to operate Bukit Merah Bus Package for the second term in a row, making it the third bus tender award it has won under the new bus contracting model.
The contract will run for five years, and can be extended by between two and five years. It is made up of 17 bus services, including two cross-border services to Johor Bahru.
The services, supported by the Ulu Pandan Bus Depot, will continue to originate from two bus interchanges, Bukit Merah and HarbourFront, and four bus terminals, Kampong Bahru, Marina Centre, Queen Street and Shenton Way.
SBS was first awarded a five-year contract to operate the Bukit Merah Bus Package in 2018, and the new contract will commence immediately after the current contract expires in April 2024, following a six-month extension.
With today’s tender results, SBS Transit continues to remain as the biggest public bus operator with a market share of 55%. It operates 192 bus routes in Singapore under eight bus packages of which two are tendered and the remaining six are negotiated ones.
“To be awarded the contract for a second consecutive term underscores the vote of confidence and trust that the LTA has placed on us. We are extremely encouraged by this, particularly as we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. With our depth of experience, well-honed capabilities and extensive scale, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to our passengers in delivering a caring, reliable, safe and secure service and an elevated customer experience,” says Jeffrey Sim, SBS Transit group chief executive officer.
Shares in SBS Transit closed 3 cents lower or 1.15% down at $2.57.
