Go-Ahead strengthens support for bus drivers in Tampines, Singapore
In Singapore’s Tampines district, bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore is strengthening support for drivers following passenger complaints about longer waiting times and bus bunching. This was reported by Channel NewsAsia.
The company said it had deployed more staff to bus terminals and key stops in the district. They will monitor route operations, service intervals and on-the-ground conditions so that drivers can promptly receive support and guidance.
Complaints after operator change
Go-Ahead took over the operation of 27 bus routes in Tampines from SBS Transit in July. The company was awarded the contract, worth S$646 million, or US$510 million, by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority last year.
According to Member of Parliament Baey Yam Keng, Tampines residents have since complained that journeys have become less predictable: waiting times have increased, while buses arrive in groups. Baey, who also serves as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, said he met Go-Ahead’s management together with local community leaders. According to him, the company acknowledged the existence of transition-period issues.
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Driver adaptation
Baey Yam Keng noted that about 40% of Go-Ahead Singapore drivers involved in the new contract are new employees and are still becoming familiar with the routes and operational specifics. In addition, the operator uses a new integrated depot in the East Coast area, where buses are parked, cleaned and serviced.
According to the MP, drivers who had previously used an SBS Transit depot had to adapt to new staff routes to and from the depot, travel times from home, as well as break locations and schedules. Such changes could have indirectly affected bus route operations. Go-Ahead said that most of these issues had already been resolved and also promised to strengthen driver training and support.
Baey added that he and local community leaders had proposed targeted monitoring at key stops. It is intended to help measure waiting times, identify recurring delays and bus bunching, and determine the necessary corrective measures. According to him, they will monitor the situation together with the Land Transport Authority and the operator.
