The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the Tampines bus package to The Go-Ahead Group (GAS), marking a significant shift in Singapore’s public transport landscape. The contract, worth $646m, will see GAS take over operations from SBS Transit Ltd, starting 5 July 2026. This transition will involve managing 27 routes from the new East Coast Integrated Depot and several key interchanges and terminals.
The tender process, initiated on 19 December 2024, utilised a two-envelope evaluation method, prioritising quality before price to ensure value for money. GAS’s proposal excelled due to its focus on electric bus operations and maintenance, leveraging its experience from operating London’s largest electric bus fleet. The proposal promises cost savings and includes initiatives to enhance industry capabilities in electric bus deployment.
Key initiatives by GAS include collaborating with the Singapore Bus Academy to establish a satellite centre for electric bus expertise and deploying AI-driven tools to improve service reliability by reducing bus bunching. Additionally, commuter-friendly features like ‘Caring Corners’ and ‘Baby on board’ badges will be introduced, alongside enhanced staff welfare programmes.
Current employees of SBS Transit will be protected under the Public Transport Tripartite Committee’s guidelines, ensuring no worse-off employment terms with GAS. Employees have the option to join GAS or be redeployed by their current employer. This transition aims to support Singapore’s shift towards a cleaner energy public bus fleet whilst maintaining competitive remuneration for the workforce.
