Bus contracting model of Singapore
The BCM is based on the Transperth model in Perth, Western Australia, with quality incentive elements from London Buses.
[2] With the Bus Service Operating Licenses (BSOL) of SBS Transit and SMRT Buses expiring on 31 August 2016, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) decided to revamp the country's bus operations into a competitive tendering process.
The LTA retains ownership of bus, depot and fleet management system assets.
Under the bus industry model, the LTA claims that the commuters will benefit with lesser waiting time for buses.
Aedge Holdings, Busways, Go-Ahead Group, a Jiaoyun Group / Travel GSH joint venture, Jinan Public Transportation, Keolis, RATP Dev Transdev Asia, SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Transit Systems and Woodlands Transport lodged bids.
In September 2020, the LTA awarded the contract for the second term of this package to Tower Transit Singapore.
Operations under the second term commenced on 29 May 2021, which also involves the transfer of services 653, 657 and 944 from SMRT Buses to Tower Transit Singapore.
Busways, Go-Ahead Group, Keolis, RATP Dev Transdev Asia, SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, a Tian Tan Shipping/Kumho Buslines joint venture and Woodlands Transport lodged bids.
In August 2020, Go-Ahead Singapore received a two-year contract extension to continue operating the bus package until September 2023.
[18][19] Busways, Go-Ahead Singapore, a Jiaoyun Group / Travel GSH joint venture, National Express, SBS Transit, Shenzhen Bus Group, SMRT Buses, a Tian Tan Shipping/Kumho Buslines joint venture, Tower Transit Singapore and Woodlands Transport lodged bids.
[21] In 2022, SBS Transit received a two-year contract extension to continue operating the bus package until March 2025.
[24] Go-Ahead Singapore, a Jiaoyun Group / Travel GSH joint venture, SBS Transit, Shenzhen Bus Group, SMRT Buses and Tower Transit Singapore lodged bids.
Operations commenced in 3 tranches from 5 September 2021, involving the transfer of the services from SMRT Buses to Tower Transit Singapore.
