Regulation

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Industry and Regulatory Framework

Under the industry and regulatory framework, PTC licenses a comprehensive range of bus services to

Meet the diverse mobility needs of the community.
Provide an affordable means of transport for commuters to gain easy access to centres of economic, educational, social and recreational activities.

The 5 main types of bus services are listed below:

1.	Basic Bus Services Basic public bus services in Singapore are provided by two major operators, SBS Transit Ltd (SBST) and SMRT Buses Ltd (SMRTB). Such services include trunk, feeder, and intra-town services. The buses deployed must comply with specific vehicle standards set by the LTA. Both bus operators have each been assigned with separate areas of responsibility for bus operations. Each operator is required to Meet the mobility needs of commuters within its own Area of Responsibility in planning and operating its bus services. Comply with the Quality of Service (QoS) standards and the Universal Service Obligation (USO). Under the USO, the operators have to provide a comprehensive network of scheduled bus services to within 400 meter radius of any development where there is at least a minimum level of daily passenger demand. These services must be operated daily, throughout the entire day and at an acceptable headway, even if they are unprofitable.

2.	Basic-Plus Bus Services Basic-Plus bus services are non-basic services to serve selected niche markets and charge fares that are different from basic bus services. These services are only operated by the two basic bus operators, SBS Transit Ltd and SMRT Buses Ltd. Standees are allowed and Basic-Plus bus service routings generally fall within the basic bus service operators' Area of Responsibility. Examples of such services include the Express and Fast Forward services.

3.	Supplementary Bus Services Supplementary bus services complement basic bus services by providing additional capacity primarily during peak hours. These services are provided by private bus operators such as private-hire or school bus operators that operate Scheme B services.

4.	Premium Bus Services Premium bus services provide a faster and more comfortable journey at fares which are at least 1.5 times higher than the equivalent basic bus/Rapid Transit System (RTS) services. Operated by both private and public bus operators, these services have to be fully air-conditioned with no standees allowed on board. They offer commuters: The choice of a faster and more direct journey. A more comfortable ride and considerable time savings at a differentiated fare which is higher. The revised guidelines for the premium bus service scheme came into effect on 1st February 2007. Please click here to be re-directed to the LTA's website for a list of premium bus services currently in operation, or if you want to suggest a route for a new premium bus service.

5.	Shuttle Bus Services Shuttle bus services are niche services distinct from basic bus services. They cater to the transport needs of the local communities by providing better connections to nearby transport nodes, amenities and developments. Shuttle bus services are required to meet the following requirements: The service is allowed up to 3 intermediate stopping points between the start and end points. Each stopping point could include a group of developments in close proximity. Within the catchment of its stopping points, the service is allowed to duplicate up to 40% of the connections provided by basic bus or RTS service. The catchment area of a point is defined as one within 200m of that point. There will be no restriction on fares.

6.	Special Bus Services Special bus services provide public transport during specific time periods, to specific locations and for special occasions and events. They can be temporary or ad-hoc. Examples of such services include tourist services, cross-border services, as well as ad-hoc services for special events and during festive periods.