SHORTAGE OF DRIVERS AN IMMEDIATE CONCERN
The most pressing problem for private bus companies is the lack of drivers, said Mr Phillip Peh, president of the Singapore School & Private Hire Bus Owners’ Association.
“Most of our jobs are done during the morning and evening peak hours, and no jobs in between, from 9am to 4pm. This deters Singaporeans (from joining) our industry, even after we’ve raised the salary package to attract them,” added Mr Peh, who is the general manager of Tong Tar Transport Service.
“About 70 per cent of the drivers we have are above 50 years old. So if nothing is done, we will have fewer bus drivers in years to come.”
The association said it hopes the Government will consider allowing more non-Singaporeans to drive the buses.
It added that if nothing is done, there would be less bus drivers not just to take the students to and from school, but also to ferry workers to factories and offices.