International collaboration aims to enhance safety standards in Singapore’s public bus sector.
Key Details
A task force dedicated to improving the safety of Singapore’s public buses is collaborating with international experts and regulators to identify best practices for the sector. The group aims to complete its review by the first half of 2025, with a focus on identifying measures to enhance safety in response to a series of recent bus accidents.
Task Force Activities and Engagement
International Consultation: Experts from Australia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have been consulted, with further talks planned in the coming months.
Local Stakeholder Involvement: Between July and October 2024, the task force engaged with over 2,300 public survey respondents, 3,400 bus captains, and 160 passengers and road users. They also visited all four major bus operators (SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Go-Ahead Singapore, and Tower Transit Singapore) to understand their safety practices.
Passenger Feedback: Passengers generally feel that current safety standards are good, but there are still areas that can be improved, such as the safety of elderly passengers and potential challenges during quick deceleration.
Focus Areas
Elderly Passenger Safety: Concerns include issues arising from quick deceleration and the safety of seniors navigating double-deck buses, especially those with mobility issues.
Accident Rates: Despite several accidents earlier in the year, serious bus accidents have remained stable, with 75 serious accidents in the first five months of 2024 compared to 207 in both 2023 and 2022.
The task force, composed of representatives from government agencies, bus operators, and safety councils, will continue its review and gather further insights to improve bus safety.
