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Source: www.ptc.gov.sg |
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PTC TO ALLOW MORE PREMIUM BUS
SERVICES FOR NICHE MARKET |
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The Public Transport Council (PTC) is
pleased to announce the introduction of the revised premium bus service
scheme. |
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This is part of the government¡¯s on-going
review to make public transport a choice mode. |
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With effect from 1 Feb 2007, the PTC will
consider granting more bus service licences to operators that offer
premium bus services to commuters who are prepared to pay a higher fare
for a superior level of bus service such as a more direct and
comfortable journey. |
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Providing more choices for public
transport users |
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The PTC has completed its review of its
current premium bus service scheme. The aim is to encourage more such
services, thereby providing more choices for the public transport users. |
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Under the premium bus service scheme, there
is no restriction on the routes that bus operators may run. They may
also call at existing bus stops, subject to bus stop capacity and
traffic operation considerations. |
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For a period of not more than two years from
the approval of a new premium bus service, the PTC will consider
granting licences to at most two other premium bus services serving
similar destinations. |
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The pick-up points of these services may
overlap the pick-up points of the approved new premium bus service by
not more than 20%. This is to recognise the first mover¡¯s investment in
resources to conduct market research and to come up with a new premium
bus service route. |
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COE-exempted buses (i.e. omnibuses or
school buses) may be used to operate premium bus services. The
licence for a premium bus service is for a maximum of two years
and it may be renewed upon expiry, subject to the PTC¡¯s approval. |
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Premium bus services are positioned as
niche services distinct from basic bus services, and have to meet
the following requirements: |
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(a) Operates only with air-conditioned buses;
(b)
All passengers must have a seat; and
(c)
Fares are at least 1.5 times the equivalent fare of
basic public transport services. |
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The changes made to the current
guidelines are shown in Annex A. |
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Feedback are considered in the
review |
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In the review, the PTC took note of
commuters¡¯ preferences that were gathered in its annual passenger
satisfaction surveys. |
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In the 2006 bus passenger satisfaction
survey, one in five (20.1%) of the respondents who took buses had
indicated that they would prefer better service at higher fares. |
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This suggests that there is scope for
greater service and fare differentiation to meet the needs of
diverse commuter segment. Feedback from the bus operators were
also taken into account in the review process. |
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Mr Gerard Ee, Chairman of the PTC,
said: |
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"We hope to see more premium bus
services coming on-stream to complement basic public transport
services and provide more choices for commuters. Our goal is to
attract more people to use public transport and make it a choice
mode of travel. |
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"In undertaking the review, the PTC
considered commuters¡¯ preferences as well as industry feedback. We
have simplified and published the guidelines. The PTC will
continue to review and adjust the guidelines as we go along. |
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"In short, this premium bus scheme
presents an excellent opportunity for bus operators to come up
with innovative service offerings to better serve the different
market segments. We welcome bus operators to come forward with
their proposals." |
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Bus operators can apply to the PTC to
operate premium bus services under the revised scheme. Bus service
licence application forms are available for download at the PTC¡¯s
website at www.ptc.gov.sg.
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No application fee is required for the
premium bus service application. In evaluating the application,
the PTC will consider the general financial standing of the
applicant and his ability to maintain an adequate, satisfactory,
safe and efficient service. |
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More..... (Annex A) |
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Source: www.ptc.gov.sg
Media Release 22 Jan 2007 |
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FrontPage Edition: Wed 24 January 2007
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