School bus fares to rise in 2023; operators cite higher running costs

Parents say they have no choice as transport firms point to increase in fuel prices and GST

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Architect Tan Tze Wei, 37, will be paying 15 more a month for her daughter’s school-bus ride from January 10 per cent more than the current fare.

She said the hike from 150 to 165 for a one-way 2km trip is probably inevitable, mirroring the trend of higher prices across many industries.

Steadfast Transport, the company ferrying her daughter, is among the school bus operators raising their charges. It said the 15 fare adjustment is under a new twoyear contract with the school that starts in 2023.

The Singapore School Private Hire Bus Owners’ Association (SSPHBOA) said it does not track the rates its members negotiate with schools, noting that there is a competitive tender system. However, it expects the newer contracts to be priced higher to account for growing operating costs.

In August, the Ministry of Education MOE) said operators with existing contracts will be allowed to make a one-time fare increase of up to 7 per cent from January 2023 to help sustain their operations, as fuel and manpower costs have climbed.