Higher pay for public bus drivers will not lead to fare increases

Commuters will not bear the cost of the wage increases for public bus drivers that take effect from Jan 2027, as driver salaries are not a factor in calculating changes to public transport fares. On factors that influence one’s decision to become a bus driver, Asst Prof Chua Yeow Hwee, the deputy director of NTU’s Economic Growth Centre said: “Workers also care about hours, shift schedules, job stability, career progression and workplace conditions. The headline figure of more than $4,000 is meaningful, but it includes overtime, allowances and bonuses. Prospective workers will also consider the basic wage and the demands of the job.” While Chua expects the improved starting salaries to “help at the margins”, he said it will likely take more measures to improve retention, such as more predictable schedules, clearer progression, better rest arrangements, and stronger recognition of bus driving as skilled, essential work.

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