Go-Ahead to operate bus services in Singapore

A contract to operate 25 bus services in the Loyang district of Singapore has been awarded to Go-Ahead Group by the country’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).

From September 2016, UK bus and rail operator Go-Ahead Group will operate 25 bus services in the Loyang district of Singapore.  The bus services, including 3 new routes, will operate out of the new Go-Ahead managed Loyang Bus Depot to Changi Airport and Changi Village Bus Terminals via Pasir Ris and Punggol Bus Interchanges, which will also be managed by Go-Ahead

According to Go-Ahead, the Loyang bus contract is expected to generate total revenues of around Singapore $500m (£230m) over five years. There is also the option of a two-year extension based on good performance.

Go-Ahead bus services in Singapore expected to generate £230m over five years

The tender for the Loyang bus package was launched on 15 April 2015 and attracted 10 bids when it closed on 14 August 2015. All tender submissions were evaluated based on the same set of criteria through a two-envelope process which looked at quality and price factors. With greater weightage given to the quality proposals submitted by tenderers, the price envelopes were only opened after the quality evaluation was completed. This two-envelope process allows LTA to raise the service levels of the country’s bus industry and at the same time achieve best value for money.

Mr Chew Men Leong, LTA’s Chief Executive, said, “The Singapore bus industry is going through an exciting period of transformation. The award of the Loyang bus package to Go-Ahead Group, the largest bus operator in London, shows that our bus contracting model is attracting competitive bids. The bus contracting model allows us to be more responsive to the needs of commuters.”

David Brown, Group Chief Executive Officer said: “As a well-established and the largest operator of bus services on behalf of Transport for London we have a strong track record of providing passenger transport in busy urban areas. We will combine our skills, experience and people-focused approach with best practice in Singapore to provide a service that customers value and our team is proud to deliver”.