Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Leon Perera, Aljunied GRC
Question
To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the adequacy of the supply of school bus services; (b) whether an update on the same can be provided specifically for Special Education schools; and (c) what is the average increase in school bus fares seen in 2022.
Response
1. The Ministry of Education has been monitoring the provision of school bus services. The demand for school bus services has been relatively stable, as we continue to have 98% of our Primary One students able to obtain a place either in a primary school of their choice or within 2 km of their residence. However, based on our engagement with the school bus service providers, they have provided feedback on a shortage of bus drivers, with the post-COVID-19 re-opening of the economy being a factor. This was also compounded by the rising fuel prices which have affected the viability of some of these providers. Despite these challenges, most providers have continued providing school bus services, but have to raise their fares to reflect both rising costs and the need for the industry to attract and retain sufficient school bus drivers. These are issues which MOE is engaging the relevant stakeholders to address.
2. For most MOE schools, the bus fares have gone up by up to 10% in 2023 compared to 2022, while SPED schools have generally seen a higher increase due to the smaller pool of bus operators who are able to meet their more complex needs.
3. To better ensure affordability of transport costs to school for lower-income students, MOE has enhanced the school bus subsidy from 60% of monthly school bus fares to 65% since January 2023. This will reduce the amount paid by the families of these needy students and help mitigate the increase in school bus fares. Beyond that, in situations where the family needs more help, the schools are able to provide more financial assistance to cover school bus fares. Likewise, for SPED schools, eligible students taking school bus services can apply for the Enabling Transport Subsidy (ETS), administered by SG Enable, which was increased from 1 July 2022 to help defray the cost of school bus fares. Beyond that, the SPED schools are able to provide further discretionary support to needy students who may need additional help with their school bus fares.
4. Both MSF and MOE will closely monitor school bus fares, and if need be, step up financial support for needy students who have to travel by school bus.