All bus services that charge fares, and operate on pre-determined timetables and routes, must be licensed by LTA. An operator who operates 10 or more regular route services is required to apply and obtain a Class 1 Bus Service Licence (BSL) while an operator who operates a single bus service must apply for a Class 2 BSL.
Class 1 Bus Service Licence
A fee is applicable for the application of the licence and upon approval, operator is required to pay the BSL fee for the operation of the bus services.
The processing time for application of Class 1 BSL is at least one month upon receipt of complete information.
Class 1 BSL holders are required to comply with licensing conditions (including the Quality of Service Standards), codes of practice, directions as may be issued by the LTA, the Bus Services Industry Act and its subsidiary legislation.
Class 2 Bus Service Licence
Class 2 bus services include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Premium Bus Service;
- Shuttle Bus Service;
- Cross-border Bus Service;
- Scheme B Bus Service;
- Little India Bus Service;
- Night Bus Service;
- Temporary Bus Service;
- Tourist Bus Service; and
- Special Bus Service.
The processing time for application of Class 2 BSL is at least one month upon receipt of complete information. Therefore, the bus operator is required to submit an application at least one month before the intended date of implementation via GoBusiness Singapore to:
- Operate a new bus service under a Class 2 BSL (includes application to the Public Transport Council for fare pricing);
- Amend the operating schedule of an existing bus service under a Class 2 BSL;
- Withdraw an existing bus service under a Class 2 BSL;
- Renew a Class 2 BSL; and/or
- Amend the fares.
A fee is payable with each application to operate a new bus service, amend the bus operating details or withdraw the bus service. Upon approval of the application, the bus operator is required to pay the BSL fee for the new bus service and/or for the amendment of bus service details.
Bus operators will be issued with a Class 2 BSL for each bus service for a period of up to one year. Bus operators operating a temporary bus service will be issued with a Class 2 BSL for a period of up to six months. Class 2 BSL holders are required to comply with the licensing conditions, the Bus Services Industry Act and its subsidiary legislation. The operator must ensure that there is adequate publicity to inform the commuters on the amendments or withdrawal of an existing bus service.
All application and licence fees are non-refundable.
