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 bus services is required to apply and obtain a Class 1 Bus Service Licence (BSL) while an operator who operates a single bus service has to apply for a Class 2 BSL.
For a Class 2 BSL, the bus operator is required to submit an application via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal to:
- operate a new bus service under a Class 2 BSL
- 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
Class 1 Bus Service Licence
Any bus operator that runs 10 or more bus services is required to have a Class 1 BSL. A fee is applicable for the application of the licence and upon approval, operator is required to pay the BSL fee for the bus services.
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.
Please note that bus operators are required to submit an application to the Public Transport Council for consideration and approval for the fare structure of the bus services and any amendment to the fare for a bus service.
Class 2 Bus Service Licence
A bus operator operating less than 10 bus services is required to have a Class 2 BSL for each bus service. These 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;
- Temporary Bus Service;
- Tourist Bus Service; and
- Special Bus Service.
A fee is applicable with the application to operate a new bus service. Upon approval of the application, the bus operator is required to pay the BSL fee for the new bus service, as well as place a refundable security deposit with LTA. In the event of non-compliance with the licensing conditions, the deposit may be forfeited in part or in whole.
Bus operators will be issued with a Class 2 BSL for each bus service for a period of up to two years. 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.
Bus operators will need to apply to LTA before making amendments to the operating details of an existing bus service or withdrawing an existing bus service. A fee is applicable for the application to amend the bus operating details or to withdraw the bus service. The bus operator is also required to pay a fee for the amendment of bus service details upon approval of the application. The operator must ensure that there is adequate publicity to inform the commuters on the amendments or withdrawal of an existing bus service.
