Go-Ahead steps up training, support for bus drivers after complaints of longer waits in Tampines

: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The operator’s move comes after commuter complaints about daily bus journeys becoming less predictable. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Esther Loi Updated Sep 15, 2026, PM Set as preferred source Listen Summarise Go-Ahead Singapore is supporting new bus captains with extra guidance and mentorship to improve service reliability after complaints of longer bus waits in Tampines. The operator deployed more staff at key stops to monitor and manage bus intervals, aiming to reduce bus bunching and delays. Tampines MP Baey Yam Keng highlighted transition challenges from the new East Coast depot but expects improvements through targeted monitoring and ongoing support. AI generated SINGAPORE - Steps are being taken to address complaints from commuters in Tampines who faced longer waiting times for buses during the last two months, said bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore (GAS). The operator’s move comes after residents approached Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng when their daily bus journeys became less predictable, with longer waiting times and buses arriving together, since GAS took over. Baey is Minister of State for Transport, as well as Culture, Community and Youth. Responding to queries from The Straits Times on Sept 15, a GAS spokeswoman said the operator has been strengthening operations to ensure service reliability for commuters. This includes providing additional support to new bus captains who are familiarising themselves with new routes and operating conditions, in the form of more guidance and on-the-ground support to help them gain confidence in operating these routes. She added that experienced bus captains are mentoring and guiding new colleagues. GAS is also deploying more operations staff at bus interchanges and key bus stops to monitor service conditions and support bus captains if needed. The spokeswoman said this will help GAS better manage service intervals and keep buses running on time. “We are encouraged that service performance has been improving since the transition, and we will continue to monitor operations closely and make adjustments where necessary,” she said. GAS started operating all 29 bus services in the Tampines area on July 19, taking over routes run (SBST). In a Facebook post on Sept 13, Baey said that he conveyed residents’ concerns to the top management of GAS, who acknowledged the transition issues. He added that about 40 per cent of bus captains operating these services are new, so they need time to familiarise themselves with the routes and operations. Also, services now run from the new East Coast Integrated Depot in Changi, where the buses are parked, cleaned and maintained.