Singapore school bus fares could rise by 20 per cent in July-August, as fuel prices continue to bite

The fare hike in July-August 2026 is not unexpected, as the MoE had said last month that school bus operators would be allowed to add a “time-bound” fuel surcharge to offset the high fuel prices.

CNA said that the ministry had then advised schools to “reasonably consider” school bus operators’ requests to hike fares.

However, some of the fare burden would still be borne by the Singapore Government — it will give extra school bus subsidy to families of those students who receive MoE financial assistance scheme.

As for students who do not receive or qualify for MoE assistance, their families need to reach out to the specific schools for assistance to deal with the 20 per cent surcharge.

CNA said that it contacted the Singapore School and Private Hire Bus Owners’ Association, which said that “the measure announced by MOE is timely and will help alleviate part of the financial pressure faced by school bus operators”.

“Many operators are mindful of the financial burden on parents and may choose not to impose the full surcharge, or any surcharge at all, despite the significant increase in operating costs,” said the Association.

Fuel prices remain high and a huge burden for many governments because, despite the recently agreed upon America-Iran ceasefire, peace in the Middle East remains tenuous, and the Strait of Hormuz is not fully open yet.