Taxi, private-hire drivers can switch to bus driving under new career pathway amid AV rollout

NTUC’s assistant secretary-general Yeo Wan Ling said taxi and private-hire drivers will remain needed even as autonomous vehicles are introduced.

“We are also working with the public transport operators on flexible work arrangements, so that drivers have the option of balancing bus driving and other work opportunities,” said Ms Yeo, who is adviser to the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and National Taxi Association, and executive secretary of the National Transport Workers’ Union.

“As mobility evolves, we will continue working to create more opportunities and pathways for our drivers, so that the future of mobility provides flexibility, viable livelihoods and meaningful choices for them.”

Singapore’s four public bus operators – SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Tower Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore – welcomed the move, saying more bus drivers will strengthen the manpower pipeline and support the industry’s needs.

In June, the operators, the LTA and the National Transport Workers’ Union announced higher starting salaries and larger sign-on bonuses for new Singaporean and permanent resident bus drivers from next year to help attract and retain drivers.