Data on Bus Routes and Passengers Affected by COVID-19 Clusters at Public Bus Interchanges and Availability of Scheme to Recruit and Retrain Private Bus Drivers who Ferry Tourists and Office Workers

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many bus routes have been affected by the COVID-19 clusters at public bus interchanges; (b) whether there is any data on the number of passengers affected by this disruption; and (c) whether there is a scheme to recruit and retrain private bus drivers who used to ferry tourists and office workers to drive public buses.

The recent COVID-19 clusters at the bus interchanges have resulted in a tighter manpower situation. To ensure that the remaining bus captains have enough rest time between their shifts, LTA and operators adjusted the frequency of bus services from early September 2021. Though the situation has improved slightly, as infection numbers decrease and more bus captains come back to work, it remains fluid.

As of 30 September 2021, the waiting times for most of our bus services have been maintained without impacting commuters. Four express and city direct services have been suspended; the affected commuters are able to complete their journeys via alternative rail or bus services.

Our public transport operators are actively recruiting bus captains. Some former private bus drivers and point-to-point drivers have joined them. The new hires go through training conducted by LTA and the public bus operators before they are deployed.