Debated in Parliament on 5 May 2026.
Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Education in view of the continuing Middle East conflict (a) what additional measures are being considered to assist stakeholders, schools and students to ensure the availability of regular school bus services; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider taking over the management of school bus operations with the present companies as its contractors.
Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Education given that the 13% temporary transport support does not extend to ad hoc school bus services, (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the risk of private bus operators ceasing to serve schools due to unviable profit margins; and (b) what contingency measures are in place to ensure continued access to ad hoc transport services for external school activities.
My response will address the questions raised by Ms Joan Pereira and Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik on the temporary support for school bus operators amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) is providing temporary support to operators of regular bus services for primary and special education to help offset higher fuel costs arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict. In April, we provided support equivalent to 13% of school bus fare revenues. Given that fuel prices remain elevated, we intend to provide additional support for May and June. Beyond that, from July, the operators will be allowed to raise fares to reflect the cost increases, so that services remain viable.
For ad hoc bus service providers, MOE has advised schools to work with operators on reasonable rate adjustments. As of 28 April 2026, schools have facilitated temporary rate increases for 42 bus contracts, with more under consideration. We also encourage other procurers of transport services to adopt a similar approach, so that the burden is shared fairly.
MOE does not plan to take over school bus operations. Under the current model, schools select operators through a competitive bidding process. This allows them to have direct oversight over service quality and affordability, while giving operators the flexibility to customise their services. Where needed, MOE will step in to facilitate continuity – for example, by helping schools put in place replacement arrangements or novate existing contracts. MOE will continue working closely with schools and operators to ensure the sustainability of both regular and ad hoc bus services.
PAPERCUTS