The upcoming tender for 27 public bus routes in Tampines from 2026 will focus on sustainability and innovation, with electric buses playing a key role.
SINGAPORE – Public transport operators have been invited to bid for the Tampines bus package, which includes 27 routes starting in 2026. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced the tender on December 19, aiming to finalize the new contract by the second half of 2025.
The incumbent operator, SBS Transit (SBST), has managed the Tampines routes since 2016, but its contract will expire in July 2026. This competitive process will evaluate not only the operators’ service quality but also their ability to manage and optimize electric bus operations.
The Move Towards Electrification
Electric buses will play a pivotal role in the new tender. LTA stated that bidders must demonstrate effective deployment, maintenance of electric bus infrastructure, and strategies for ensuring safe and reliable operations. The new East Coast Integrated Depot, scheduled to open in 2026, will serve as the hub for these operations, accommodating over 500 buses and charging more than 200 electric buses.
LTA’s broader goal is to electrify half of Singapore’s 5,800 public buses by 2030. Currently, 70 electric buses are in service, with an additional 410 expected by the end of 2025. The government has committed to acquiring over 2,000 electric buses within the next five years.
To support this transition, new depots will include electric vehicle charging systems, and older facilities may be upgraded. High-powered chargers are also being installed at key interchanges to ensure range extensions for electric buses.
Background on the Bus Contracting Model
Under Singapore’s bus contracting model, introduced in 2016, bus services are grouped into 14 packages based on geography. Operators compete to run services under contracts that last five years, with possible extensions of up to five additional years. The government owns the assets and collects fares, ensuring operators meet strict service standards.
The Tampines package comprises key trunk routes such as services 10, 23, and 81, and will include a new bus service launching in 2025 as part of the S$900 million Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme.
Global and Local Interest Expected
The Tampines tender is expected to attract bids from local operators and international players, such as Spain’s Nex Continental Holdings and France’s Transdev Group, both of which have participated in recent bus tenders. The inclusion of electric bus operations in the evaluation criteria may further heighten interest from innovative and sustainable-focused firms.
LTA also clarified that it will consider current market conditions and operational impact when deciding between extending contracts or holding competitive tenders. Recent extensions, such as the deal with SBST to shift the Downtown MRT line to a different financing framework, highlight the flexibility of the system.
As Singapore accelerates its shift toward sustainable public transport, the Tampines package is set to be a landmark in the nation’s electrification journey.
