As part of the goverment's push to improve public bus transport and get more people to opt for this mode of travel, the Public Transport Council (PTC) will, from Feb 1, grant more licences for private bus operators which can offer premium bus services.

The PTC, in a statement today, says it will allow these operators to charge fares at least one-and-a-half times the equivalent fare of basic public transport services but passengers can enjoy more direct routes and travel in air-conditioned comfort. There will be no standing passengers and all must have seats on these niche services.

To encourage operators to come on board, the PTC says COE-exempted buses, such as omnibuses and school buses, may be used to operate this service. The licence for such a service is for a maximum of two years and can be renewed subject to PTC approval.

These buses can ply the routes of existing basic bus services and use all the bus stops subject to bus stop capacity and traffic operations considerations.

Another plus for operators who take up the offer: The PTC says that for a period of up to two years from approval of a premium bus service, it will, at most, grant licences to two more premium operators which serve similar destinations. But the pick-up points of these subsequent operators can only overlap those of the new premium service by not more than 20 per cent.

Says the PTC statement: "This is to recognise the first mover's investment in resources to conduct market research and to come up with a new premium bus service routes."

Commuters stand to gain from this exercise as they will have more travel choices.

PTC chairman Gerard Ee said "We hope to see more premium bus services coming on stream to complement basic public transport services and provide more choices for commuters. Our goal is to attract more people to use public transport and make it a choice mode of travel."

In a 2006 bus passenger satisfaction survey, one in five respondents indicated that they would not mind paying higher fares if better service was provided. This was taken into consideration in the review, that there is scope for premium services and fares to cater to the diverse commuter segment.

Added Mr Ee: "In short, this premium bus scheme presents an excellent opportunity for bus operators to come up with innovative service offerings to better serve the different market segments. We welcome bus operators to come forward with their proposals."

In this revised premium bus service scheme, the PTC adds that there will be no application fees for prospective operators who can download the applications forms at www.ptc.gov.sg

In assessing applications, the PTC will consider the applicant's general financial standing and his ability to maintain an adequate, satisfactory, safe and efficient service.