Private Bus Operators to Get Handouts
Singaporean private bus operators impacted by Covid-19 will be receiving some support from the government in a $48 billion package announced on 26 March 2020. Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister said these operators have been badly affected from the decrease in tourists in the city-state will be granted a one year road tax rebate. The incentive will benefit owners of some 13 500 vehicles.
Bus operators will also be granted a nine-month waiver of Class 2 Bus Service Licence fee. Those who have paid the fee for this year are eligible for a refund of $750 each. The deputy prime minister added a six-month waiver of parking charges at government-managed parking facilities will be granted.
Private bus operators have been badly impacted by the decrease in tourism, with some citing a drop of 90 percent. The newly granted initiatives by the government are a welcomed help from the Singaporean government in these dire times.