London-Based Tower Transit Wins First LTA Tender to Operate 26 Bus Services in Singapore
London-based Tower Transit Group Limited was awarded the first tender under the Land Transport Authority’s new Government Contracting Model (GCM). The company is contracted to operate 26 bus services beginning 2Q 2016 for a period of five years, with the option of a 2-year extension.
The buses will be based at the new Bulim Bus Depot and the bus services, to be implemented in three stages, will operate from Bukit Batok, Clementi and Jurong East bus interchanges.
“Tower Transit is fully on board with the Land Transport Authority’s Government Contracting Model. We have spent years interacting with and understanding Singapore’s public transport landscape, and we truly believe this is the way forward. We’re looking forward to working closely with the LTA to realise this new vision.” said Neil Smith, chairman, Tower Transit.
“Tower Transit aims to partner with the world’s top cities, operating world-class bus systems that form part of the pulse and energy of the city. Singapore ranks right up there with the best, and we are looking forward to contributing to its vibrancy and serving the people of Singapore, as we do in London,” he said.
Tower Transit Group CEO Mr Adam Leishman said, “Our goal is to create a people-centric bus system that responds to and anticipates the needs of Singaporean commuters, one that will eventually become so much a part of people’s lives that it will be intuitive, efficient and personable. To that end, we have initiated open conversations with our stakeholders in order to provide the highest quality services.”
He added, “The cornerstone of a people-centric bus system is obviously its people, and a major task before us is to recruit talented people to a wide spectrum of positions from management to bus captains and train them to the highest standards of customer service. This will be done through a training programme conducted here, and in some cases, both here and in Sydney, that will equip them with customer focused skills as well as technical skills. We’ve also created a position called Customer Service Champion. This is aimed at instilling a customer-oriented culture that permeates every area of our business from day one.”
The company will begin recruitment activities immediately for both management and technical roles, and will work in accordance with the Public Transport Tripartite Committee guidelines in determining the employment of the over 900 staff required for our Singapore operations. It has plans to look beyond the bus industry to attract people who may not have relevant technical skills but are keen on being trained. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone considering a mid-career change, or requiring part time flexible arrangements and are after a new and rewarding challenge.
