Tower Transit to run bus services, beach shuttle on Sentosa for 5 years
The beach shuttle operates in a circular route, with 18 stops across the island, and runs at a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes. PHOTO: SENTOSA
SINGAPORE – Tower Transit Singapore (TTS) is set to operate eight commercial bus services on the Sentosa resort island from Oct 1, its parent company Kelsian, an Australian transport services firm, said on May 30.
In an announcement on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Kelsian said the move would diversify the business. Since it started operations in 2016, TTS has operated only public buses here .
As part of the deal, TTS will also run the smaller Sentosa Beach Shuttle and maintain more than 40 vehicles on behalf of the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).
Kelsian said the five-year contract is expected to secure a total revenue of about A$27 million (S$22.4 million), excluding the operation of beach shuttle services.
SDC will have the option to extend the contract for another five years.
The eight bus services to be run by TTS include five for SDC employees and three for guests (Buses A, B and D) , which operate on the island and are free to use.
Bus A plies the route between Beach Station , Siloso Point and Resorts World Sentosa, while Bus B connects Beach Station and Sentosa Cove. Bus D operates between Beach Station and the VivoCity shopping complex .
Of the more than 40 vehicles TTS will maintain, 14 are electric buses and 10 are electric trams.
Kelsian said the contract is 'capital light', with all vehicles, garaging and maintenance facilities owned and provided by SDC.
TTS will take on the bus and maintenance services on Oct 1, and the operation of the Sentosa Beach Shuttle from Jan 1, 2026. The beach shuttle operates in a circular route, with 18 stops across the island, and runs at a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes.
'This is a milestone for TTS as it is our first foray into commercial bus operations,' said Mr Winston Toh, managing director of TTS.
'We will build on our experience as a public bus operator to deliver bus rides that are enjoyable, smooth, safe and that live up to Sentosa's reputation as a world-class leisure destination.'
Transport services on the island are currently operated by ComfortDelGro Bus, an SDC spokesperson said, while its fleet of vehicles is maintained by Strides Premier Automotive Services.
These current contracts started on July 1, 2020, and will expire on Sept 30, the spokesperson said.
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