Transport Minister: School Bus Driver Aid Contingent on Vehicle Registration Revenue

The financial support for school bus drivers and taxi operators will be determined by additional income streams rather than being institutionalised as a permanent annual grant, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has stated.

The minister explained that the aid package was approved following the collection of surplus funds generated through the sale of special vehicle registration plates. This revenue-dependent approach means the assistance is not guaranteed annually and will fluctuate based on the performance of registration number sales.

The clarification addresses concerns from the transport sector about the sustainability and predictability of government support. School bus operators and taxi drivers have faced mounting operational costs, including fuel and maintenance expenses, prompting calls for increased government assistance.

The minister's statement suggests the government is exploring alternative funding mechanisms to support the transport sector without committing to permanent budgetary allocations. Officials have not indicated when the next round of assistance might be distributed or what revenue thresholds would trigger additional support payments.

This development reflects broader government efforts to manage fiscal pressures while maintaining support for essential transport services that serve both commercial operators and the general public.