Public transport sector to create over 8,000 jobs

THE public transport sector will create more than 8,000 jobs by 2030, as current positions are developed and new careers created.

The Singapore Rail Academy and Singapore Bus Academy will build local capabilities for bus captains and railway engineers, said the Land Transport Authority, while new careers will be created for data scientists, service controllers and rail and bus engineers and technicians.

In his speech at the Committee of Supply Debate, Khaw Boon Wan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport said that the transport sector is a "key pillar of the Singapore economy".

Mr Khaw said: "Many Singaporeans make a good living working in it. Collectively, the industry employs more than 300,000 people. The potential for further growth is great. Many well-paying jobs are waiting to be filled."

He added that tenders will soon be called to upgrade the North-South and East-West Lines' power supply system, and to replace the first-generation MRT fleet with 66 new trains.

"For the North East Line, we are working with SBST to refurbish and upgrade their first-generation trains. For the Bukit Panjang LRT, we have started the process for its renewal. We target to call a tender this year for a complete replacement of its ageing components and an upgrade of its systems."