$20k sign-on bonus helping to attract Singapore bus drivers

Singapore bus companies are attracting more local drivers by offering sign-on bonuses of up to $20,000. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – In April 2025, Mr Yeo Zhi Qi switched jobs after finding out about the $20,000 sign-on bonus that public transport operator SBS Transit (SBST) was offering Singaporeans and permanent residents who joined as new bus drivers.

Mr Yeo was incentivised to make the move from his previous job selling fire extinguishers because he felt that being a bus driver was more “sustainable” as he could continue driving buses even as he grows older.

The 37-year-old told The Straits Times on March 6 that he was drawn to the job also because of the shift work.

It allows him to knock off on time to eat dinner with his sons, aged 15 and 11, on some weekday evenings. He normally ends his shift at about 7pm.

Mr Yeo drives service 807, which operates from Yishun Bus Interchange and loops at Yishun Street 71. He also drives service 851e, which plies the route between Yishun and Outram Park.

He said his previous job was more stressful as he had a tight daily schedule and needed to travel across the island to his clients’ homes and offices.