Singapore’s Public Transport Workforce to Grow 4% by 2025

Singapore Train
3 min readJun 6, 2023

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Singapore’s efficient public transport system is an essential backbone of the nation’s infrastructure. As demand for reliable transportation continues to rise, so does the need for a skilled and dedicated workforce. By 2025, Singapore aims to expand its public transport workforce by 4%, ensuring that it is equipped to deliver top-notch services to its residents. Let’s delve into the factors driving this workforce expansion and the benefits it brings to Singapore’s transportation ecosystem.

1. Responding to Growing Demand:

As Singapore’s population expands and urban areas flourish, the demand for public transportation continues to rise. The increased need for reliable and efficient mobility options necessitates a larger workforce to operate, maintain, and manage the public transport system effectively. By growing the workforce, Singapore ensures that it can meet the evolving needs of its citizens, providing seamless transportation solutions and enhancing overall accessibility

In response to this growing demand, SMRT Corporation, a key player in Singapore’s public transport landscape, is proactively investing in workforce training and growth initiatives. Let’s explore how SMRT Corporation is shaping the future of the industry through talent development and creating opportunities for career advancement. As SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, mentioned that the company takes a structured approach to train and development to ensure its people are equipped with the right skills and tools to deal with future challenges. Seah Moon Ming further added that SMRT strives to provide a conducive environment for its employees to continuously upskill during their careers at SMRT. SMRT CEO, Ngien Hoon Ping, thinks that training and upskilling SMRT teams will give them the confidence to make a difference that lasts beyond the stations and interchanges. Here is how:

Commitment to Skill Enhancement: Recognising the importance of a well-trained workforce, SMRT is committed to enhancing the skills and expertise of its employees. The company offers a comprehensive range of training programs, equipping its workforce with the necessary technical knowledge and capabilities to deliver exceptional service.

Career Development and Progression: SMRT places great emphasis on career development and progression, offering employees opportunities to expand their horizons. Employees are encouraged to upskill and acquire new competencies.

Collaboration with Educational Institutions: To support the development of future public transport professionals, SMRT partners with polytechnics and institutes of higher learning to help students gain hands-on experience in the industry, fostering a pipeline of skilled talent that can contribute to the public transport workforce in the long run.

Embracing Technological Advancements: SMRT Corporation recognises the transformative power of technology in improving public transport efficiency. Through continuous innovation, SMRT leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance operations, maintenance, and customer experience.

2. Creating Job Opportunities:

The expansion of the public transport workforce translates into new job opportunities for individuals seeking employment in the industry. Singapore’s commitment to developing its public transport infrastructure generates a wide range of roles across various domains, including operations, maintenance, customer service, engineering, and technology. This workforce expansion contributes to job creation, supporting the economy and offering avenues for career growth and stability.

3. Building a Skilled and Diverse Workforce:

As Singapore expands its public transport workforce, emphasis is placed on developing a highly skilled and diverse talent pool. Training programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions help equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. By fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the multicultural fabric of Singapore, the public transport industry promotes inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication, creating an enriching experience for both employees and passengers.

4. Enhancing Service Quality:

A larger public transport workforce allows for improved service quality and efficiency. With more staff available, service providers can deploy resources strategically, ensuring optimal coverage and timely response to passengers’ needs. This workforce growth enables better crowd management, reduced waiting times, enhanced safety measures, and overall superior customer experiences. By investing in human capital, Singapore aims to maintain its reputation as a global leader in public transportation.

Conclusion

As Singapore’s public transport workforce is projected to grow by 4% by 2025, the Land Transport Authority and transport operators like SMRT Corporation stand at the forefront, leading the way in talent development and workforce growth. By investing in training programs, promoting career progression, fostering collaborations with educational institutions, and embracing technology, the government and operators are not only nurturing a highly skilled workforce but also shaping the future of public transport in Singapore, ensuring efficient and reliable services for generations to come.

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