The Ministry of Education (MOE) increased temporary support for regular school bus operators from 13% to 20% of fare revenue for May and June 2026 to ease the impact of continued high fuel prices [1, 2, 3, 4]. The ministry said, "This will help transport operators continue operating without disruption" [1].
If fuel prices remain elevated after June, operators will be allowed to apply a "time-bound fuel surcharge" capped by MOE starting July 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. MOE announced parents could expect the surcharge cap to be around 20% for July and August 2026, subject to review [4]. The ministry added, "Operators may increase the school bus fares up to this surcharge" [1].
MOE will inform operators of the maximum surcharge cap by June 2026 and notify parents of any fare revisions before schools resume after the June holidays [1, 2, 3, 4]. It said, "Parents can plan their transport arrangements after the June school holidays, if needed" [2].
Students receiving financial aid through MOE’s Financial Assistance Scheme will get extra subsidies to cover any fare increases, ensuring they pay no more [1, 2, 3, 4]. Special education students eligible for the Enabling Transport Subsidy from the Ministry of Social and Family Development and SG Enable will also receive help to offset fare hikes [2, 3, 4].
The Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, and Enterprise Singapore jointly advised private bus operators on May 15 to set fare changes independently without colluding and to communicate any surcharges transparently to customers [2, 3, 4]. They stated, "Private bus operators were told to decide any fare changes independently, without colluding with others, and to be transparent and communicate any surcharges early to customers" [2].
Globally, fuel prices have spiked due to the conflict in Iran and restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world's oil and gas supply [2, 3].
MOE initially provided temporary support covering 13% of school bus fare revenue to operators in April 2026 amid rising costs [1, 2, 3, 4]. The increased support to 20% was announced on May 15 [1, 2, 3, 4].
By June 2026, MOE will finalize and announce the maximum fuel surcharge cap to bus operators and inform parents of any fare changes ahead of the new school term [1, 2, 3, 4].
