SMRT ramps up headcount, launches search for 1,200 new staff

Overall headcount will rise by 20%.

SMRT will hire 700 new rail staff and 500 new bus staff this year, in a bid to improve its public transport services. 

SMRT said that the need for more rail staff is in anticipation of the introduction of new trains on the North-South and East-West Lines and the Circle Line, and the opening of four new MRT stations on the East-West Line’s extension to Tuas. More staff are also needed to enhance the capacity needed for renewal, upgrade and maintenance projects on SMRT’s rail network. 

Meanwhile, headcount at SMRT buses will be increased as more buses will be put on the road to reduce the waiting time for commuters.

Apart from its hiring spree, SMRT will also roll out a series of initiatives to upgrade its staff.

For instance, the group have a new tie-up with a centre of excellence based in the United Kingdom for railway engineering and operations to jointly conduct courses with the SMRT Institute. SMRT will also launch a new career scheme for Automotive Engineering Services Centre staff who maintain SMRT’s buses and taxis.

SMRT will also provide better career advancement prospects and training for frontline Trains Engineering Maintenance leaders. It will also roll out a Team-Based Reliability Incentive for trains and buses staff which is linked to performance indicators that measure the reliability of services.

The schemes were developed in partnership with the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU).