Bus companies SMRT Buses, SBS Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore are offering attractive sign-on bonuses to new bus captains.

While it is stated that the position is open for Singaporeans, the recruitment advertisement is attracting a lot of attention in Malaysia.

Attractive monthly salary and sign-on bonus

The latest recruitment ad from SMRT features various attractive benefits: A bus captain with SMRT may earn up to S$3,500 monthly, with an S$3,000 sign-on bonus.

In ringgit, this easily translates to more than RM10,000 at one shot starting out.

Work training, having up to 21 days leave, medical coverage, and free travel on public buses and trains are some of the benefits listed for bus captains, though the position is open for Singaporeans only.

SBS Transit, Go-Ahead offering similar salaries

According to an advertorial on Lianhe Zaobao, SBS Transit is also offering a monthly salary of S$3,500 and a sign-on bonus of S$3,000 for local bus captains.

They also list free travel, health screening and flexible benefits, career progression to executive & managerial positions in Operations, Management & Training.

Lianhe Zaobao reported on Oct. 16 that Go-Ahead Singapore was offering bus captains a monthly salary of S$3,300 as well.

Sign-on bonuses for bus captains is not new though.

An SMRT press release in 2016 said that new bus captains were getting sign-on bonuses of S$2,000 then.

However, this increase in salary and bonuses are likely a response to a shortage of bus captains who are Singaporeans.

So, if you're thinking of joining SMRT or SBS Transit as a bus captain, it's a good idea to consider your interests and abilities rather than going in just for the attractive salary and bonus.

You'll also need a class three driving license and one year of driving experience.

One thing's for sure, it's no walk in the bus park.

Top image via SMRT Corporation's website