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Integrated Resorts’ Shuttle Bus Operations Stopped

Posted on September 12th, 2010

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Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands have been expecting a directive from the country’s authorities about it, but when the notice finally arrived, many in Singapore were still surprised by the decision that came on Friday about the suspension of the companies’ free shuttle services to and from their resorts to various locations. Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) had to summon up 100 of its staff that were on a public holiday to report to work. The company had originally planned to stop their shuttle services on Sunday at 11 PM. Aside from stopping services from the casino resort to their employees’ housing estate, the company was also ordered to stop other free shuttle buses which go to Orchard Road, Marina and the city state’s Central Business District.

The situation caused a bit of hassle to passenger who still went to the 19 pick-up locations of the shuttle service on Friday. They were only informed of the order by the Casino Regulatory Authority when they finally saw the signs hastily placed by the employees of the resort, or after they were finally told in the pick-up points by RWS employees who stationed themselves there. Moreover, would be passengers of the shuttle service of the competing casino, Marina Bay Sands (MBS) were also affected, as apparently, CA’s order included all free shuttle services provided by integrated resorts. They were also informed by RWS employees that they shouldn’t expect their ride to come anymore. The casino resorts, upon getting hold of the CRA order, had to call the operators of the buses to inform their drivers that they have to stop work. Shuttle bus operators started to worry that this may result to losses.

For example, Transit Network Consortium, under its managing director Neo Tiam Beng had to spend more than SG$2 million to purchase new buses and hire new drivers from both Singapore and abroad so as to fulfill the demand of RWS for 18 shuttle buses. This investment may soon prove worthless. Should the CRA order prove to last longer than its expected temporary effectiveness, Neo will have the task of sacking the drivers. In an interview with the press, he called the order unfair. He adds, “We bring the guests to the resort, not to the casino. There is other entertainment here like the theme park and restaurants.” June saw the free shuttle service by RWS finally seeing the green light. The resort has its soft launch in January before its grand opening last February 14. Brochures have been distributed, signboards have been put up and the resort’s website has taken pride in announcing the service. With barely three months of service, the authorities have decided to hastily plug the plug off this services, leaving many to question why.

The vice president of resort operations of RWS, Noel Hawkes, during a media briefing described the government’s move a “knee-jerk reaction. “ He adds, “We thought we’d have a bit more time to inform our guests. What we’re really concerned about are our guests. To cut it off just like that is a bit blunt. The deterrent of a $100 (casino levy) is onerous. I think a free bus ticket is not going to make any difference.” The issue started boiling only last Wednesday, when the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports made public its intention of investigation the free shuttle services provided by the two integrated resorts. For the part of the RWS, it said that it would end its shuttle services from Sentosa Island to the main island by the end of the week. Apparently, the company’s initial plans were not to be fulfilled as the CRA jumped the gun on them.

On Friday, Marina Bay Sands claimed that its free shuttle operations with routes including serving Orchard Road and Central Business District/Chinatown, as well its free shuttles to numerous hotels have already been suspended as of Thursday. The company then said that the shuttle service to and from Singapore’s International Airport will continue. The CRA, when asked by the media as to why the order came a bit late when it demanded immediate action did not directly answer the question, stating that the regulatory body did order for the two integrated resorts to cease operations of these shuttle buses immediately. The two IRs would now need to seek approval from the CRA for their buses to operate to their casinos, as the only shuttle bus operations approved are for routes from and to hotels.