SINGAPORE's two bus operators were fined again for not meeting service standards as the Public Transport Council enforces a year-old penalty framework.

SBS Transit and SMRT Buses were fined $9,300 and $1,000 respectively for failing to meet standards such as scheduled trips operated, scheduled headways as well as passenger load for the six-month review between Dec 1 and May 31 this year.

In April, they were fined $300 and $200 respectively for similar shortcomings.

The PTC, however, noted that both operators largely met its Quality of Service standards set.

The two operators have taken steps to meet the standards, such as buying more buses and stepping up their recruitment and training of bus drivers.

PTC chairman Gerard Ee said: 'The operators have assured us that they will work harder to improve their service standards. The financial penalties that the PTC imposed are a clear signal that the operators should strive for better results.'

Mr Ee added that the quality of service standards are 'demanding targets' to ensure that commuters are well served.

'With the recent increase in bus ridership, it has become even more challenging for operators to cope with commuters' expectations and to comply with the standards,' he noted.

The standards kicked in last October, and the council has been empowered by the Government to impose financial penalties on companies which fail to meet them.

Penalties range from $100 per day per bus service route to $10,000 per month per standard.

The PTC will have its hands full when Singapore's public bus market is opened up for more 'contestability' from as early as 2010.

Results of the next review are due in April.