A new progressive career scheme for all SMRT bus drivers was introduced on Thursday. The SMRT Bus Captain Scheme aims to give the drivers training to provide better service to commuters and increase productivity level.

It includes the restructuring of salary ranges, productivity and performance incentives. There is also a new training plan targeted to enable career progression.

The scheme, which adopts the Labour Movement's progressive wage model, will match training and job redesign for each bus driver, in order to ensure more targeted career progression plans and enhanced wages for them. Under this scheme, the average Singaporean SMRT bus driver can earn up to $3,500 a month after overtime and performance incentives.

The new career progression framework will also map out a clear route of advancement, with opportunities to progress into supervisory positions, said the statement. Promotion and upgrading criteria are set to each of the different ranks, with tailored training at each stage, and a structured remuneration scheme in line with their increased job responsibilities.