SMRT BUSES LTD

SMRT BUSES HISTORY
FROM TIBS TO SMRT

1981

In 1981, the then Minister for Communications, Mr Ong Teng Cheong, announced the Government’s intention to allow the formation of a second bus company to compete with Singapore Bus Service (1978) Ltd on an equal footing.

1982

In March 1982, Singapore Shuttle Bus (Pte) Ltd was granted a licence to operate the second bus company. Hence, Trans-Island Bus Services Ltd was incorporated on 31 May 1982.

1983

Trans-Island Bus Services Ltd started operations on 3 April 1983 with 37 buses plying on two services - Services 160 and 167.

In the early years whilst waiting for the completion of its headquarters in Ang Mo Kio, Tibs’ administrative staff were housed in double-decked container offices, which although small, were cosy.

Bus repairs and maintenance were carried out under make-shift sheds. Diesel was obtained from skid tanks and buses had to be washed manually.

1986

On 3 April 1986, Tibs moved into its new office in Ang Mo Kio. The new office houses the administrative, engineering and workshop facilities. It also has a refilling station and a fully automatic bus-washing machine.

1987

Before 12 March 1987, Trans-Island had an agreement with a management consultancy, Trans-Island Management and Engineering Services (TIMES) which undertook responsibility for the management and administration, repair and maintenance of its fleet of buses. On 12 March 1987, Trans-Island acquired Singapore Shuttle Bus (Private) Limited. It also ended its management arrangement with TIMES and undertook its own administration, repair and maintenance.

On 13 March 1987, Trans-Island became a public listed company. 27 April 1987 marked the successful listing of Tibs on SESDAQ. There was an overwhelming number of applications for Tibs' shares which were over-subscribed by more than 40 times.

1990

On 2 May 1990, TIBS Taxis Pte Ltd was formed. It is the only company in Singapore to operate a fleet of entirely large capacity taxis. It is also the only company in Singapore to operate the world-famous London taxis.

TIBS Motors Pte. Ltd. was set up in 1990 to provide workshop services and to carry out business as a distributor and agent for motor vehicles.

1991

In 1991, Trans-Island underwent a restructuring and together with the other subsidiaries like I.C. Equipment and PB Packaging Systems, came under a holding company, TIBS Holdings Ltd. The restructuring resulted in the listing of TIBS Holdings Ltd in place of Trans-Island Bus Services Ltd on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Singapore on 2nd September 1991.

2001

In late 2001, Trans-Island came under the SMRT Corporation Ltd.

2004

Trans-Island Bus Service, TIBS Taxis and TIBS Motors were rebranded as SMRT Buses Ltd, SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd and SMRT Automotives Pte Ltd respectively.