BUS drivers with SBS Transit can continue working beyond the official retirement age of 62, without suffering any loss in pay or benefits.

They can work until 65, the company's new retirement age for these drivers who are in short supply here.

However, they can opt to switch to a different role, like coaching new drivers on how to navigate a crowded road.

The new retirement age was announced on Tuesday by SBS Transit, which pinpointed the high-level skills of these older drivers as the reason for its move.

Said its chief operating officer Gan Juan Kiat: 'We've noticed that older Bus Captains tend to be more patient and careful when driving.'

'The experience they have gathered over the years also means they can pass valuable pointers to new bus captains.'

The company's move comes amid a worsening shortage of bus drivers.

Already short of 200 drivers, it will come under further pressure next year.

It will need another 100 to comply with a new requirement of the Public Transport Council, which wants bus operators here to shorten the waiting times for commuters by August next year.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.