SBS Transit Q3 net profit rises 35.5% to S$19.6 million on provision write-back

In the third quarter of 2026, SBS Transit witnessed a significant increase in its net profit, rising by 35.5% to S$19.6 million, as reported in a business update on November 11. The financial boost was largely attributed to a write-back of S$13 million related to fuel provisions from prior years, which was incorporated into the operating profit. Operating profit for the quarter grew by 37.7% to S$22.6 million, up from S$16.4 million in the same period last year.

However, the company's revenue experienced a slight decline of 1.1% to S$382.1 million, as compared to S$386.5 million in the previous quarter. This decline was primarily due to a lower bus service fee resulting from the loss of the Tampines package, alongside reduced rail grants and ridership. The revenue decrease was partially counterbalanced by higher diesel and electricity prices resulting from the Iran conflict.

SBS Transit's net profit for the nine months leading up to September 30, 2026, grew by 7.5% to S$48.9 million, up from S$45.5 million in the comparable period in 2025. Revenue for the nine months increased by 3.1% to S$1.2 billion, compared to S$1.1 billion in the previous year.

The decline in revenue from public transport services, which includes bus and rail operations, amounted to S$1.4 million for Q3 2026. Revenue generated from other commercial services saw a decline of S$2.9 million, mainly attributed to lower advertising revenue due to economic uncertainty. Average daily ridership on the North East Line (NEL) decreased by 0.8% year-on-year to 620,265, while ridership on the Downtown Line (DTL) dropped by 1.3% to 483,695.

Notably, ridership on both lines saw a rise compared to the second quarter of 2026, with NEL up by 4.7% and DTL up by 4.9%.