MAN A22 (NL323F)

MAN A22 (NL323F)
SBS Transit MAN NL323F (A22)
SBS Transit MAN A22 (NL323F)
Manufacturer MAN Truck And Bus SE
Bodywork MCV (Retired)
MAN Lion’s City Hybrid (Gemilang Coachworks)
MAN Lion’s City (Gemilang Coachworks)
Years in operation 2010 – Present
Current Operators (PTOs) SBS Transit
SMRT Buses
Tower Transit Singapore
Go-Ahead Singapore
Current Operators (Private Bus) Leisure Frontier
A&S Transit
Technical Data
Length 12 metre
Engine MAN D2066 LUH-32 (Euro V)
MAN D2066 LUH-51 (Euro VI)
Transmission ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B
Voith DIWA 864.5
Voith DIWA 864.6
Accessibility Low Floor
Emission Standard Euro V  (EGR)
Euro VI (EGR & SCR)

The MAN NL323F, also known as the MAN A22, is a low-floor, single-deck city bus chassis offered by MAN Truck & Bus. As part of the MAN NLxx3F line of bus chassis, units were sold to various operators around the world, particularly in Germany, Spain, Israel, Singapore and the UK, and built up by various bodywork companies.

First introduced locally in December 2010 by SMRT Buses, a successful trial unit led to a further purchase of 734 units (Euro V) in three batches, all built to SMRT specifications, and registered from September 2011 till October 2016. Under the Bus Contracting Model, MAN NL323F buses were also leased to Tower Transit Singapore, SBS Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore.

Orders for a further 150 units (Euro VI) were made by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), with buses registered from May 2018 to April 2020.

A one-off 3-door low-entry MAN Lion’s City SD Concept Bus formerly underwent trials with SMRT Buses in 2017. It was later converted into a static display bus (LTA Smart Bus) before being scrapped in March 2023.

A former Euro V MAN A22 bus (SMB3075A) was also retrofitted to an electric bus, and re-registered as SG3100M.

In 2020, twenty buses were converted into dedicated COVID-19 patient transport vehicles, known as COMET MAXI (COVID-19 Multi-Passenger Enhanced Transporter). These buses were later sold to various Private Bus Operators in 2021.


Model/Type Information:

The MAN A22 is a low-floor rigid bus chassis adapted from the MAN Lion’s City range of city buses (model designation MAN NLxx3), which are only available as an integral bus for the European market.

All MAN A22 units operating in Singapore are of the NL323F model. The model designation is broken down as follows:

  • N: Low-floor bus (German: Niederflur)
  • L: Rigid bus (German: Linienbus)
  • xx: Power output in hp (rounded to nearest ten) – 320hp for A22 buses in Singapore
  • 3: Third generation
  • F: Produced as a chassis (German: Fahrgestell); to be fitted with external bodywork

All MAN buses also carry a type designation for further classification. The 12-metre-long Lion’s City integral buses are assigned A21. The chassis in Singapore buses are designated MAN A22, an increment of 1 after the integral MAN A21 (analogous to the A24 chassis based on the A23 integral bus). As such, buses can be referred to using either the model designation (NL323F), type designation (A22), or both.

For Singapore production units, the MAN chassis are bodied by Gemilang Coachworks.

Drivetrain:

MAN A22 chassis. Engine component layout is identical for RHD units.

Diesel-powered MAN NLxx3Fs come with the standard MAN D 2066 LUH-32 inline 6-cylinder, horizontally-mounted, turbocharged & inter-cooled engine, with a range of available power outputs of between 270 and 400 horsepower over Euro III to Euro VI emission standards.

The Euro V engine option (MAN D 2066) has two-stage turbocharging with intercooling. It incorporates the MAN PURE DIESEL® Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) process and a diesel oxidation catalytic converter system for emissions control. 320hp, 360hp and 400hp versions are available.

The Euro VI engine option (MAN D 2066) also has two-stage turbocharging with intercooling. It incorporates the MAN PURE DIESEL® EGR process with the MAN SCRT exhaust aftertreatment system. The MAN SCRT system consists of a Diesel particulate filter and an SCR particulate filter, hence requiring diesel exhaust fluids such as AdBlue. 280hp, 320hp, 360hp and 400hp versions are available.

For transmission, the MAN NLxx3F offers a Voith 4-speed automatic transmission as standard, with an optional offering of a ZF EcoLife 6-speed automatic transmission. The integrated hydraulic retarder offers boosted operating economy, longer service life, and higher temperature resistance for operation with Euro V-compatible engines. A portal axle is used for the rear wheels, and all wheels come with disc brakes.

Diesel-electric hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG) and pure diesel variants of the MAN NLxx3F are available, all capable of meeting Euro-VI emission standards.

Assembly:

MAN bus chassis are manufactured in Germany, and then shipped to Malaysia for body assembly by Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd. The company’s manufacturing facility is located in Senai, Johor.

MAN A22 buses for the Singapore market are built similar in appearance to MAN’s integral ‘Lion’s City‘ and ‘Lion’s City Hybrid‘ in the European market. These designs are manufactured by Gemilang Coachworks under license. Buses are constructed with Alcan’s EcoRange lightweight aluminium bus body.

The distinctive swept-roof structure on the MAN A22 (Euro V) is taken from the Lion’s City Hybrid bodywork and conceals the air-conditioning pod. The later MAN A22 (Euro VI) no longer features this roof structure.

After assembly, inspection and testing, buses are delivered to Singapore by road.


 Overview of Singapore Operations

As SMRT’s fleet of Mercedes-Benz O405 buses approached retirement age, there was a need for a large replacement of 12-metre buses that were wheelchair-accessible and environmentally friendly.

The first MAN NL323F, registered SMB138Y, was a demonstrator unit fitted with the MCV Evolution bodywork, from Egyptian bodybuilder MCV (Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles). The bus entered service in December 2010 and delivered satisfactory performance during its one-year trial period. It was also favoured over SMB136C (SMRT’s Citaro demonstrator) as a suitable bus for large-scale fleet renewal and expansion. SMB138Y was taken out of revenue service in 2012.

In 2011, SMRT announced purchases of 200 MAN NL323F buses, this time with a MAN Lion’s City Hybrid bodywork manufactured and assembled by Gemilang Coachworks. Later in 2013, another 202 units were ordered. A third batch announced in April 2014 for 332 units were registered from July 2014 to Oct 2016. Thus, a total of 734 Euro V units were procured by SMRT; although some units were diverted to the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) midway through delivery.

In 2018, a batch of 150 Euro VI buses were procured. They are presumed to be purchased under a negotiated contract between ST Engineering and LTA.

Many MAN NL323F buses share similar technical specifications. Here’s a table at a glance:

Demonstrator (Retired) Production Batch 1 Production Batch 2 Production Batch 3 Euro 6 Batch
(Production Batch 4)
Registration no. SMB138Y SMB189A – SMB354P
SMB3001M – SMB3034T
SMB1301K – SMB1420A
SMB3035R – SMB3116R
SMB1421Y – SMB1650C
SMB3117M – SMB3169M
SG1700U – SG1748H
SG1749E – SG1898H ​
Quantity 1 200 202 332 150
Registered Dec 2010 Sep 2011 – Feb 2013 Jan 2013 – Mar 2014 Jul 2014 – Oct 2016 May 2018 – Apr 2020
– Technical Specifications
Engine MAN D2066 LUH-32 engine, twin-turbocharged and inter-cooled, 10518cc
Power/torque rating of 320 hp (235 kW) @ 1900 rpm / 1600 Nm @ 1000 – 1400 rpm
MAN D2066 LUH-51, 10518cc
Twin-stage turbocharged & inter-cooled
Power/torque rating of 320 hp (235 kW) @ 1900 rpm / 1600 Nm @ 1000 – 1400 rpm
Emission Standard Euro V compliant
– MAN’s PM-Kat® exhaust treatment system
– Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) technology and MAN’s own PM-Kat® exhaust treatment system, without the need for diesel exhaust fluids.



Euro VI-compliant
MAN PURE DIESEL® Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) process and MAN SCRT Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment process, hence requiring diesel exhaust fluids such as AdBlue.
Bodywork MCV Evolution MAN Lion’s City Hybrid
(Built under license by Gemilang Coachworks)
MAN Lion’s City
(Built under license by Gemilang Coachworks)
Transmission ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B (6-speed) ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B &
Voith DIWA 864.5
ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B &
Voith DIWA 864.6
EDS Hanover Mobitec MobiLED Mobitec MobiLED Ultima Amber +
Gorba imotion LED.e TOPSMART
Air conditioning Denso LD8i Denso LD8u
Doors Ventura Systems Masats
Additional Features LG television unit
Onboard Wi-Fi access
Door movement markings
Modified seating configuration (later units)
Door movement markings
“Doors are closing” announcement (Front door)
Adjustable air-conditioning vents
Door movement markings
Adjustable air-conditioning vents
Exterior facing PIDS
Interior PIDS
Exterior & Interior Speakers

SMRT MAN NL323F Demonstrator (SMB138Y)

Main article: SMB138Y: MAN NL323F Demonstrator

In 2010, SMRT Buses received a MAN NL323F demonstrator unit for road testing and evaluation by MAN’s local dealer, ST Kinetics. The bus was registered on 17 Dec 2010 as SMB138Y, the fifth demonstrator unit received by SMRT Buses. The bus underwent a year-long trial with SMRT Buses and was returned to the dealer after 2 years on the road.

Basic Technical Specifications
Engine MAN D 2066 LUH-32 engine
Inline 6-cylinder two-stage turbocharged with intercooling, 10518cc
Power/Torque output of 235 kW (320 hp) @ 1900 rpm / 1600 Nm @ 1000 – 1400 rpm
Emission Standard Euro V compliant
Combines Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology with MAN’s PM-Kat® exhaust treatment system. Compliant with Euro V emission standard without requiring diesel exhaust fluids.
Transmission ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B gearbox, six-speed automatic
Bodywork MCV Evolution Bodywork
Chassis built in Germany; MCV Evolution bodywork supplied by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV) of Egypt; assembled by Soon Chow Workshop in Singapore
Capacity 38 Seating + 52 Standing = 90 Passengers
One wheelchair bay with foldable seat for two (not included in licensed capacity)
EDS Hanover Electronic Display Sign (EDS)
Connected to a Hanover Eric+ controller

SMB138Y made its revenue service debut on 29 December 2010, appearing on SMRT Service 961 between Woodlands and Lorong 1 Geylang and was under the control of Woodlands Depot (WLDEP). During its time on the roads, it was also the only SMRT bus to provide free onboard Wi-Fi.

The bus also scored several firsts. It was the first public bus in Singapore to use sliding plug doors (supplied by Ventura). The sliding plug design would be later incorporated in Production batch MAN NL323Fs (from Masats, a different manufacturer), and the later Alexander Dennis Enviro500 buses would continue to use Ventura sliding plug doors

Wheelchair accessibility is offered via a manual wheelchair ramp installed at the rear door, and a wheelchair bay opposite the rear door. The wheelchair bay also doubles as a standing area, and a foldable seat for two people is integrated into the wheelchair backrest.

After its stint on Service 961, SMB138Y was later redeployed to Service 963 in 2011, making occasional appearances on 169A, 962 and 963E,. In 2012, it was transferred to Ang Mo Kio Depot (AMDEP) and redeployed to Service 985 where it would remain for the rest of its lifespan. During its time on the roads, SMB138Y had made special appearances on Bus Services 61, 75, 106, 167, 851, 852, 857, 858, 858A, 960, 963R, 966 and 971E.

Legacy

The trial of SMB138Y was ultimately successful, with SMRT initiating further purchases of the MAN NL323F chassis of a different bodywork. Following water damage to its electronics in 2012, the bus was laid up for maintenance, and never saw revenue service again. In early 2013, the bus was returned ST Kinetics after two years on the road, concluding its trial period, and eventually deregistered in November 2014.

In 2015, SMB138Y was rebodied with the MAN Lion’s City Hybrid bodywork by Gemilang Coachworks. The rebodied bus was displayed at the 2015 BusVic Maintenance Conference, then registered to Australian bus company Carbridge in November 2015 with the fleet number #88. Initially registered M/O 5241, later changing registration to CVL 3187 in 2017, and then to XQ39KQ in 2020.

We cover SMB138Y in greater depth at the main article: SMB138Y: MAN NL323F Demonstrator


MAN NL323F – Production Batch (Euro V) – 734 units

Main article: MAN NL323F (A22) – Euro 5​

In 2011, SMRT announced purchases of 200 MAN A22 buses, this time with a MAN Lion’s City Hybrid bodywork manufactured and assembled by Gemilang Coachworks. In 2013, another 202 units were ordered. A third batch announced in April 2014 for 332 units were registered from July 2014 to Oct 2016. Thus, a total of 734 Euro V production batch units were procured by SMRT; although some units were diverted to the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) midway through delivery.

Buses are registered in the following number ranges in consecutive numerical order. Nearly all buses bear the SMB-prefix, although later units bore the SG-prefix as Singapore was transitioning towards the Bus Contracting Model.

Cost of procurement is not known, but the contract for the first 200 buses announced in 2011 was at a sum of ‘over S$65 million’.

  • Batch 1 (200 Buses): SMB189A – SMB354P, SMB3001M-SMB3034T
  • Batch 2 (202 Buses): SMB1301K – SMB1420A, SMB3035R – SMB3116R
  • Batch 3 (332 Buses): SMB1421Y – SMB1650C,  SMB3117M – SMB3169M, SG1700U – SG1748H

Most MAN NL323F (Euro 5) buses share similar technical specifications.

Basic Technical Specifications
Engine MAN D 2066 LUH-32 engine
Inline 6-cylinder two-stage turbocharged with intercooling, 10518cc
Power/Torque output of 235 kW (320 hp) @ 1900 rpm / 1600 Nm @ 1000 – 1400 rpm
Emission Standard Euro V compliant
Combines Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology with MAN’s PM-Kat® exhaust treatment system. Compliant with Euro V emission standard without requiring diesel exhaust fluids.
Transmission 1. ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B gearbox, six-speed automatic
2. Voith DIWA 864.5 gearbox, six-speed automatic (SMB1568H & SMB1582R onwards)
Bodywork MAN Lion’s City Hybrid
Built by Gemilang Coachworks under license. Uses Constellium’s EcoRange lightweight aluminium bus body.
Capacity Configuration 1
38
Seating + 52 Standing = 90 Passengers
One wheelchair bay with foldable seat for two (not included in licensed capacity)
Configuration 2
35 seating + 56 standing = 91 passengers
One wheelchair bay with foldable seat for two (not included in licensed capacity)
EDS Mobitec MobiLED Electronic Display Sign (EDS)
Connected to Mobitec MobiMASTER ICU 402 controller

The most notable change to technical specifications across all Euro V units is the swap from ZF to Voith transmissions midway through Batch 3 delivery. All other specifications remain similar.

All MAN NL323F (Euro V) first began revenue service with SMRT Buses. Under the Bus Contracting Model, MAN NL323F buses were also leased to Tower Transit Singapore, SBS Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore.

Public transport operators have also installed Driver Assistance hardware on their buses, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and telematics systems:

SBS Transit SMRT Buses Tower Transit Singapore Go-Ahead Singapore
Driver Assistance:
TNT Surveillance T-FA Front Alert Camera
Mobileye 630 (some units)
ST Engineering DriveSafe Intelligent Warning System (formerly I-SAW-U) (some units)
Driver Assistance:
Vision Systems Smart-Vision Advanced Driver Assistance System (SMB1316T only)
Driver Assistance:
TNT Surveillance T-FA Front Alert Camera
Mobileye 630 (some units)
ST Engineering DriveSafe Intelligent Warning System (formerly I-SAW-U) (some units)
Not Applicable
Telematics:
TNT Surveillance T-SEEDS telematics system (formerly SAGE R-BASIC)
Telematics:
NEC telematics system
Telematics:
GreenRoad telematics system
Telematics:
GreenRoad telematics system (SG1720L only)

The first MAN A22 (Production Batch) made its revenue service debut on 3 October 2011, operating on Bus Service 963.

One bus (SMB3075A) was retrofitted to an electric bus, and re-registered as SG3100M in late 2019. In 2020, twenty SMRT-owned units were converted into dedicated COVID-19 patient transport vehicles, known as COMET MAXI (COVID-19 Multi-Passenger Enhanced Transporter). These buses are discussed in detail in their respective articles:

Exterior

The bodywork used on these buses was similar to MAN’s Lion City Hybrid buses, but manufactured by Gemilang Coachworks of Malaysia, under license from MAN. Like other MAN buses, the chassis was built in Germany. They were then assembled by Gemilang in Malaysia before final delivery to Singapore. One of the most distinguishing features of the production batch is the enlarged roof design, which in the original Lion’s City Hybrid, helps divert air to cool electrical components located on the roof. For the production batch of MAN NL323Fs, the roof is less useful and simply conceals the air-conditioning pod.

The first two production batches were initially painted in SMRT’s White and Red livery. After the launch of SMRT’s new “pixel” livery in January 2014, the third batch of buses was mostly painted in the new livery. 26 buses were painted in LTA’s Lush Green livery. Later buses also featured a newer SMRT logo in full red, as opposed to the older red-black logo.

Batch 3 buses feature a slight engine cover design change, similar to MAN A24 and MAN A95 buses.

Interior

Buses are fitted with the standard blue, purple and red Volgelsitze seats, the interior colour scheme of choice for SMRT. Similar to SMB138Y, it has a single wheelchair lot equipped with a foldable seat for two people.  The rear row of seats has just four seats, with extra space taken up by the engine cooling package.

The unique sliding plug door design was retained from the demonstrator unit, but with new doors supplied by Masats of Spain, featuring much faster opening and closing operation. A vocal “Doors Are Closing” chime, similar to those used on SMRT’s Trains, is played when the exit doors are being closed. The entrance doors are equipped with the same chime for Batch 3 buses only.

Wheelchair accessibility is offered via a manual wheelchair ramp installed at the rear door, and a wheelchair bay opposite the rear door. The wheelchair bay also doubles as a standing area, and a foldable seat for two people is integrated into the wheelchair backrest.

Additional variation features between batches

  • Two different seating configurations – later buses (midway through Batch 2 and onwards) have a modified seating configuration with three less seats, making room for more standing passengers
  • Air-conditioning vents in the first two batches of MAN A22 (Euro V) are non-adjustable, spaced equally throughout the bus. Adjustable ball vents were fitted on the third batch of buses.
  • Two additional grab poles were installed at the front of the bus from the 2nd batch of buses onwards. Yellow door movement stickers were also affixed on the floor near the front door.
  • On Batch 3 buses, the “Doors Are Closing” chime also plays when the front door is closed

Malaysian SPAD Registration / Cross-Border Buses:

In 2013, 20 units of the MAN NL323F were registered with the Malaysian Land Transport Public Commission (Malay: Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat, or SPAD) for deployment on cross-border Bus Service 950, replacing the previous fleet of Mercedes-Benz O405 and Mercedes-Benz OC500LE buses.

In 2022, several MAN A22 buses were registered for cross-border operations under SBS Transit, replacing the previous fleet of Scania K230UB (Euro IV) buses.

We cover MAN A22 (Euro 5) buses in greater depth in the main article: MAN NL323F (A22) – Euro 5​


MAN NL323F – Production Batch (Euro VI) – 150 units

Main Article: MAN NL323F (A22) – Euro 6

As part of the Bus Contracting Model, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) purchased a further 150 units of the MAN NL323F bus, built to Euro VI (or Euro 6) specifications. These buses would then be leased to Public Transport Operators (PTOs) for a fee.

These buses were procured under Contract PT337 – Procurement of 250 MAN Buses, awarded to Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (now ST Engineering Land Systems) and comprised 150 MAN A22 and 100 MAN A95 buses (both Euro 6). LTA would later exercise its option for 150 more MAN A95 buses, cumulating in a total of 400 MAN buses.

Other bus enthusiast-facing websites may refer to this batch of Euro 6 buses as the MAN NL323F (Batch 4), in view of the initial 3 batches procured in the Euro V specification.

 These buses are of the Euro VI specification and are bodied by Gemilang Coachworks with the MAN Lion’s City bodywork. In compliance with new LTA specifications, buses are equipped with Passenger Information Display Systems (PIDS) and two wheelchair bays.

Basic Technical Specifications
Engine MAN D2066 LUH-51, 10518cc
Inline 6-cylinder twin-stage turbocharged & inter-cooled
Power/torque rating of 320 hp (235 kW) @ 1900 rpm / 1600 Nm @ 1000 – 1400 rpm
Emission Standard Euro VI-compliant
Engine combines Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), hence requiring diesel exhaust fluids such as AdBlue. Meets the latest Euro VI emission standard.
Transmission 1. ZF EcoLife 6 AP 2000 B gearbox, six-speed automatic
2. Voith DIWA 864.6 gearbox, four-speed automatic (SG1847E onwards)
Bodywork MAN Lion’s City Bodywork
Chassis built in Germany. Bodywork built by Gemilang Coachworks under license. Uses Constellium’s EcoRange lightweight aluminium bus body. ​
EDS Mobitec MobiLED Ultima Amber EDS (Front)
Orange LED Matrix design
Gorba imotion LED.e TOPSMART 
EDS (Side & Rear)
Orange LED Matrix design
All EDS units connected to a Gorba imotion CU8 controller
SG1749E – SG1803G
: Smaller Front, Side and Rear EDS
PIDS Gorba imotion TFT.slave Passenger Information Display System (PIDS)
One interior-facing unit, one exterior-facing unit
Interior & Exterior Speakers
Licensed Capacity 33 seating + 53 standing = 86 passengers
Two wheelchair bays with foldable seat for two (not included in licensed capacity)

The most notable change to technical specifications across all Euro VI units is the swap from ZF to Voith transmissions and from smaller to larger EDS units midway through delivery. All other specifications remain similar.

All MAN NL323F (Euro V) first began revenue service with SBS Transit. Under the Bus Contracting Model, MAN NL323F buses were also leased to SBS Transit and Go-Ahead Singapore.

Public transport operators have also installed Driver Assistance hardware on their buses, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), anti-fatigue systems (AFS), and telematics systems:

SBS Transit SMRT Buses Go-Ahead Singapore
Driver Assistance:
TNT Surveillance T-FA Front Alert Camera
ST Engineering DriveSafe Intelligent Warning System (formerly I-SAW-U)
Mobileye 630 Removed
Driver Assistance:
TNT Surveillance T-FA Front Alert Camera
ST Engineering DriveSafe Intelligent Warning System (formerly I-SAW-U)
Driver Assistance:
TNT Surveillance T-FA Front Alert Camera
ST Engineering DriveSafe Intelligent Warning System (formerly I-SAW-U)
Anti-Fatigue:
Seeing Machines Guardian Driver Fatigue Monitoring System
Anti-Fatigue:
Seeing Machines Guardian Driver Fatigue Monitoring System
Anti-Fatigue:
Seeing Machines Guardian Driver Fatigue Monitoring System
Telematics:
TNT Surveillance T-SEEDS telematics system (formerly SAGE R-BASIC)
Telematics:
NEC telematics system
Telematics:
GreenRoad telematics system

We cover MAN A22 (Euro 6) buses in greater depth at the main article: MAN NL323F (A22) – Euro 6​

Bus Assembly

MAN bus chassis are manufactured in Germany, and then shipped to Malaysia for body assembly by Gemilang Coachworks Sdn Bhd. After assembly, inspection and testing, buses are delivered to Singapore by road from Gemilang’s assembly plant in Senai, Johor.

Exterior

The exterior styling of the bus bears a mix of styling elements from previous and concurrently-produced batches of MAN A95 buses, such as the large grey stripe on both sides of the bus, and a large headlamp design likely inspired from MAN Trucks. The front bumper design, identical to that used on Euro 6 MAN A95 buses, have the fog lights removed. Furthermore, these buses do away with the curved roof attachment previously fitted to Euro 5 units (modelled after the Lion’s City Hybrid bodywork, and fitted entirely for aesthetic purposes).

The initial 55 buses (registered SG1749E – SG1803G) have a smaller Electronic Display Signs (EDS). Subsequent buses were fitted with larger EDS units on the front, side and rear.

Interior

Buses are fitted with seats in sky blue and grey, with priority seats in red. The rear row of seats has just four seats, with extra space taken up by the engine cooling package.

Wheelchair accessibility is offered via a manual wheelchair ramp installed at the rear door. As part of new LTA requirements, the bus features two wheelchair bays opposite the rear door, which double as a standing area, and a foldable seat is integrated into each wheelchair backrest.

Further LTA requirements also necessitated the provision of a Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) capable of audio announcements, USB Charging Ports, and automatic passenger counters at both entrances/exits. Features retained from Euro V buses include the seating layout, and sliding plug doors supplied by Masats. Minor post-debut modifications are covered in this article: Design modifications to MAN A22 (Euro 6) buses.

We cover MAN A22 (Euro 6) buses in greater depth at the main article: MAN NL323F (A22) – Euro 6.


3 Door Concept Bus

Main Article: MAN Lion’s City SD Concept Bus

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) previously evaluated a 3-door MAN Lion’s City SD Concept Bus. Bearing the registration plate SG4002G, the single-deck bus entered a six-month revenue service trial from June to December 2017, operated by SMRT Buses.

The 12-metre long concept bus is built on a modified MAN A22 (Euro V) chassis, with a third door at the rear, and a low-entry layout (not low-floor) to accommodate the relocation of underfloor components. The bus made its debut on 15 June 2017, operating on Service 190.

First showcased by MAN Truck & Bus at the LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition (SITCE) in October 2016, the LTA had decided to trial the bus on revenue service to determine the suitability of 3-door single-deck buses in Singapore.

We cover the 3-door concept bus in greater depth at the main article: MAN Lion’s City SD Concept Bus.


Retrofitted Electric Bus

Main Article: ST Engineering Retrofitted Electric Bus

An SMRT MAN A22 (Euro 5) bus, formerly registered SMB3075A, was retrofitted into an electric bus. The proof-of-concept conversion was commissioned by LTA, and undertaken by ST Engineering in partnership with Linkker, a Finnish electric bus manufacturer.

The bus was shipped from Singapore to Turku (Finland) for the modification work, where it was retrofitted with the Linkker LinkDrive Kit, a conversion kit based off Linkker’s own electric drivetrain.

We cover the retrofitted electric bus in greater depth at the main article: ST Engineering Retrofitted Electric Bus.


COMET MAXI / Private Bus

Main Article: Public Buses converted into COVID-19 Bus Transporters (COMET MAXI)

In April & May 2020, twenty buses were converted into dedicated COVID-19 patient transport vehicles, known as COMET MAXI (COVID-19 Multi-Passenger Enhanced Transporter).

Ownership of these buses was transferred to Sheares Healthcare. Buses are operated by SMRT subsidiary Strides Transportation.

In 2021, these buses were sold off to various private bus operators.

We cover the COMET MAXI in greater depth at the main article: Public Buses converted into COVID-19 Bus Transporters (COMET MAXI).


Continued on Page 2:
  • Gallery
  • Premature Retirements
  • Additional Specifications

12 thoughts on “MAN A22 (NL323F)

  • 22 January 2024 at 8:39 PM
    Permalink

    SMB1310J has been deregistered on 19 January 2024 according to OneMotoring.

    Reply
  • 23 November 2021 at 5:06 PM
    Permalink

    a22 actually allowed to have total of 35 sitting + 56 standing = 91 total, please verify and amend thanks

    Reply
    • 23 November 2021 at 5:06 PM
      Permalink

      correction: a22 euro V

      Reply
  • 13 December 2020 at 5:45 PM
    Permalink

    Hope the COMET-MAXI MAN A22s should return to revenue service with revenue equipment reinstalled soon.

    Reply

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