Volvo B9TL

The Volvo B9TL is a low-floor double-decker city bus chassis produced by Volvo Buses from 2002 to 2018.

In Singapore, the Volvo B9TL is one of the most widely-deployed and recognisable double-decker bus models. Between 2006 and 2017, more than 1,800 units were introduced—representing nearly 1 in every 3 public buses in Singapore. They were initially operated by SBS Transit, and later leased to other bus operators under the Bus Contracting Model (BCM).

Chassis Background

The designation B9TL stands for Bus chassis, 9-litre Transverse-mounted engine, Low floor. Developed to replace both the 2-axle Volvo B7TL and the 3-axle Volvo B10TL, it was powered by a new 9.3-litre Volvo D9A engine, originally designed by Renault Trucks. The larger engine provided better acceleration and hill-climbing capability compared to the B10TL, which was notorious for underperformance on steep gradients.

Initially offered only as a 3-axle chassis, Volvo later introduced a 2-axle version in 2006 to replace the B7TL.

Early models were fitted with Euro III-compliant Volvo D9A engines (rated at 300 hp or 340 hp). Later variants featured the Euro V-compliant Volvo D9B engine (rated at 260 hp or 310hp), which utilised Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology and required diesel exhaust fluid (such as AdBlue) to reduce emissions. Transmission options included either a ZF 5- or 6-speed gearbox, or a Voith 4-speed gearbox.

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Volvo B9TLs in Singapore

The Volvo B9TL was first introduced in Singapore by SBS Transit in 2006, with an initial order of 200 Euro III units. These buses were bodied locally by ComfortDelGro Engineering (CDGE), the automotive subsidiary of SBS Transit’s parent company, ComfortDelGro. They were also Singapore’s first wheelchair-accessible public buses.

Following the success of the initial batch, SBS Transit procured four batches of Euro V-compliant Volvo B9TLs between 2009 and 2014, all bodied with the Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork manufactured by Wrightbus and assembled locally. These buses entered service between 2010 and 2017, ultimately bringing the total number of Wright-bodied Volvo B9TLs to 1,606 units.

During this period, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) began purchasing a portion of these buses for the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP), although they continued to operate with SBS Transit. In December 2015, the LTA assumed SBS Transit’s outstanding B9TL procurement contracts, taking ownership of remaining units and integrating them into the Bus Contracting Model (BCM) fleet. These buses were subsequently leased to Tower Transit, Go-Ahead, and SMRT Buses, thereby expanding the B9TL’s presence across multiple operators.

In addition to the Wright-bodied variants, a single prototype bodied by Gemilang Coachworks (Malaysia) was delivered to SBS Transit in 2014 and registered as SBS7777Y. Except for the prototype buses SBS7500D (Wrightbus-built) and SBS7777Y, all Volvo B9TLs in Singapore were assembled locally by ComfortDelGro Engineering at Hougang Depot.

Detailed Coverage:

• Volvo B9TL (CDGE)
• Volvo B9TL (Wright)

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Volvo B9TL specifications at a glance

Legend

• Passenger Capacity* | U = Upper Deck Seats | L = Lower Deck Seats | S = standing

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Volvo B9TL (Euro III) – PSV/CDGE bodywork
SBS7300P – SBS7499A (200 units)

Main Article: Volvo B9TL (CDGE)

In December 2004, SBS Transit placed orders for 150 Volvo B9TL (Euro III) buses for S$71 million. These buses were to be bodied by ComfortDelGro Engineering (CDGE), the automotive branch of SBS Transit’s parent company ComfortDelGro. An early prototype of the bodywork, developed by SBS in cooperation with PSV International, was fitted to a Volvo B10TL (SBS9889U).

On 15 February 2006, a prototype bus was unveiled, a Volvo B9TL with a zero-step entrance, a manual wheelchair ramp and other wheelchair-friendly features. These were Singapore’s first Wheelchair-Accessible Buses (WAB), and were used to launch wheelchair-accessible bus routes in Singapore, starting with Bus Service 21 on 26 June 2006.

Later in 2006, SBS Transit exercised its options for an additional 50 buses for S$29 million, soon after putting its first B9TLs into operation, bringing the total fleet size to 200. These B9TLs come with the same Euro III-compliant Volvo D9A300 engine, but a four-speed Voith DIWA gearbox replacing the 6-speed ZF gearbox on the 150 earlier units.

Volvo B9TL CDGE units were registered from SBS7300P to SBS7499A.

The Volvo B9TL CDGE has a licensed passenger capacity of 124 passengers, consisting of 53 upper deck seating, 27 lower deck seating and 44 standing passengers. An interesting feature at the upper deck is two rows of three longitudinal aisle-facing seats, located in front of the rearmost row of seats.

On 7 March 2010, SBS7440T from service 25 was burnt beyond repair in a fire at Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot. It was de-registered several months later, making it the first Volvo B9TL in Singapore to be de-registered.

Mid-life modifications

Between 2011 to 2012, SBS Transit replaced the traditional plastic destination plates with LECIP Electronic Display Signs (EDS) by LECIP on all B9TL CDGE buses. The upgrade consists of three sets of orange LED electronic displays, for the front, side and rear of the bus.

SBS7321D had its ZF 6HP602 gearbox replaced with a ZF EcoLife 6 AP 1410 B gearbox for reasons unknown. The same make of gearbox is fitted to ZF Volvo B9TL Wrights.

Refurbishment / Lush Green Livery:

The first Volvo B9TL CDGE to be repainted to Lush Green was SBS7368U, which returned to revenue service on 6 October 2018. Repainting of the remaining 198 buses was completed in late September 2019, except SBS7428E, which returned to service in December 2019 following an accident a year prior.

Mid-life refurbishment of these buses was also carried out around the same timeframe (2018-2019 period). This included:

• New floorboard covering
• New seat covers and upholstery
• Repainted grab poles, stanchion poles and interior panels
• Original transparent handgrips with advertising space replaced with conventional ones
• Upgraded CCTV system with HD cameras
• Replaced interior lights

While initial units were refurbished with yellow seat covers, subsequent buses were refurbished with red seat covers commonly found on other SBS Transit bus models.

Early Retirement (2021/2022)

Further reading: Early Retirement of Volvo B9TL (CDGE) and Scania K230UB buses (2022) | Land Transport Guru

In March 2021, 34 Volvo B9TL (CDGE) buses were retired early, despite having undergone refurbishment work less than 3 years prior and a lifespan of 15 years (out of their 17-year statutory lifespan). The early retirement of these buses is believed to be linked to the Early Turnover Scheme, where the Government incentivises businesses to replace their older diesel vehicles with newer ones that meet the latest emission standards. All 34 buses were replaced with MAN A95 (Euro 6) – Batch 2 buses.

On 1 January 2022, SBS Transit retired the bulk of its Volvo B9TL (CDGE) fleet, comprising 144 buses. As part of a deal with LTA involving the transition of the Downtown Line to the New Rail Financing Framework (Version 2), SBST had agreed to replace 241 of its own buses (comprising 144 double-decker buses and 97 single-deck buses) with newer government-owned buses, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient to maintain. All 144 double-deck buses specified in the deal were Volvo B9TL (CDGE) buses.

Following this mass retirement, by early 2022, there were only 20 buses left on revenue service, distributed among Ang Mo Kio Depot, Bedok North Depot, and Bukit Batok Bus Depot. A further two units remain allocated to Hougang Bus Depot for training duties (SBS7383A & SBS7385U).

Full Retirement

All 22 remaining buses were deregistered by September 2023 as these buses reached their statutory lifespan.

Main Article: Volvo B9TL (CDGE)

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Volvo B9TL (Euro V) – Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork
SBS7500D – SBS7729L; SBS3000G – SBS3986L; SG5000E – SG5610U (1,606 units)

Main Article: Volvo B9TL (Wright)

The Volvo B9TL (Wright) is the most common double-decker bus model in Singapore, with 1,606 units procured in total, and operated by all Public Transport Operators (PTOs).

SBS Transit procured these batches in four batches, in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014, respectively.

 

Chassis are manufactured by Volvo in Borås, Sweden, and paired with the Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork manufactured by Wrightbus in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. The body kits were supplied in complete knock-down (CKD) form and assembled locally in Singapore by ComfortDelGro Engineering (CDGE).

During the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) in 2012 and the later implementation of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM) in 2016, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) began purchasing buses directly, including the B9TL (Wright).

While SBS Transit’s announcements added up to 1,415 units procured, the total number of buses eventually reached 1,606 units, reflecting both fleet expansion and redistribution needs under the LTA’s new contracting framework.

Technical specifications of Volvo B9TL (Wright) buses are detailed here, separated by procurement batch:

Apart from Singapore, the Volvo B9TL – Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 pairing saw significant orders from the United Kingdom and Hong Kong markets.

Interior Configuration

• Batch 1 & 2A – Low Entry configuration
  These buses feature step-free access only between the entry and exit doors. A single step leads to the rear seating area, which comprises a mix of forward, reverse, and aisle-facing seats.
• Batch 2B & 3 – Full Low Floor configuration
  These variants provide fully step-free access across the lower deck, including to the last row of seats. The layout replaces two pairs of side-facing seats with forward-facing ones to improve accessibility and passenger comfort.
• Batch 4 – Full Low Floor configuration
  The final batch retains the full low-floor layout while introducing straight staircases with rectangular landings instead of curved stairs. The side-facing priority seats between the entry and exit doors are also fitted with headrests.

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Volvo B9TL Wright – Batch 1
(SBS7500D – SBS7686B)

In August 2009, SBS Transit ordered 150 Volvo B9TL (Euro V) chassis under an S$87 million fleet renewal programme. This marked the company’s second major purchase of the B9TL model, following an earlier order of 200 Euro III units in 2006.

All buses were registered between 13 September 2010 and 26 August 2011, under the range SBS7500D – SBS7686B, skipping registration numbers containing the digit “4”.

The prototype, SBS7500D, was assembled by Wrightbus in Northern Ireland and delivered to Singapore as a completely built-up (CBU) unit. It served as a reference model for the local assembly of other units.

The remaining 149 buses were locally assembled by ComfortDelGro Engineering (CDGE) at the Hougang Depot bus assembly facility. These buses were built with a low-entry layout, providing step-free access between the entrance and exit doors, with a single step to the rear seating area.

These buses have a licensed capacity of 131 passengers (55 upper deck seats, 27 lower deck seats, and 49 standing spaces, including one wheelchair bay).

Volvo B9TL Wright – Batch 2
(SBS7700T – SBS7729L; SBS3000G – SBS3238M; SBS3269Z; SBS3300R – SBS3329J)

In September 2010, SBS Transit ordered an additional 300 Volvo B9TL Wright buses as part of an S$268 million combined purchase for 600 buses that also included 300 Mercedes-Benz Citaro single-deck buses.

Buses were registered between 21 September 2011 and 28 December 2012.

Batch 2 was delivered in two configurations — low-entry and fully low-floor. The first 30 buses (denoted Batch 2A; SBS7700T – SBS7729L) retained the low-entry layout similar to Batch 1, while the remaining 270 buses (denoted Batch 2B) were built with a fully low-floor design to improve accessibility. SBS Transit also opted for a four-speed Voith DIWA transmission, replacing the six-speed ZF EcoLife units used previously.

Their licensed capacity for Batch 2B buses is 133 passengers (55 upper deck seats, 27 lower deck seats, 51 standing spaces, and one wheelchair bay); an increase of two passengers over the Batch 1/2A.

30 of these buses were diverted to the newly-launched Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP).

• Main fleet (SBS Transit): SBS7700T – SBS7729L; SBS3000G – SBS3238M; SBS3269Z (270 buses)
• BSEP allocation: SBS3300R – SBS3329J (30 buses)

Volvo B9TL Wright – Batch 3
(SBS3240E – SBS3268B; SBS3270T – SBS3299L; SBS3330D – SBS3448Z; SBS3600A – SBS3986L)

In July 2012, SBS Transit announced a further order for 550 Volvo B9TL Wright buses, valued at part of an S$433 million purchase for 1,000 buses, that also included 450 Mercedes-Benz Citaros. The total number of Batch 3 units later increased to 565 buses, comprising 446 SBS Transit units and 119 units diverted to the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP).

Batch 3 buses were registered between 30 January 2013 and 18 June 2015.

Batch 3 buses retained the same low-floor layout and Voith transmission as Batch 2B, with a licensed capacity of 133 passengers. A mix of LECIP and Hanover EDS units was used—later buses were predominantly fitted with Hanover displays.

• Main fleet (SBS Transit): SBS3240E – SBS3268B; SBS3270T – SBS3299L; SBS3600A – SBS3986L (446 units)
• BSEP allocation: SBS3330D – SBS3448Z (119 units)

Volvo B9TL Wright – Batch 4
(SBS1Z – SBS23K; SBS3449X – SBS3482Z; SBS3487K – SBS3523P; SG5000E – SG5185E; SG5300P – SG5610U)

In July 2014, SBS Transit placed orders worth S$311 million for 415 Volvo B9TL (Wright) double-deckers and 250 Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses. Of these, 296 B9TLs were government-funded under the BSEP.

Midway through deliveries, the LTA bought out SBS Transit’s contract for the remaining buses yet to be delivered, transitioning them to Government ownership as part of the Bus Contracting Model (BCM). It also bought an additional 176 buses to further expand the BCM bus pool, increasing the total number of Batch 4 units to 591 buses.

Batch 4 buses were registered between 3 August 2015 to 27 December 2017.

Batch 4 buses incorporated design and powertrain updates, reintroducing the ZF EcoLife 6-speed automatic transmission found in Batch 1 units. The gearbox (model 6 AP 1403 B) provided improved torque handling, and an angled drive configuration allowed for transverse engine installation in the B9TL.

Internally, the lower deck adopted a straight staircase with two landings in place of the continuous curved design used previously; a design feature adopted earlier by Hong Kong units. Side-facing priority seats were fitted with headrests, and the upper deck EDS housing was made slimmer. All buses used Hanover EDS units.

• SBS Transit-owned: SBS1Z – SBS23K (23 units)
• BSEP allocation: SBS3449X – SBS3523P (71 units)
• BCM allocation: SG5000E – SG5185E, SG5300P – SG5610U (497 units)

Volvo B9TL Wright– BSEP / BCM Buses

Refer to the Main Article: Volvo B9TL (Wright) for detailed coverage.

Further reading: Transitioning of Buses to BCM / SMRT Volvo B9TL buses begin operations

Refurbishment:

See also: LTA Mid-Life Refurbishment of Buses

Refurbishment commenced in 2024, starting with the earliest batch of buses. The refurbishment works included the replacement of passenger seats, floor coverings, window and windshield sealants, as well as components of the door system

LTA buses were refurbished under a tender awarded to ComfortDelGro Engineering Pte. Ltd (Contract PT805 – Mid-Life Refurbishment for Buses). SBS Transit subcontracted the refurbishment of its owned buses to Wah Sheng Motor Supply Co. (Pte.) Ltd.

Main Article: Volvo B9TL (Wright)

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SBS Transit Volvo B9TL – Gemilang Coachworks prototype

Sometime in 2013, it emerged that Malaysian bus builder Gemilang Coachworks was designing and building a prototype Volvo B9TL bus for SBS Transit. Gemilang had previously designed and assembled its own bodywork for the Scania K230UB and Scania K310UD.

The demonstrator unit, SBS7777Y, was registered on 22 January 2014 and entered revenue service on 17 February 2014, running on Bus Service 7.

Specifications:

The demonstrator unit SBS7777Y is the first SBS Transit bus to be fitted with Daytime Running LED lamps. Ster NewCity seats are also new to the Gemilang B9TL, with previous generations of buses fully relying on Vogelsitze. Licensed capacity is 133 passengers, comprising 55 upper deck seating, 27 lower deck seating and 51 standing passengers.

After the full transition of the bus industry to the GCM, SBS7777Y was converted into a Training Bus based at Hougang Depot, as with other non-standard bus models.

Despite securing no further Volvo B9TL orders from SBS Transit, Gemilang Coachworks delivered three Volvo B9TL buses to Hong Kong operator Kowloon Motor Bus (fleet code AVG1-3), which entered service in 2018. The bodywork design was also fitted to Volvo B8L buses, with Prasarana Malaysia Berhad acquiring 90 units for operations in Kuala Lumpur.

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Additional Specifications

Volvo B9TL
Batch		Registration	Engine	Gearbox	Introduced	Retired	Bodywork
–	CDGE	SBS7300P – SBS7499A	Volvo D9A300 EM-EC01	ZF Ecomat 6HP602 (150), Voith DIWA 864.5 (50)	2006	2023	ComfortDelGro Engineering
1		SBS7500D – SBS7686B	Volvo D9B310 EC06B	ZF EcoLife 6AP 1410B	2010-2011	–	Wright Eclipse Gemini II
2		SBS7700T – SBS7729L		Voith DIWA 864.5	2011	–
	BSEP	SBS3300R – SBS3329J			2012-2014	–
3		SBS3000G – SBS3299L, SBS3600A – SBS3986L			2011-2015	–
	BSEP	SBS3330D – SBS3448Z			2012-2014	–
4		SBS1Z – SBS23K		ZF EcoLife 6AP 1410B	2015	–
	BSEP	SBS3449X – SBS3482Z, SBS3487K – SBS3523P			2015	–
	BCM	SG5000E – SG5185E, SG5300P – SG5610U			2015-2017	–
–	GML	SBS7777Y		Voith DIWA 864.5	2014	–	Gemilang Coachworks

 

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Summary of SBS Transit Wright B9TL Batch deliveries separated by time period:

August 2009

• Original first order of 150 units

September 2010

• Original second order of 300 units
• Later split into Batch 2 (30 low-entry units , 240 low-floor units) and BSEP Batch (30 units)
• Midway into low-entry delivery, SBST changed chassis configuration into a full-low-floor version, hence the remaining 270 units are fully-low-floor.
• Out of the remaining 270 low-floor units, 30 units are funded by the BSEP scheme

July 2012

• Original third order of 550 units. Announced split into Batch 3 (400 units) and BSEP Batch (150 units)
• BSEP buses are funded under the BSEP scheme
• Additional order of 15 buses added midway, bringing the total to 565 units ordered.
• Final count of Batch 3 (446 units) and BSEP Batch (119 units)

July 2014

• Original fourth order of 415 units. Split into Batch 4 (23 units),  BSEP Batch (71 units) & GCM Batch.
• Some units registered under the GCM

May 2015

• Delivery of 1000th Volvo B9TL Wright, SBS3971D, to SBS Transit. Press release states 430 more buses to be delivered.

2015

• Additional 176 Volvo B9TL buses built to SBS Transit’s specifications bought by the Land Transport Authority

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Major accidents & incidents:

 

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Gallery:

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External Links & References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_B9TL
• http://www.sgbuses.com/v/sbst/b9tl-wright/
• Volvo D9A EM-EC01 Factsheet – Volvo
• Volvo B9TL Factsheet – Volvo

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