With 2025 coming to an end, we take a look back at major milestones across Singapore’s public transport industry.
Rail
New Station
Hume MRT Station along the Downtown Line opened on 28 February 2025. The new station brings improved connectivity to The Rail Mall, Former Ford Factory, and nearby residential developments.
New Trains
The first of 62 new Hyundai Rotem J151 trains was delivered to Singapore in September 2025. Built in South Korea, these trains are for the Jurong Region Line, which is projected to open in 2027. [Link]
New Mitsubishi Crystal Mover (C810D) light rail vehicles for the Sengkang/Punggol LRT entered service on 15 July 2025. These 3rd-generation vehicles will eventually replace the existing 1st-generation C810 vehicles, which have commenced retirement.
SMRT unveiled the C151B Proof-of-Concept (POC) train (Train set 649/650), a modified fifth-generation Kawasaki-Sifang C151B train operated by SMRT Trains on the NSEWL. The project, a collaboration between SMRT, CRRC Sifang, and STRIDES Technologies, was initiated in 2024 to test new reliability-centred technologies and environmentally sustainable systems on existing trains. The train is expected to start service in June 2026.
Singapore Rail Test Centre
Officially opened on 28 March 2025, the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC) is designed to allow rigorous testing and commissioning of trains and other core railway systems for both new and existing rail lines.
As the first railway testing facility in Southeast Asia, the facility will be used to test rolling stock and rail subsystems for the Singapore MRT network, thereby freeing up engineering hours on active rail lines.
Trains tested at SRTC include the Alstom Metropolis C851E train for the Circle Line, and the RTS Link Rolling Stock.
RTS Link
Works for the RTS Link system have been progressing steadily. For 2025, these include:
- Construction work to link Woodlands North MRT Station with the new RTS Link station commenced in 2025
- First new train built by CRRC Zhuzhou unveiled at SRTC on 30 Jun 2025 (Straits Times)
- Train Set 02 arrived at the Wadi Hana Depot on 15 Nov 2025 (AsiaOne)
BPLRT Renewal
On 23 October 2025, SMRT announced that all 19 new 3rd-generation Alstom Innovia APM 300R (C801B) trains had entered service. As part of the Bukit Panjang LRT Overhaul, these trains were acquired as direct replacements for ageing Bombardier Innovia APM 100 (C801) trains, which entered service in 1999.
In addition, the BPLRT fully switched over to the new CBTC signalling system on 8 November 2025. [Link]
Retiring Trains:
First-generation NSEWL trains (Kawasaki Heavy Industries C151) have been fully retired in September 2025. A special commemorative ride took place on 28 September 2025.
For LRT vehicles, decommissioning of first-generation Sengkang-Punggol LRT trains (C810 trains) commenced in 2025 [Link]. Also fully retired in September 2025 are the first-generation Bukit Panjang LRT Trains [Link].
2 Upcycled train carriages were open to the public in 2025:
- The CDL EcoTrain at City Square Mall opened on 15 March 2025, used as a public exhibit for sustainability education.
- The Tinypod Train Hotel, a co-living hotel at one-north, officially launched on 11 April 2025.
New Platform at Tanah Merah
A milestone for the Tanah Merah Modification Project was completed on 8 December 2025, with the opening of a new island platform at Tanah Merah MRT Station after a 9-day service shutdown.
With the completion of works, EWL trains began launching from East Coast Integrated Depot starting from 8 December 2025, with the existing Changi Train Depot slated for demolition.
Future Rail Projects:
On 6 January 2025, LTA announced the alignment for the 4km Downtown Line Stage 2 Extension (DTL2e). Two new stations will be constructed: [Link]
- DE1 Station, located along the Rail Corridor near Sungei Kadut Avenue
- NS6DE2 Station, an interchange station with the North South Line
The DTL2e Environmental Impact Study (EIS) report also outlines a potential future viaduct connecting the elevated NSL with the Gali Batu Train Depot; however, a final decision has yet to be announced on whether the viaduct will be built.
On 25 July 2025, LTA formally announced the Changi Terminal 5 MRT Station, which will serve as an interchange between the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Cross Island Line (CRL). The station will carry the station code TE32CR1. [Link]
Feasibility studies are ongoing for two new proposed MRT lines: the Seletar Line and the Tengah Line. Both lines could meet at the Greater Southern Waterfront and possibly be merged into a single line.
The Jurong Region Line (JRL) West Coast Extension was also confirmed and will be built in two phases.
Link: COS 2025 Rail Expansion – Seletar, Tengah Lines & JRL West Coast Extension | Land Transport Guru
A consultancy tender was launched for a New People Mover System at Brani West – Keppel Link, which will support future developments around Pulau Brani.
Planned Rail Closures:
Throughout 2025, planned rail closures took place across the rail network as part of upgrades or commissioning work.
| Closure | Line | Rationale | Article Link |
| BPLRT Early Closure (Nov 2024 – Oct 2025; Thu-Sun except PH) |
BPLRT | Upgrading of the BPLRT signalling system & testing of the new and retrofitted Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) | [Link] |
| Circle Line MRT Early Closure (15 Jun – 30 Jul; Sun–Wed) |
CCL | Renewal of Circle Line Integrated Supervisory Control System (ISCS) | [Link] |
| Bukit Panjang LRT Full Sunday Closure (Aug & Sep 2025) |
BPLRT | Signalling System Integration Testing | [Link] |
| Circle Line MRT Early Closure & Late Opening (Sep – Dec 2025; Fri–Sun) |
CCL | CCL6 Systems Integration Testing | [Link] |
| MRT Full Day Closure: Bedok – Tampines & Tanah Merah – Expo (29 Nov – 8 Dec) |
EWL | East Coast Integrated Depot (ECID) integration + viaduct track works + operationalise new train eastbound platform at Tanah Merah | [Link] |
Rail Disruptions and Reliability
Following a spate of rail disruptions between July and September 2025, including lengthy power fault disruptions affecting the NEL and SPLRT, the LTA and rail operators established a Rail Reliability Taskforce in September to develop and implement immediate solutions to enhance rail reliability and coordinate joint responses to service disruptions [Link]. The task force also appointed a five-member Independent Advisory Panel (IAP) in October, to provide strategic guidance, technical expertise and insights [Link]. The IAP visited Singapore in November [Link].
In October 2025, Monthly Rail Reliability Reports were also introduced, providing more data on Singapore’s rail reliability performance. Mean Kilometres Between Failure (MKBF) statistics for the Thomson-East Coast Line were made available for the first time [Link].
The LTA also changed the way rail disruptions were communicated to the public. Following unreported rail disruptions in November and December, the LTA said that ‘minor and localised disruptions’ will be communicated primarily to commuters in the immediate vicinity of the affected stations, via information boards and train announcements, instead of system-wide announcements.
Finally, LTA also launched a new real-time Rail Status Webpage for rail disruptions in December.
Bus
New electric buses
As the Government aims for 1 in 2 public buses to be electric by 2030, this bold electrification target has set the stage for a rapid intake of electric buses over the next few years.
This year saw the introduction of Zhongtong N12 electric buses, alongside BYD BC12A04 buses, which entered service in December 2024. A combined 420 of these electric buses are being delivered under Contract PT601.
Following public complaints about high steps and raised seating areas, both electric bus models are slated to undergo modification works, which will see the bus aisle being raised between the middle and rear exit doors.
In March 2025, LTA launched a tender for 660 Electric Buses under Contract PT602, comprising 360 single-deck buses and 300 double-deck buses. On 15 December 2025, contracts were awarded to 4 tenderers, representing Chinese bus manufacturers BYD, CRRC, Yutong, and Zhongtong.
To support the growing fleet of electric buses, in November 2025, the LTA also called a tender for more electric bus chargers under Electric Vehicles Charging System for Electric Buses (Reference No. BD405).
Demonstrator Buses
Two new 3-door electric double-deck demonstrator buses entered revenue service trials in 2025: the CRRC eD12 (SG4015U) and Zhongtong LCK6126EVGS (N12D) (SG4014Y), as more bus manufacturers aim to establish a presence in Singapore in line with LTA’s aggressive bus electrification rollout.
Both buses commenced revenue service in October 2025. They were also previously exhibited at the LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress & Exhibition (SITCE) in 2024.
After a year of trial operations ending in January 2025, the BYD B12A03 (SG4013A) demonstrator bus was subsequently returned to BYD Singapore.
The former BYD K9RC (SG4005Z) demonstrator bus, which was stored after trials ended in 2023, was scrapped in 2025.
Refurbishment
The mid-life refurbishment of 630 diesel buses is ongoing as of 2025.
Autonomous Buses
In October 2025, LTA awarded a contract for its autonomous bus pilot to a consortium comprising MKX Technologies, Zhidao Network Technology (Beijing) and BYD (Singapore) for a sum of about S$8.14 million. The Consortium will deliver autonomous buses, which will operate on public bus services 400 and 191 for an initial period of three years, starting from the second half of 2026.
Routes for the Autonomous Shuttle Services in Punggol were announced as part of the Autonomous Shuttle Roadshow in September 2025. These routes would commence revenue service in 2026.
Sentosa Buses
Tower Transit Singapore was awarded a contract by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to operate bus services and maintain vehicles on Sentosa Island on 29 May 2025.
Bus operations began on 1 October 2025, with TTS taking over three guest bus services (Bus A, Bus B, HarbourFront Shuttle) and two SDC employee shuttles (SDC Staff Shuttle, Sentosa Golf Club Shuttle). It will take over the Sentosa Beach Shuttle from 1 January 2026. For Sentosa operations, TTS operates 14 BYD BC12A04 three-door electric buses in orange livery.
New Bus Interchanges & Depots
Pasir Ris Integrated Transport Hub opened on 27 April 2025. The new air-conditioned interchange is integrated with Pasir Ris Mall, and replaces the old Pasir Ris Bus Interchange (1989–2025).
Woodleigh and Punggol Coast Integrated Transport Hubs opened on 20 April and 29 June 2025, respectively.
SBS Transit’s Sengkang West Bus Depot commenced operations on 4 January 2025. It is the first in Singapore to support the large-scale deployment of electric buses, and has an attached eight-storey staff quarters to provide accommodation for transport workers.
The depot replaced the Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot (1978–2025), which closed on the same day.
SMRT Buses’ Gali Batu Bus Depot commenced operations on 4 October 2025, and like Sengkang West Depot, is fitted with large-scale electric bus charging infrastructure and attached staff quarters.
The depot replaced the Kranji Bus Depot (1989–2025), which closed on the same day.
New Bus Services & Amendments
Earlier in 2024, LTA launched the Bus Connectivity Enhancement Programme (BCEP), allocating an additional $900 million from 2024 to 2032, for the purchase of new buses and to fund the operating cost of new bus services. The scheme would drive many of the new services launched in 2025.
To address overcrowding on the NEL, numerous City Direct services were introduced in the North East region. City Direct Services 675, 676, 677 and 678 were launched in January, followed by 679, 680, 681, 682 and 683 in December.
To better serve new housing estates, Bus Service 967 was launched in Woodlands in January, followed by Bus Service 148 for Woodleigh and Bus Service 299 for Tampines in April 2025.
August saw the introduction of Bus Service 872 in Tengah, and in October, Bus Service 104 and Bus Service 984 were launched to better serve Punggol North, Buangkok Dr, and Bricklands.
2025 also saw more express feeder services being introduced, with 979X and 21X in March and April, respectively, joining 298X introduced in 2024. November saw the launch of Bus Services 451, 452 & 453, while existing express feeders were renumbered to the 45x series – 454, 455 & 456.
Withdrawn bus services were 43M, 63A, 84A, 138B, 912M, and 991C.
Bus route introductions/withdrawals by month
| Month | Route Introduction |
| January 2 | New City Direct Bus Services 675, 676, 677 & 678 launched [Link] |
| January 12 | Bus Service 967 launched [Link] |
| January 13 | Bus Service 912M withdrawn [Link] |
| February 24 | Short Trip Service 871A launched [Link] |
| March 14 | Short Trip Service 138B withdrawn [Link] |
| March 15 | Bus Service 138M launched [Link] |
| March 17 | Short Trip Service 71A launched [Link] |
| March 23 | Bus Service 258M launched [Link] |
| March 24 | • Bus Services 979X & 861M launched [Link] • Short Trip Services 861B, 112B & 92B launched [Link] |
| April 11 | Bus Service 84A withdrawn [Link] |
| April 27 | Bus Service 299 launched [Link] |
| April 28 | Bus Service 21X launched [Link] |
| June 8 | Bus Service 230M launched [Link] |
| July 28 | Short Trip Service 856C launched [Link] |
| August 4 | Bus Service 179B launched [Link] |
| August 10 | Bus Service 872 launched [Link] |
| August 11 | Premium Bus Service 721 launched [Link] |
| September 15 | Short Trip Service 18A launched [Link] |
| October 26 | • Bus Service 104 launched; 43M withdrawn [Link] • Short Trip Service 63A withdrawn [Link] • Bus Service 984 & Short Trip Service 984A launched [Link] |
| November 10 | Bus Service 44 launched [Link] |
| November 17 | Bus Services 451, 452 & 453 launched; Short Trip Service 991C withdrawn [Link] |
| November 24 | Bus Services 454, 455 & 456 launched; renumbered from Bus Services 298X, 979X, 21X [Link] [Link] [Link] |
| December 15 | City Direct Services 679, 680, 681, 682 and 683 launched [Link] |
Bus Route Amendments
The following bus route amendments were carried out in 2025:
| Month | Route Amendment |
| January 26 | Bus Service 230 extended to Caldecott MRT [Link] |
| April 13 | • Bus Services 248 & 248M amended to Tuas South Avenue 10 & Avenue 7 [Link] • Bus Service 135 amended to Haig Road and Dunman Road [Link] |
| April 28 | Bus Service 177 reinstated to ply Hillview Link [Link] |
| May 11 | Bus Service 292 amended to ply Tampines Lane and Tampines St 11 [Link] |
| June 8 | Bus Services 172, 405 & 975 amended to ply the realigned Lim Chu Kang Road and Jln Bahar [Link] |
| September 7 | Bus Service 140 amended to ply Towner Rd and McNair Rd [Link] |
| September 15 | City Direct 674 extended to Tengah Boulevard [Link] |
| October 26 | • Bus Service 53M extended to Hougang Street 21 (Kovan Hub) [Link] • Bus Service 63 & 173 converted to bidirectional service [Link] [Link] |
| November 24 | Short Trip Service 163B extended to Lentor Stn [Link] |
| December 7 | Temporary Route Amendments for Partial Closure of Jurong West St 75 for JRL Works [Link] |
| December 14 | • Bus Service 299 extended along Tampines Street 96 [Link] • Bus Service 146 extended to loop at Hougang Street 21 [Link] |
| December 27 | Bus Service 983/983M amended to serve Keat Hong Close [Link] |
| December 28 | Bus Service 114 extended to Yio Chu Kang Int [Link] |
In addition, operating hours and trips were adjusted for the following bus services:
| Month | Change in Operating Hours |
| February 10 | • City Direct 660: Additional 1 morning & 1 evening trip added; total 6 AM and 3 PM peak trips • City Direct 660M: Additional 1 morning & 1 evening trip added; total 5 AM and 3 PM peak trips [Link] |
| March 15 | Bus Service 883M: Introduction of Saturday operations; operating hours 07:00 to 13:00 [Link] |
| April 14 | City Direct 674: Additional 2 morning & 1 evening trip added; total 4 AM and 3 PM peak trips [Link] |
| April 16 | Bus Service 902: Operating hours revised to 08:15 – 09:50 [Link] |
| May 26 | City Direct 671: Additional 2 morning & 2 evening trips added; total 7 AM and 6 PM peak trips [Link] |
| September 15 | • City Direct 674: Additional 3 morning & 2 evening trips added; total 7 AM and 5 PM peak trips [Link] • Bus Service 160, 170, 170X, 950: Weekday First bus from Johor Bahru Checkpoint (towards Singapore) brought forward to 4:50am [Link] |
| October 27 | Bus Service 983M: Additional 1 morning trip added [Link] |
The ongoing implementation of the Two-Hour Rule, which limits the continuous driving durations of long bus routes to boost safety, also drove the amendments of Services 63 and 173 to bidirectional operations. Earlier in March 2025, Tower Transit also introduced Mid-Route Driver Swaps on Bus Service 858.
BCM Contract Updates
Seletar Bus Package commenced its 2nd Tendered Contract Term (Contract PT219) in March 2025. It continues to be operated by SBS Transit. Based out of Seletar Bus Depot, the package covers bus routes in Yio Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio. SBS Transit will operate this package until at least 2030.
Tower Transit also announced a two-year contract extension granted by LTA, allowing the operator to continue managing the Bulim and Sembawang-Yishun Bus Packages through to 28 May 2028 and 4 September 2028, respectively. [Link]
The first tendered package term for the Tampines Bus Package was awarded to Go-Ahead Singapore in September 2025. Slated to commence in July 2026, buses will be based at the new East Coast Bus Depot. The package covers 28 bus services operating out of Tampines and Changi Business Park.
Finally, the Serangoon–Eunos Bus Package was put up for tender in December 2025. The upcoming term comprises 26 existing bus services operated by SBS Transit since the start of the BCM in 2016. Buses will operate from Kim Chuan Bus Depot.
Bus Infrastructure
The LTA revealed in September 2025 that it would be building a New Ang Mo Kio multi-storey Bus Depot on the site of the former SBS Transit Ang Mo Kio Bus Depot. Construction of the depot will begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2030.
Lorong Halus and Pasir Panjang depots began construction in 2025. The LTA awarded a construction contract for Simpang Bus Depot in 2025.
The URA Draft Master Plan 2025 indicated new Integrated Transport Hubs (ITHs), namely Bishan ITH and Turf City ITH. Another ITH at Changi Airport Terminal 5 was also indicated within Building and Construction Authority (BCA) plans, and announcements from Changi Airport Group.
Retiring Buses
- Mercedes-Benz OC500LE buses operated by SMRT Buses and Tower Transit commenced in 2025, at the end of their 17-year statutory lifespan. Some received lifespan extension.
- Retirement of SBS Transit’s Scania K230UB (Euro IV) buses continues in 2025, replaced by incoming electric buses. Some also received lifespan extension.
Bus Miscellaneous
2025 also saw the return of the full-body bus wraps for commercial advertising, with Moove Media managing and operating the ad spaces on public buses and at bus interchanges in a new contract from November 2025.
In conjunction with Singapore’s 60th Birthday, Moove Media also launched the SG60 Bus Advertising Campaign.
The SBS Transit CARES Community Bus was temporarily rebranded as the NTWU Coffee Bus in May & June 2025, a mobile canteen and exhibition that featured the history of NTWU Canteens from the 1970s.
Operations for peak hour shuttle service LCS1 & LCS2 were transferred to Tower Transit in May 2025. A fare increment for these services took place shortly after in June 2025.
Others
Travel Smart Journeys
Travel Smart Journeys Schemes was relaunched in January 2025. The scheme encourages eligible morning-peak commuters on the North East Line (NEL) to switch to alternative bus routes or travel outside of peak hours, for a fare discount of up to 80%.
On 27 December 2025, the Land Transport Authority will introduce free morning off-peak rides and further enhance the existing Travel Smart Journeys scheme to reduce congestion on the North East Line (NEL) and Sengkang–Punggol LRT (SPLRT). [Link]
Revised Public Transport Fares
As part of the Public Transport Fare Review 2025, an overall 5.0% increase in bus and train fares took effect on 27 December 2025. Adult card fares for buses and trains increased by 9–10 cents, while Concession card fares increased by 3–4 cents for journeys longer than 3.2km.
For Express bus services, card fares increased by 49–50 cents for adults, and 20–24 cents for concession groups. Prices of monthly passes for adults, workfare transport concession cardholders, seniors, and persons with disabilities were reduced by up to 5%.
2026 I wish
Serangoon-Eunos awarded to Tower Transit.
LTA to consider buying EV buses from MAN, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz as well as Alexander Dennis DD.
Cross Island Line awarded to SBST/RATP.