In October 2025, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) began granting lifespan extensions to Mercedes-Benz OC500LE buses, which were expected to be retired at the end of their 17-year lifespan.
As of early October 2025, 10 Mercedes-Benz OC500LE buses have had their statutory lifespan extended beyond 17 years.
Background
The Mercedes-Benz OC500LE buses were originally procured by SMRT Buses between 2008 and 2009. These buses are:
| Registration | Quantity | Registration Date | 17-year Lifespan Expiry |
| SMB1H | 1 | Jun 2008 | Jun 2015 (Retired) |
| SMB2E – SMB67T (Batch 1) | 66 | Sep – Dec 2008 | Sep – Dec 2025 |
| SMB68R – SMB134H (Batch 2) | 67 | Jun – Oct 2009 | Jun – Oct 2026 |
Batch 1 buses were due for retirement starting in September 2025. The demonstrator bus (SMB1H) was previously retired in June 2025.
Extension
The following buses have received an extension of their statutory lifespan beyond 17 years:
| Lifespan Expiry (17 years) | Buses receiving lifespan extension |
| Sep 2025 | — |
| Oct 2025 | SMB11D – SMB13Z, SMB15T – SMB19H, SMB21A & SMB22Y (10 units) |
| Nov 2025 | SMB24S, SMB26L – SMB42P (18 units) |
| Dec 2025 | SMB44J – SMB50R, SMB53H – SMB67T (22 units) |
More buses may be subjected to lifespan extension nearer to the end of their statutory lifespan in the later months.
Layup
In October 2025, SMB11D – SMB13Z & SMB15T – SMB19H were placed under layup, although their lifespan had been extended.
Nov: 25, 43 retiring. Rest extended.
Dec: 51, 52 retiring. Rest extended.
As usual, some units have not passed inspection. Time will tell what happens.
I think lay-up for 1 year or until they repair and make the bus in better condition?
Bad news: The OC500LE did not pass inspection. It has been laid-up sadly, which means you will not be able to see SMB11D – SMB13Z. Such a waste that it should not been extended but retire anyway
Such crap from LTA, KUB can extend and extend but no such concessions given to the OC.
Goodness,I prefer they extend 1 year for the B2 rather than B1…
In my honest opinion, the Batch1s are in better condition… The Batch 2 got not so good condition.. looks like to me only, I’m not sure which Batch is better
Just scrap them and dun bother to extend their lifespan in this is the case.