Find out all the latest transport happenings in Singapore in Land Transport Guru’s new quarterly review!
Fourth Bus Operator, Go-Ahead Singapore, starts operations
The UK-based multi-modal transport operator began operations on 4 September 2016. As the successful tenderer of the Loyang Bus Package, Go-Ahead Singapore will operate 25 bus routes based out of the Loyang Bus Depot.
A rough start for Go-Ahead Singapore
Faced with a shortage of bus captains due to resignations, Go-Ahead Singapore had to borrow bus captains from other public transport operators, and outsourced its employee buses. Two bus services, 358 and 359, will be driven by SBS Transit drivers till late November 2016.
- Tower Transit operating Go-Ahead Employee Shuttle Buses
- Go-Ahead borrowing Bus Captains from SBS Transit and SMRT
- SBS Transit and SMRT Bus Captains on Go-Ahead routes
China-made MRT trains recalled due to cracks
26 out of 35 China-made C151A MRT trains were recalled for repairs, and were exposed by Hong Kong-based watchdog journalism outlet Factwire. Cracks were found in structural components.
Buses with USB Charging Ports hit the roads
Several new MAN A95 buses have entered service with a new feature many have been longing for – USB Charging Ports. 147 of such buses have been purchased by the Land Transport Authority.
Bus Industry completes transition to Bus Contracting Model
The bus industry fully transitioned into the Bus Contracting Model (BCM) from September 2016 as the LTA reached agreements with SBS Transit and SMRT Buses to continue operating their existing bus routes for the next 2 to 10 years under a negotiated contract (NC).
Withdrawal of Peak Period Short Services (PPSS)
As part of the transition to the Bus Contracting Model (BCM), Peak Period Short Services (PPSS) were absorbed into their parent services after their 2 year contracts with the Private Bus Operators end. Additional shortworking trips were operated to cover the withdrawan PPSS routes with no change in routing.
- Changes to Peak Period Short Services (PPSS)
- PPSS Route 222P
- PPSS Route 240P
- PPSS Route 268P
- PPSS Route 291P
- PPSS Route 293P
- PPSS Route 307P
- PPSS Route 358P
- PPSS Route 359P
- PPSS Route 912P
New Smart Bus Stop at Jurong East
A new concept bus stop was unveiled at Jurong East in August 2016, the result of ‘Project Bus Stop’ which enhances the ubiquitous bus stop as a social space, as well as the commuting experience.
New buses for SMRT
SMRT Buses received new Mercedes-Benz Citaro, Volvo B9TL and MAN A95 buses from LTA. Some of these buses retain SBS Transit’s base colours, and buses are being progressively repainted to the standardized lush-green livery.
- New Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses for SMRT Buses
- SMRT Volvo B9TL Begin Operations
- New MAN A95 buses for SMRT
Trapeze Intelligent Bus Management System
We featured the Trapeze Intelligent Bus Management System in a dedicated article in July, as more of these units are installed across all public buses.
SMRT Bendy Bus stuck in field
To wrap up an eventful 3rd Quarter, a SMRT bendy bus (TIB1115D) was stuck in a field at Toa Payoh on 29th September after its bus driver lost its way, and had to be freed using a tow truck.
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