Quarterly Review: July – September 2016

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

Volvo B9TL (Go-Ahead) training at Punggol Bus Interchange
Volvo B9TL (Go-Ahead) training at Punggol Bus Interchange

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

Tower Transit buses at Loyang Depot, operating Employee Bus Routes for Go-Ahead
Tower Transit buses at Loyang Depot, operating Employee Bus Routes for Go-Ahead

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.


 

China-made MRT trains recalled due to cracks

C151A trains at CSR Sifang factory (Photo: Factwire)
C151A trains at CSR Sifang factory (Photo: Factwire)

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

Charging Ports for the Upper Deck front row seats.
Charging Ports for the Upper Deck front row seats.

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

SBS Transit Mercedes-Benz Citaro (SBS6596J) - Service 53A
SBS Transit Mercedes-Benz Citaro (SBS6596J) – Service 53A

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)

Travel GSH - Zhongtong LCK6121GHEV - PPSS 291P
Travel GSH – Zhongtong LCK6121GHEV – PPSS 291P

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.


 

New Smart Bus Stop at Jurong East

Smart Bus Stop interior, featuring interactive screens
Smart Bus Stop interior, featuring interactive screens

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 MAN A95 (SG5757E) - Service 67
SMRT MAN A95 (SG5757E) – Service 67

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.


 

Trapeze Intelligent Bus Management System

A message from Tower Transit OCC reminding BCs to drive safely in wet weather. The system is set to Chinese as seen from the orange header.
A message from Tower Transit OCC reminding BCs to drive safely in wet weather. The system is set to Chinese as seen from the orange header.

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

TIB1115D reversing out of the field at Kim Keat
TIB1115D reversing out of the field at Kim Keat

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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