The LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress & Exhibition (SITCE) took place from 6–8 November 2024, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Reflecting the event’s theme, “Smarter Journeys for Sustainable Cities,” various electric and autonomous buses were showcased.
Electrification of public transport
As part of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) push to electrify Singapore’s public bus fleet, half of all public buses will be electric by 2030. To meet this target, LTA will procure more than 2,000 electric buses within the next five years, including double-deck models.
Three door buses
LTA has shown a preference for three-door buses, as evidenced by the 2019 order of 100 double-deck buses with a three-door, two-staircase layout. More recently, a 2023 order of 420 single-deck electric buses also specified a three-door configuration.
Alexander Dennis
British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis showcased the Enviro100EV, an electric midibus measuring 8.5 meters in length. Despite its compact size, the bus offers a spacious interior due to chassis- and roof-mounted batteries that maximize interior space.
The bus can accommodate up to 45 passengers, including 28 seats. The displayed model featured 22 fixed seats and 1 wheelchair space.
BYD
Chinese automotive company BYD presented its BYD BC12A05 double-deck electric bus, branded as the BYD B12DS and designed specifically for Singapore. This bus has three doors and two staircases, seating 16 on the lower deck and 48 on the upper deck.
Alongside the bus, a bare chassis of the BYD B12DS was also displayed.
Additionally, BYD exhibited a TIER IV Minibus 2.0, an autonomous vehicle developed from a BYD J6 electric minibus. Capable of Level 4 autonomous driving, it features LiDAR, radar, cameras, GNSS, and IMU units and has been tested on public roads in several Japanese cities.
Cycle & Carriage
Local automotive dealer Cycle & Carriage, representing Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong Bus, displayed four Zhongtong models:
- Zhongtong LCK6126EVGS electric double-deck bus
- Zhongtong LCK6126EVG electric single-deck bus
- Zhongtong LCK6119SHEVQ plug-in hybrid bus
- Zhongtong LCK6126EVGRA1 electric L4-autonomous bus (Left-hand-drive)
The Zhongtong LCK6126EVGS (N12D) is a double-deck bus with three doors and two staircases, featuring a 600 km driving range, seating 13 on the lower deck and 45 on the upper deck. It may be considered by LTA for revenue service trials in the near future.
The Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) displayed is one of 120 units ordered by LTA under Contract PT601B, expected to enter service in the near future.
ST Engineering
Local firm ST Engineering displayed a CRRC eD12 electric double-deck bus, featuring three doors, two staircases, and bodywork by Gemilang Coachworks. The bus seats 12 on the lower deck and 51 on the upper deck.
ST Engineering also exhibited its AGIL DriveSafe+ ADAS system, which includes forward and side blind spot monitoring, collision detection, and lane departure warnings, and an Anti-Fatigue System.
SBS Transit (Shuttle buses)
SBS Transit provided several BYD BC12A04 electric buses as shuttle services for event delegates and visitors.
These buses, part of a 300-unit order under LTA’s Contract PT601A, are set to enter passenger service in December 2024. The shuttle buses were wrapped in purple-themed advertising wrap promoting SBS Transit.
Gallery (Bus Departure)
I saw the Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV near TPE 9 days ago. Wonder whether is it doing mainline testing or just driving into Suntec Convention Centre?
The future of SG’s bus industry scene looks bleak (and explosive)
I agree. LTA thinking and execution of ideas are really world class. I am being sarcastic. A 12m bus, low floor, already equipped with 2 wheelchair lots, still want to add another door at the rear. Their logic? So people can alight faster. What shit is this? Singapore’s population is ageing. Even if they don’t want to buy bendy buses anymore due to taking up more space, don’t generate this kind of rubbish ideas. You are not making things better. To add insult, 3 doors, but the length remains the same. Not even extended by 0.5 metres. Still remain the same. It’s funny last time 12m buses can easily fit about close to 40 seats to now about 26 or 28 seats only.
The end of European’s dominance of our public buses is near. Due to LTA’s increasing preference of Chinese 3 door electric bus
So where are the other European or Japanese buses?LTA refused or what?IMHO the three doors DD should be 12.5m not 12m.