Private bus operator Tong Tar Transport expanded its electric bus fleet with the addition of a new Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12).
Although similar to the 13 other Zhongtong N12 buses already in their fleet, this particular bus stands out as it was previously used in public bus trials by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). After one year with Go-Ahead Singapore, the bus was retired from revenue service and later sold to Tong Tar Transport.
The bus, formerly registered SG4010H, was re-registered on 26 August 2024 with the plate PD2261P.
Background – LTA Trial Bus
Main article: Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) | Land Transport Guru
The bus was first seen in Singapore in September 2022, sporting a Lush Green livery that suggested its participation in trial operations with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). It was delivered alongside other Zhongtong N12 buses that had already been purchased by ComfortDelGro Bus for university shuttle routes. Offering trial buses to LTA is a common strategy for bus manufacturers to test their models in local conditions and potentially gain consideration for future LTA electric bus purchases.
Zhongtong’s entry into Singapore’s electric bus market aligns with LTA’s initiative to quickly electrify the public bus fleet. By 2030, half of all public buses—around 3,000 vehicles—are expected to be electric. Several other electric bus manufacturers have also provided trial buses to LTA in recent years.
On 10 March 2023, the bus was registered to public bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore, bearing the registration SG4010H. Based at Loyang Bus Depot, revenue service trials were conducted from 23 April 2023 to 30 April 2024, which saw the bus deployed to several different bus services.
LTA Trial Bus – Post-trial
After the trial period with the LTA ended in April 2024, the trial Zhongtong N12 bus was returned to the local dealer, Cycle & Carriage Automotive Pte Ltd. Revenue service equipment and the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) was removed from the bus.
The bus was later purchased by Tong Tar Transport and registered as PD2261P on 26 August 2024. It now supplements Tong Tar’s existing fleet of 12 fully-electric Zhongtong N12 buses used on the Mandai-Khatib Shuttle (MKS) route.
Tong Tar Transport’s other Zhongtong N12 buses
Main article: Zhongtong LCK6126EVG (N12) – Private Bus | Land Transport Guru
Tong Tar Transport first registered a Zhongtong N12 bus in March 2023, under the registration plate PD839L. This bus, configured with three doors and 28 seats, shares a similar design with the LTA trial unit.
The bus began revenue service in April 2023 on route RWS8, which is currently operated by Tong Tar Transport. It was the first electric bus deployed on this route.
Later in 2023, Tong Tar Transport secured a contract from Mandai Wildlife Group to operate the Mandai-Khatib Shuttle (MKS), starting on 2 January 2024. The bus was temporarily reassigned to the MKS route in early 2024, prior to the arrival of new buses in June 2024.
To deliver a fully electric MKS fleet, Tong Tar Transport acquired 12 three-door Zhongtong N12 buses, all wrapped in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve livery. These buses, which have been in service since June 2024, feature the same seating layout as the LTA trial unit.
Side-by-side comparisons
PD2261P has retained most of the interior fixtures since its revenue service days.
More significant changes are observed in the driver’s cab, where LTA-associated revenue service equipment, such as the NOBE, CFMS and coinbox, have been removed. The empty bodywork holes have been patched .
Gallery (Exterior)
why like that? just give it to sbs transit or smrt
Wat a waste could have just let it remain wit Go Ahead and be depolyed on 136
Going to Singapore Zoo now, via Khatib MRT station, to try out Tong Tar Transport’s electric bus models.