SMRT Buses : Mercedes Benz O405 Hispano Carrocera Tribute Tour [PART 2]

Part 1 covered SMRT Buses' Mercedes O405 Hispano Carrocera buses themselves. Part 2 now covers on the tour that was held on 15th Jan 2011 with several enthusiasts joining in this tribute tour.
The first batch of these buses are nearing 17 years of their lifespan. Without extension, they are scheduled to be laid up by the next half of 2011.

A tribute tour was held by the bus enthusiasts on 15th Jan 2011 in recongnition of these buses that have touched our heart and souls, leaving a very lasting impression and memories since the TIBS days.

The tour was held with much of a history tour for TIBS and these pioneering buses.

Manjit, the Captain for TIB828L

Mr Koh Soon Teck, the Captan for TIB762S

Tour Start!

At Yishun Interchange, there was a opening cermony where the specially programmed Destination signage for the tour was unveiled. Boarding commenced shortly after. Yishun Interchange was chosen specially for the start point

The specially programmed EDS video by Willis Chong



The presenter of TIB828L : Chris Tan. Presenter for TIB762S was Wei Tong.

The buses went by the defunct Jalan Kayu Bus Terminal towards Sengkang/Punggol, where TIBS also used to operate out of the terminal.

Taking a shot from the bus when at the junction.

At Punggol Road end, where everyone took a shot of both buses U-turning at the road end.

Travelling towards the photo point, we passed through some of the old routes operated by TIBS and these buses ran, in which presenters on both buses quizzed and shared information on the histories of the routes and buses that dates way back to then-TIBS days.

When these Hispano-bodied O405 debuted, it gave commuters a very different view of the buses that TIBS operated. With its bright orange/yellow and biege livery, big green flipdot signage and a very distinct look, it was set to give a commuters a refreshing experience. Attractive green interior with minimal partions and individual seatings gave the bus a very open and comfortable atmosphere.

Enjoying the trip

Photostop

 Photostop took us to the Fort Heavy Vehicle Park, where there were a few shots taken.

Catching good photos for memories of the two types of buses.



Photographed Photographer.

 Unfortunately, it started to rain =X. 

Moving to the nearby backup photostop.

Something's cooking back there ^^

The whole tour promptly moved to the backup sheltered photostop at the coach parking area near the demolished National Stadium (which it is to be redeveloped to a Singapore Sports Hub) where the photoshoot of the buses and features continued.

Photographers~





Next!

Something's there...*snaps*

Checking out TIB762S

Presenting the Appreciation Certificates for the Manjit and Mr Koh, in which the tour will not be possible without them too!

Wei Tong & Mr Koh

Chris and Manjit

 


And of course, it is also not possible with the participation of our guests too!

The Mercedes Benz O405 Hispano Carrocera Tribute Tour Group Shot.

Departing the coach bay.


The tour went up Mount Faber, which is one of the highlights of the tour (no SMRT services plies Mount Faber so far).

Onboard TIB828L by Clement Tan

And on board TIB762S by Willis Chong

The last part of the tour went past Bukit Panjang and Bukit Batok, in which we plied another old route TIBS 179 before the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) was built. The tour also ran along a portion of TIBS service 989, which was a service from Choa Chu Kang to Changi Airport , before its withdrawal and merger with TIBS 185 that plies  between Choa Chu Kang and Jln Anak Bukit that is today's 985 (ending at Geylang Lor 1)

And celebrating a fellow enthusiast's birthday on the bus too!

Happy Birthday!

As these iconic buses start to retire within these few years, there will be fond memories for everyone young and old alike, with its illustrious history with TIBS & SMRT Buses. Thank you for the 17 years of service on Singapore roads, each and every one of the Hispano O405s.

Thank you =)